Sharm Yankarran

Sharm Yankaran – A Distinguished Voice in Indian Classical Singing

The late Sharm Yankaran was one of Trinidad and Tobago’s respected exponents of Indian classical and traditional singing. Born on March 4, 1951, at Brickfield Road, Carapichaima, Trinidad, West Indies, he was the eldest son of the legendary Isaac Yankaran, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic Indian vocalists. Growing up in a household steeped in music and culture, Sharm naturally developed a deep love for classical singing from a very young age. His voice and stylistic approach bore a remarkable resemblance to that of his illustrious father, earning him admiration from audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Sharm Yankaran began performing in competitions and cultural events early in life, quickly establishing himself as a talented vocalist. In 1974, he achieved national recognition when he captured First Place in the popular singing competition Mastana Bahar, a program that has long served as a platform for outstanding Indian singers in Trinidad and Tobago. This victory helped solidify his reputation as a rising star in the world of Indian classical music.

Throughout his career, Sharm performed in numerous classical singing competitions and cultural programs across Trinidad and Tobago and abroad. His refined vocal style, rooted in tradition and devotion, earned him the respect of audiences who appreciated the depth and authenticity of his performances.

He was also the elder brother of well-known singing stars Rakesh Yankaran, Ashook Yankaran, and Anand Yankaran, all of whom continued the rich musical legacy of the Yankaran family. Together, they contributed significantly to preserving and promoting Indian music and culture in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the Caribbean.

During his musical journey, Sharm Yankaran shared the stage with many distinguished figures in Indian classical and devotional music, including Haniff Mohammed, K. B. Singh, Yusuff Khan, Lily Ramcharan, Sohan Girdharrie, Ashook Yankaran, Pandit Siewdath Maharaj, Krishendath (Mars) Maharaj, Dev Bansraj Ramkissoon and Balliram Bala, among many other celebrated artistes. His distinctive vocal styling and enchanting voice consistently captivated audiences, often transporting listeners into a state of deep nostalgia and appreciation for the beauty of Indian classical music.

In his later years, Sharm Yankaran migrated to the United States, where he continued to nurture and promote the art form he loved so dearly, sharing his passion for traditional Indian music with new audiences. Sadly, this gifted singer passed away on March 28, 2011. Though his life was cut short, his musical contributions and the memories of his heartfelt performances remain cherished by family, friends, fellow artistes, and admirers throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the wider diaspora. His voice and dedication to Indian classical singing continue to inspire those who value the preservation of this rich cultural tradition.

The legacy of Sharm Yankaran lives on through the music he shared and through the continued achievements of the Yankaran family, whose contributions have played an important role in shaping the history of Indian music in the Caribbean. (Copyright Pandit Ashram Sharma 2026).