Vijay Ramkumar

Vijay Ramkumar was born in Eccles, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, and grew up in Palmyra Village, East Canje, Berbice. From a very young age he demonstrated a remarkable passion for music. At the tender age of six he developed a keen interest in musical instruments, and by the age of eight he had already become an accomplished harmonium player.

Over the next fifteen years, Vijay continued to nurture and expand his musical abilities, mastering several instruments including the accordion, guitar, and keyboard. His dedication and natural talent quickly earned him recognition among fellow musicians and audiences alike. During this period, he gained invaluable experience performing with several well-known Guyanese bands, including Indian All Stars, NTB, and Melody Makers of Guyana.

Throughout his early career in Guyana, Vijay had the opportunity to perform alongside a number of respected and notable artistes such as Ishri Singh, Celia Samaroo, Bash Nandalal, Rocky Persaud, Peter Dass, Devindra Pooran, and many others who contributed to the vibrant Indo-Caribbean musical landscape. In 1983, Vijay migrated to Canada, where he continued his musical journey with the same passion and dedication that defined his early years. In Canada he performed with several musical groups including Traction, Sargam, Variations, and Innovations, further enriching the Indo-Caribbean musical community abroad.

Vijay Ramkumar was widely admired not only for his exceptional keyboard skills but also for his versatility as a musician and arranger. Influenced by renowned musicians such as Karamchand Maharaj and Rohan Chhangur, he developed remarkable musical arrangement abilities that elevated many performances and recordings. His command of multiple instruments and his sensitivity to musical expression made him a highly respected figure among fellow artistes. Throughout his musical journey, Vijay shared the stage with numerous singers and musicians including Bhim Singh, Karamchand Maharaj, Ganga Persaud, Bhaskar Sharma, William Balgobin, Bash Nandalal, Polly Sookraj, Parry Gosyne, Seeta Pooran Panday, Devindra Pooran, Harold Boodoo, Harry Panday and many other renowned artistes, always bringing energy, warmth, and professionalism to every performance. His musical versatility was truly phenomenal and spoke for itself. Whether performing before large audiences or among fellow musicians, he consistently left listeners entertained, uplifted, and filled with joy.

A gifted musician and dedicated artiste, Vijay also left a lasting contribution through his recordings, having been involved in the production of twenty-one CD releases during his career. These works stand as a testament to his creativity, dedication, and love for music.
Vijay Ramkumar passed away in July 2023, leaving behind cherished memories among family, friends, fellow musicians, and countless admirers. He will always be remembered for his warm personality, kind heart, and his deep passion for music. His legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and those who continue to enjoy the music he helped create. Through his remarkable talent and dedication, Vijay Ramkumar proudly carried the Guyanese musical torch forward, leaving an enduring mark on the Indo-Caribbean musical community both at home and abroad.

“Do you have a special memory captured on film or audio? Please email any photos, videos, or audio recordings you may have to hindisongstt@gmail.com. We are looking to preserve the many beautiful moments shared with this powerful and dynamic Musician Vijay Ramkumar.” (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2026).