By Sue-Ann Wayow
KEYSO Popo, the wife of the late chutney icon Sundar Popo passed away last Sunday.
She died at age 80 at the San Fernando General Hospital after a brief illness.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday at the home she shared with her husband at Lalbeharry Trace, Debe.
Keyso Popo was described as the “backbone” of the singer’s career.
Producer Rafi Mohammed who shares a close relationship with the Popo family said he never knew a more gracious host than Keyso Popo.
Speaking with AZP News on Tuesday, he said, “We used to frequent his home, first he had an old house and then he built a new one and whenever we go, I would get what I call country treatment. They would go and kill a chicken and cook it fresh for you.”
Mohammed said, “She was very cooperative with Sundar. She always backed him and was an extremely gracious host, one of the nicest persons I have ever known.”
When Sundar Popo moved into the new house, his wife was there, doing all the background work, cleaning, washing, cooking and entertaining, he said.
Mohammed renewed his call for a fund to be set up by government through the Ministry of Social Development for the support of family members of national musical icons especially the spouses.
“If they didn’t provide that kind of support, those icons would not have been able to do what they did,” he said.
Mohammed said the couple as far as he was aware of shared a good relationship and Keyso Popo also shared a good relationship with Popo’s children and grandchildren. The couple did not have any children of their own.
One granddaughter Natasha Sundar, shared pictures of Keyso Popo on her social media pages.
She posted, “Rest in Peace Ma. I love you sooo much. May lord Krishna comfort your soul. You will be extremely missed.”
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued condolences while speaking to the media after voting in the local government election on Monday.
She said, “We share condolences with the family. That family is a great family from south Trinidad, the children and grandchildren, great family so we send condolences on her passing.”
Member of Parliament for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal also said his constituency was deeply saddened by her passing.
“Mrs. Popo’s presence undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the lives she touched, just as her husband’s music continues to resonate with people around the world,” he shared.
