Trinidad chutney singer falls on hard times, needs funds for medical bills

Budram Holass at the Mt Hope Hospital. Source: Raja Photography
Budram Holass at the Mt Hope Hospital. Source: Raja Photography

(Trinidad Express) He has entertained Trinidad and Tobago, and the world, for decades with his powerful renditions of traditional chutney, bhajans and Indian classical songs.

But his failing health has landed cultural icon, Budram Holass, in hospital.

And he is now selling his music to raise funds for mounting medical expenses.

Holass, known as the “Chatham Lion”, was diagnosed with diabetes and is being treated at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and private medical doctors.

In a telephone interview with the Express on Tuesday, 66-year-old Holass said, his savings had been depleted and he was now seeking assistance.

The “Thar Gori” singer has recorded two albums of his life’s work which is now on sale. The proceeds will go towards his medical expenses.

Holass released the albums from his hospital bed asking fans and well wishers to assist his cause by purchasing the CDs at $50 each.

“These CDs have 17 songs each. One comprises traditional chutney songs and the other has bhajans and other classical selections. It is available in Trinidad and internationally and I would really appreciate if people can buy these because it will go towards my medical bills,” he said.

Persons can also make financial contributions to Holass’s cause through direct deposits at First Citizens AC# 1010458.

Holass, who was never married and has no children, was admitted to hospital a month ago for complications from diabetes.

“The doctors said I had to remove my toe and I am having some other complications. I am also visiting a private doctor in South and I have to purchase medication and pay medical bills on my own. It is becoming difficult now,” he said.

He is being cared for by his sister, Rukmini Holass-Beepath.

“Rukmini brought me to her home in Chaguanas so I can go to Mt Hope. She will take care of me,” he said.

Holass who was born in Granville said he and his siblings were tutored by their parents, who were versatile singers and musicians.

His father was well-versed in Hindi and Bhojpuri.

Holass competed and won many traditional singing competitions and travelled the world entertaining fans. Many of his songs were performed in Bhojpuri.

He sings classical songs, semi-classical, wedding and folk songs, biraha, film songs, devotional songs among others and has released more than 20 albums.

In 1993, Holass suffered debilitating injuries in a car crash, losing mobility in one arm and sight in one eye.

But Holass continued his mission to entertain and teach music to young people.

A cultural centre was built in his honour in his hometown and named the Budram Holass Cultural Centre, where the singer spends most of his time teaching music to upcoming artistes.

In 2000, Holass attended the World Bhojpuri Conference in Mauritius where he presented a paper on the Bhojpuri influence in Trinidad.