New York, NY – Beloved Guyanese broadcaster Somal “Eshri” Singh, known for his powerful voice and deep connection to the Caribbean diaspora, has passed away at the age of 89.
Singh died peacefully in his sleep at his New York home, decades after moving to the United States in 1983. He was widely celebrated for his long-running cable access television show “Caribbean Spotlight”, which he co-hosted with his daughter, Tanuja Raghoo.
Described as “The Man with the Golden Voice,” Singh brought Caribbean music, culture, and stories to television screens across New York City, particularly for newly arrived Guyanese immigrants looking for a familiar voice in a new land. His show stood out not just for its variety format, but for its forward-thinking inclusivity—it even featured a transgender performer at a time when such representation was rare in ethnic media.
“He gave Caribbean immigrants a sense of home, pride, and belonging,” said Raghoo, who worked with her father throughout the show’s multi-decade run. “He believed in giving everyone a voice and making people feel seen.”
Before migrating to the U.S., Singh was already a household name in Guyana through radio broadcasting. Upon settling in New York, he turned his attention to community-focused television, offering a rare platform to local Caribbean performers, musicians, comedians, and small business owners.
The Guyanese and broader Caribbean-American communities are mourning the loss of a man many viewed as a cultural bridge between the homeland and diaspora.
Singh is survived by his daughter and a legacy of groundbreaking media that gave comfort, connection, and identity to thousands. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Veterano Locutor Eshri Singh Fallece a los 89 Años
Nueva York, NY – El querido locutor guyanés Somal “Eshri” Singh, conocido por su potente voz y por su conexión profunda con la diáspora caribeña, falleció a los 89 años.
Singh murió mientras dormía en su hogar en Nueva York, ciudad a la que emigró en 1983. Fue ampliamente reconocido por su programa de televisión comunitaria “Caribbean Spotlight”, que presentó junto a su hija, Tanuja Raghoo.
Apodado “El hombre con la voz de oro”, Singh llevó música, cultura e historias caribeñas a las pantallas de Nueva York, especialmente para inmigrantes guyaneses que buscaban una conexión con su tierra natal. Su programa fue pionero en inclusión: incluso presentó a una artista transgénero, algo poco común en los medios comunitarios de esa época.
“Le dio a los inmigrantes caribeños un sentido de hogar, orgullo y pertenencia,” dijo Raghoo. “Él creía en dar voz a todos.”