by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — The Hindi pop scene is in deep mourning following the sudden demise of popular Bhangra and chutney singer Jimmy Rambaran, a member of the music group The Starzz. Rambaran, known to the public as Mr. Bale Bale, died on Monday at the age of 49. He would celebrate his fiftieth birthday on December 28. The cause of death is not yet known.
Rambaran’s death has caused a stir within the music world. Various music groups and artists perform Facebook silent at his passing. They pay tribute to the singer with emotional texts, photos and memories. His sudden demise is a great loss to the Hindi pop music scene.
“Music will sound again, people will dance and sing again. But one thing will never be the same: your place within our story”
Shami Khusial of SS Promotions reacts shocked to the news. “It was especially shocking, especially if you have known someone for so long. I knew him from the period when he was a singer with Strangers, The Eagles and Face 2 Face (Su), and from the very beginning with Xtenx. Jimmy served as a jury member for me several times during the auditions and the open student singing competitions of SS Promotions. He was the best Bhangra singer in Suriname.”
Ashna Changoer, singer and manager of The Juniors, was also affected by the death. “It came as a shock. I spoke to him by phone on Sunday. I still have to process it. It’s unbelievable, but it is true that he is no longer there. Jimmy was not only a good singer, but also a nice guy.”
Mr. Bale Bale was mainly known as a bhangra singer, but his musical preferences were much broader. He also loved soul and golden oldies. Kishu Kumar was his favorite Bollywood artist. In addition to singing, he could also play percussion and drums. Rambaran was also a police officer. He followed this profession for six years.
“Together we stood on stage, together we made music and together we experienced moments that will forever be part of our story. Jimmy, to the audience you were a voice, an artist, an entertainer, but to us you were so much more. Music will sound again, people will dance and sing again. But one thing will never be the same: your place in our story,” his band wrote. Facebook.
