Farewell to a bright gem loved by all who met him

LIGHTS, camera, action, and in a spectacular production encompassing the best in modern set décor, professional lighting, screens and sound, Ramesh Hassan (real name Hassan Saib) would wow the crowds with a mixture of music that encompassed all styles and a blend of his unique mix of English and other languages.

It was a privilege to work with him, and as part of his production crew we were treated like family.

He was highly talented, but humble enough to ask for suggestions and ideas for his shows, which always resulted in fans chanting “We want more” at the end of each performance.

My family were used to him dropping in at home, and after chatting for a while he would say: “I have this idea for a song,” and he would sing to us and ask for our views.

His interactions with Rabin Heera, Safee Siddiqui, Ronny Govender and others turned this wonderful singer into a powerful one.

When senior television producer Ramu Gopidayal of

Impressions (now Eastern Mosaic) produced music videos of Hassan, he showcased him in a manner that made him a household name.

His songs Gagra Choli (performed

to the tune of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini), Nana Poitervarie (with the lyrics “My wife saw me talking to another girl”) and Pour

Some Whisky in My Glass were played then, and are still played at parties and for entertainment.

His fame and popularity was national and international, and he amazed us with his ability to sing in different languages. From performing to crowds of more than 10000 to 300 in a reception, he retained his production quality and delivered the best show each time.

It was usual to see sold-out signs and people selling his show tickets for more than double the price to desperate fans.

I remember a show at the YMCA Hall in Pietermaritzburg where we had as many fans outside the hall as there were inside, and Hassan went out and addressed them.

He sang a few lines from one of his songs, joked with them and promised he would return for another show to accommodate those who could not see him that night.

This humble man delivered outstanding entertainment at every show, and was a man of the people. His infectious laugh always had people in good spirits, and despite his fame on radio, television, on stage and in films, it was always a pleasure to meet and work with him.

He was also a loyal and patriotic South African and sang at many events in 1994. We bid farewell to a South African legendary entertainer and a humble family man, a good friend who, despite the hardships of apartheid, went on to be a bright gem adored by all who met him and knew him.

He is gone but his music lives on, and so will the memories we have of him.