Farewell to musician who lasted decades

DEE Sharma, 75, of the band Dukes Combo, died yesterday morning after a long illness.

His nephew, Vibash Roopanand, pictured, said: “We did not think he was going to die because he was so strong. We thought he would live for another 10 to 15 years. But we had to let him go; there was nothing we could do.”

Roopanand said the family was still coming to terms with Sharma’s death.

Sharma will be laid to rest at Clare Estate at 1pm tomorrow, with the funeral open to the public.

Dukes Combo was set up in 1956 when Sharma met Harry Naidoo.

They found they shared an interest in music, with Sharma playing the penny whistle and Naidoo the guitar.

Dukes Combo continued to perform for more than six decades. – Staff Reporter