Staff writer Eunice Nisbett
PM Douglas: Masud Sadiki, a cultural icon par excellence, Minister LK releases “Gone Away” on “Ask the PM”
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MAY 22ND 2012 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas led the twin-island Federation Tuesday in mourning the death of cultural icon Masud Sadki.
“Masud’s talent was enormous, and his personal standards, exemplary. The lyrics that flowed from his heart and soul were no ordinary lyrics. Indeed, listeners quickly realized that his was an elevated and elevating spirit that wanted us, encouraged us, and inspired us, as human beings, to reach, and stretch, and be better and more sublime beings than we otherwise might be,” said Prime Minister Douglas during his weekly radio programme, “Ask the Prime Minister.”
PM Dr. Denzil L. Douglas
“It was with profound shock and sadness that my Cabinet colleagues and I learned of the death of Masud Sadiki. And the same sadness and disbelief, I know, weigh heavily in hearts and homes across the entire nation, and across the entire Caribbean, because Masud was such a bright and shining star,” said Prime Minister Douglas by telephone from Barbados where he attended the CARICOM-Mexico Summit.
Dr. Douglas told listeners that Masud’s gifts and versatility took him to villages, and towns, and cities, far beyond the shores of St. Kitts “and resulted in his working with people from countless nations and cultures who were trying to make our world a better place.”
“He was a cultural icon par excellence, and a most positive reflection on our people and our culture,” said the Prime Minister, who pointed out that just a few weeks ago, a United Nations Regional Director was in the Federation on business, and while here she was explaining how lucky the UN was to have had Masud’s involvement in their programme, and what a positive impact his international UN ads had had on the UN’s work in the region and around the world.
Masud’s death was a painful reminder of how little we all knew -and, therefore, how ill-equipped we all were to help. And because of this, our hearts are broken this morning and will be broken for a long time to come,” said Prime Minister Douglas of Masud, who along with Jazzique, represented the Caribbean at the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) at a concert organised by UNIFEM Palestine in December 2010.
The late Masud Sadiki. Photo courtesy partyaccessaxa.net
He requested that instead of rebroadcasting his message to the delegates at the 80th Annual conference of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party as was planned, “I can think of no better way to pay tribute to the very young and supremely talented Masud, and the ideals by which he tried to live, than to devote the remainder of this hour to the outstanding body of work for which he will always be remembered, and for which we will forever be in his debt.”
Dr. Douglas on behalf of his Cabinet and the entire nation, extended his deepest sympathies to his dear wife, Charmaine; his children, his dear mother and his family and all those who loved him dearly.
During the programme several callers paid tribute to Masud and expressed sympathy to his family and fans. Minister LK, also released a song “Gone Away” in tribute to Masud.
An official police report states the lifeless body of Kevin Williams – Donovan alias Masud Sadiki was found hanging from a tree in the hillside close to the Verchild’s High School late Monday afternoon.
A bio on the internet described Masud Sadiki “as the most influential reggae artist coming out of the twin island paradise of St. Kitts and Nevis and, more specifically St. Kitts.”
“Masud Sadiki delivered everything that was positive and great about reggae music. Immediately upon meeting this brother, one cannot help but feel at ease in his presence.
The St. Kitts born artist, christened Kevin Donovan in 1974, began performing publicly at high school concerts, where he immediately stood out amongst his peers. Masud quickly began burning up local gigs and talent shows, which led him to share the stage with the likes of Buju Banton, Luciano, Denise Brown, Morgan Heritage, Beres Hammond, Wyclef Jean, Culture, Lucky Dube, Gregory Isaacs, Junior Kelly, Everton Blender and many other reggae stars, many of whom have influenced his music.
Any artist can make a statement, but Masud was here to make a difference. Masud was a recording artist, writer, and dynamic performer, with over 12 years of performing experience, including 4 years as a lead vocalist of Caribbean Roots (the house band for Four Seasons Resort, Nevis). His mission was to bring uplifting songs with a steadfast message of universal peace and love to his listeners.
With an exciting blend of roots reggae, ska, a touch of dancehall, a dash of African rhythms and a sprinkle of other Caribbean musical flavours, he managed to keep it lively and fun, with catchy melodies and brilliantly crafted music, while delivering socially conscious lyrics.
On stage, backed by his band KALA-BASH, Masud’s performances were passion-filled, hypnotic and his overall energy was nothing short of contagious. “I get a spiritual high when I’m on stage and the energy from the musicians and audience heightens the experience”, he once said brandishing his signature smile.
Masud also lent his time to the youths in his country, hosting music workshops, and giving motivational talks at schools. He was selected by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis to represent the federation on a study tour to Taiwan in 2001, as he was considered one of the most influential youths there. His superb vocal skills and creativity were evident on his two independently released albums: “Blast Off” in 2001 and “Sun Down 2 Sun Up” in 2003. Both albums collectively featured local and regional favourites such as Love For Mama, Log Out, Wonder How, and Reggae Run This Party.
Masud has performed in England, Cuba, Taiwan, and in many other neighbouring Caribbean islands including Anguilla, Antigua, Montserrat, Dominica and St Croix. He resigned from his lead vocalist role with the Caribbean Roots Band to direct his full attention to a solo career. After a few personal and business challenges, Masud released his third album “Keep It Down To Earth” late June 2010 – which was due for a late 2009 release. It was released on the Pull Phactor Entertainment and West Indies Records labels; the former was owned by Masud and his producer/music director, Hakeem “Raga Redz” Samuel, and based in St. Kitts, while the latter is based in Anguilla.
This new album shows a more seasoned and mature Masud. It was Masud’s most impressive work to date, as it is fully loaded with powerful and inspiring songs.
Unlike his previous albums, this album is a lot more organic and authentic, as he used more live instruments, including drums, guitars, bass and percussions to significantly improve the sound quality. This album is a 100% St Kitts/Nevis product, as all the lyrics and vocals are being supported and brought to life by a carefully selected powerful team of local musicians, producers and engineers.
On the 4th October 2010 Masud released a new powerful song called A Stitch In Time. Masud wrote “A Stitch In Time” to support and bring more awareness to the United Nations’ Secretary General’s “UNiTE To End Violence Against Women” campaign. “I love and respect women with all my heart and I am super happy to be lending my voice and energy to such a very serious and important campaign. My grandmother was stabbed to death in a supermarket in St. Croix, so violence against women has hit my family long before I was born. My Mom was just eight (8) years old.” Masud said.
Masud’s influence went much deeper than music. He was, up until late 2010, the district manager for the National Emergency Management Agency in his community. He iwas the PRO for CUET (Community Upliftment and Enhancement Team), the most influential and dynamic non-government and non-political community group in his community.
Armed with a wealth of experience, passion, love for humanity, talent and countless self-penned songs, this dedicated artist was all polished and set to take his music to music-lovers all over the world.
