Veteran steel pan arranger, Dr. Jit Samaroo. (Photo courtesy The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus)“The University recognised him because he was creative, innovative and he broke a lot of barriers.” This is how Pro Vice-Chancellor Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine, Professor Clement Sankat, described the late, great music icon, Jit Samaroo.
Sankat was referencing the 1993 conferment of an honorary doctoral degree to Samaroo, and was pleased that he was recognized by the University and the country. The Principal also took the opportunity to commit The UWI to appropriate ways to honour and immortalise this great man of Trinidad and Tobago culture at his funeral this past weekend.
Of the many people who have also reflected on Jit Samaroo’s legacy recently, Professor Theodore Lewis cast Samaroo’s absence from the local pan scene as a ‘consequential loss.’ Not only was he innovative with his musical strategies, Samaroo projected a high level of integrity in the steel pan fraternity and had ground-breaking collaborations with artists. Theodore’s brief recap of Samaroo’s musical achievements included a reference to the synergies and respectful regard that existed between Samaroo and Kitchener – an example for the present time and for generations to follow.
Professor Sankat added, “Jit's music thrilled and entertained us for a few decades, and just as he could with the pan and the Renegades and with the Samaroo Jets, get us to move our bodies in rhythmic fashion during Carnival like with Mighty Duke's ‘Is Thunder’ so could he pull our heart strings with ‘Suhani Raat’ or ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. He crossed the greats traditions of our music, was unique and innovative, representing the best of Trinidad and Tobago, a wonderful human being and a true friend of The UWI. He was always there for us and I will miss him"
In the coming weeks The UWI community will decide on its own tribute to Jit Samaroo. But for now, The UWI joins the musical community and the culture community as well as Trinidadians and Tobagonians everywhere in mourning the passing of Jit Samaroo. The UWI extends condolences to the Samaroo family and to all who have been touched by the life of this great man.
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