Singer Hazel Rambaransingh dies at 68

LOCAL songbird Hazel Rambaransingh has died.

The singer, who burst on the scene in the 1980s, died at a Roman Catholic-run facility in St James on Friday night after a short illness.

Two months ago she was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Rambaransingh was well known as a pop singer, but later became popular for her parang and Christmas music. Among her more memorable songs are Christmas Magic, The Cherry Tree Carol, Parang Melody and Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.

Rambaransingh was 68. She was originally from Duncan Village, San Fernando.

San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello described her as “ a southern songbird, who crossed all the different genres of music,” he said. “She did not only do Christmas songs, she did bits of folk, a little bit of gospel, traditional songs and she also covered a wide range of pop music which made her a singer.

“She was not a specialised singer in any particular genre of music, but all across the board.

“She was a professional singer and would have done gigs all over the world.”

Rambaransingh also lived in London and Hong Kong before returning to Trinidad.

Regrello said, “We would have lost somebody who contributed so much and would have been an inspiration to a lot of younger singers who wanted to make it...

“On behalf of the city I want to extend condolences to her family. May she find eternal rest.”