MASUD SADIKI – ST. KITTS’ REGGAE ICON FOUND HANGING FROM A TREE!

Kittitian singer Masud Sadiki, whose real name is Kevin Donovan, was known for his socially conscious songs (St Kitts Nevis Observer photo)—-

St. John’s Antigua—

The region is mourning the loss of one of its socially conscious reggae icons.

Dead is Kittitian singer Masud Sadiki, who was found hanging from a tree in the Old Road/Verchilds area of his country.

Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas yesterday led the twin-island Federation in mourning his loss.

“It was with profound shock and sadness that my Cabinet colleagues and I learned of the death of Masud Sadiki,” said Dr Douglas by telephone from Barbados, where he attended the Caricom-Mexico Summit.

“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.”

The PM 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 (yesterday) morning and will be broken for a long time to come,” said Dr 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.

Suicide is reportedly not ruled out, according to reports from the St Kitts Nevis Observer.

“It was rumoured that Masud suffered from an extended bout of depression – a side of him most never saw, as the Old Road/Verchilds native was described as an extremely positive and vibrant young man with a zest for life,” the article said.

A report in SKN Vibes noted the body of Sadiki, whose real name is Kevin Donovan, was discovered Monday by a couple of females carrying out their fitness routine.

The artist is known for socially conscious songs such as Dance Want Clean Out,Come A Me Yard, Courage to Change and Count Your Blessings.

      A Stitch in Time he had written to bring more awareness to The United Nations Secretary General’s “UNiTE To End Violence Against Women” campaign. It was among the pieces he was down to perform at the upcoming St Kitts Music Festival next month.