It is still difficult for many to accept what has been confirmed as the reality, but with so much to live for, and with so much promise for the future, fans are asking the inevitable question of why would a shining star like Masud have reasons to end his own life on earth? And we may never know the answer to the many questions of why.
Kevin Donavan aka Masud Sadiki, started his career in 1974 in the classrooms of his high school, singing up-tempo calypso songs and predicting that one day he would become a major player in the world of entertainment.
It was only in January this year Masud made it known that he felt deeply that 2012 was his year for “big things”; a year in which he felt he had his best opportunity to move his career to the heights that he had always hoped for. Tours to Europe with other Kittitian artistes were being planned; his appearance in June on the St. Kitts Music festival was being eagerly awaited; and a new project for a St. Kitts and Nevis Music Awards ceremony, was in the making, as he worked with partners on this project, including Dr. Christine Walwyn, Val Henry and Vynelle Phillip.This was a new initiative that Masud felt was overdue and was much needed, to pay homage to so many musicians and artistes who have contributed significantly to the arts.
His outstanding success in the soca competition held last December, as part of the carnival celebrations in St. Kitts also inspired him to continue and boosted his confidence that he was making a new push that could finally give him the rewards that had previously evaded him on the world stage.
For the many fans and family who gathered at his home last evening, it was painful and sad. His mother who lives and operates her grocery shop next door to her son, was devastated and in depths of grief. There was a cloud of despair hanging over the small rural village in which he lived, as residents journeyed to his home, hoping that the news they had heard, was false.
Unfortunately police eventually confirmed that at approximately 5:25pm, members of the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, responded to a report of a dead person observed in the Old Road Policing District.
Initial investigations, said the police statement, revealed that a lifeless male body was found. As the investigations are ongoing, no precise circumstance has been officially established to determine the cause of death, though early indications point to an apparent suicide. There has been no word on whether a suicide note was found or made available. For some fans, it is hoped that the police would, at this time, not rule out any possibilities, and would seek to institute a thorough investigation to discover the true nature of the incident.
If in the end suicide is confirmed, it would be one of the most shocking of such cases locally. Masud was always with a bright smile, a hug and handshake when greeting friends, colleagues and fans. He was an artiste, always with a positive word of encouragement for young and upcoming musicians. No, doubt this was one of the most approachable and friendly music icons known anywhere. However, what we do not know is what could have been haunting him and what burden was too difficult to carry.
He produced songs of love and inspiration, providing lyrics of comfort and positive outlooks. For him, his lyrics were not just words of great craftsmanship, they were sincere and purposeful. His songs spoke of love for his mother, just as powerful as he advocated in opposition to violence against women.
One of his crowning moments came in 2010 when he was given the honour to work with other top Caribbean artistes, as part of the United Nation’s “Unite to end Violence against Women,” campaign. With tours already in the bag to Palestine and Barbados, Masud was now seeking to chart a new course for his future. Unfortunately, he never managed move on as planned, yielding to the trials of life, just meters from his home and family.
The management and staff of MiyVue.com extend heartfelt sympathies to his family!