The sad demise of Chandubhai Mattani on Saturday 28th July 2018 leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. He leaves behind a rich and inspirational legacy that spanned a business and musical career of over 60 years. Chandubhai embodied culture and tradition with a meticulous flair for detail in the smallest of endeavours.
Together with his backbone in life, his late wife Kumudben, they created their saree outlet and music label Sona Rupa, on Leicester’s Belgrave Road, which quickly became a household name. Amidst their busy lives, they lovingly raised three children, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Chandubhai’s passion for music of all genres and Gujarati literature in particular, endeared him to people from all walks of life and of all ages. Himself an accomplished singer, he gave expression to his art through 1000’s of public performances and recordings and his long-time association and friendship with musical legends, current and past, that came to share music and enjoy his hospitality. Chandubhai was equally at ease on the stage of a major musical event or eclectic poets he met or at a community event singing devotional songs.
The creation of “Jai Jai Shrinathji”, a collection of Gujrati poetry, was the start of numerous album releases which graced many people’s lives. His final album “Jeevan Utsav”, released last year, is a celebration of life.
In 1983, with a group of friends, he founded Shruti Arts. He steered Shruti Arts and pioneered classical events in Leicester, which then extended from Ghazal evenings, Sugam Sangeet, dance and drama, to the iconic Shruti Arts Navratri, the keynote event where he took his rightful place on stage with friends and musical partners Ashit and Hema Desai and latterly Alap Desai.
An inspirational selfless individual, he devoted much of his time and energy helping others. He was generous and caring and had a unique quality of making everyone feel valued; touching the lives of many people around the world.
Loved by many, respected by many more and held in awe by some, Chandubhai was indeed a rare phenomenon. Heartfelt condolences and tributes have been coming in from far and wide. The best tribute that one can pay to him is to imbibe his humility and values in our everyday lives.
A singing bird migrates
(A tribute to Chandu Mattani)
Yogesh Patel
You can take the tapes out
But he was a tall man
in many a measure
so it will not do
The mortals try but fail
as they look only at
the selfies and screens
and check likes, followers
He was the time; right
won the hearts, never out
of focus on music notes
He sang as the freed
bird applying new skies
to the stale dull skies
The skin never stopped him
for he knew always
you’re Gujju to the end
Tomorrow, the flowers will
still, well, flower and smile
He knew that, so sang
to defy the time, the feat
only a humble man
can achieve as a tall........
