Tribute in South Africa to a beloved son lost abroad: In memory of Zubeen Garg

Guwahati: People across the world are paying rich tributes to legendary singer Zubeen Garg, whose sudden death has plunged millions into mourning.

This tragedy has triggered waves of grief among the Assamese diaspora globally.

In South Africa, Assamese scientist Dr. Mukut Gohain and his family paid tribute, saying, “Zubeen Da’s melodies touched the heart of Assam; his departure has left us incomplete.” From London to Dubai to New York, Assamese communities and fans lit candles and sang his songs in his memory.

“His voice will forever echo in our souls,” said another admirer online.

Zubeen’s songs remain an eternal part of Assamese identity. His untimely farewell has left a void that can never be filled.

A sudden and tragic accident on the seashore of Singapore claimed the life of Assam’s immortal music icon, Zubeen Garg (52), shaking the entire world.

On 19 September 2025, while attending the North East India Festival, Zubeen went scuba diving or swimming, during which he suddenly experienced breathing difficulties and suffered a seizure.

Doctors tried every possible measure to revive him, but they could not save him. Singapore General Hospital declared him dead at 2:30 pm that day.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described it as “the untimely death of Assam’s beloved son” and declared three days of state mourning from 20 to 22 September.

Fondly called Zubeen Da, he symbolized the soul of Assamese music. Born in Tura, Meghalaya, in 1972, Zubeen rose to national fame by singing in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and over 40 languages. His Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” made him a household name across India.

Besides singing, he acted in films, composed music, and produced movies—constantly inspiring the youth of Assam.

“He was not just a singer; he was our cultural heartbeat,” said a tearful fan outside his Guwahati residence.

National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and actor Adil Hussain, expressed their deep sorrow, testifying to Zubeen’s widespread popularity.

His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, paid a tearful tribute as his mortal remains arrived in Guwahati this morning.

Thousands of grieving fans, including women and children, waited through the night along the roads to catch one last glimpse of their beloved icon and offer floral tributes.