Nurse's Lounge: Saying goodbye to Sheldon Benjamin

Sheldon "$hel $hok" Benjamin

June 12, 1969 - June 8, 2009

It's so hard to find the word for what I have to say. Corey called me around 3:25pm from Barbados to pass on some of the hardest news I've ever had to deliver. He received a call from the Synergy office in Trinidad informing him of some seriously bad news.

Trinidadian super music producer Sheldon "Shel Shok" Benjamin passed away this afternoon in Trinidad.

Just two nights ago an entire nightclub filled with friends, family and supporters gathered to raise money for his medical costs. Our girl Knycky was there, celebrating togetherness in an industry that can often be very cut-throat.

I have little more to say other than "goodbye". Sheldon was friendly and upbeat, always ready with a smile and corny joke and a plan to have some fun.

Over the years we had brushed shoulders in various cities and countries...and airports. We shared joys and complaints about this thing called soca. This business has caused him a lot of pain. Just a few months ago, when the illness set in, he told me that he would no longer have anything to do with it. Little did I know, he was right.

Would have liked to wish you a happy 40th b-day on Friday Sheldon. I already composed a blog post for that. But I suppose you had your own plans...and a much better party to get attend.

Sheldon, for all you gave to us through your drive and creativity, be forever blessed. May you live on in our hearts and memories as a once unsung hero steadily sought to raise our culture to higher heights.

More love in soca,

Nurse Karen