Giani Amar Singh Sagoo spent six remarkable years in Kenya and carved a niche for himself in the field of Gurbani Kirtan. He was imbued with an intense passion for music, especially Kirtan. He devoted his life to the service of Sikhism as the Head Priest at Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Nairobi. Through his soulful recitations and inspiring addresses at Gurpurabs and other religious gatherings, he sought to instil deep faith in Gurbani and in the teachings of our Gurus.
Blessed with a rich, resonant voice and classical mastery, his Kirtan performances would transport listeners to a higher spiritual realm. During his time at Sri Anandpur Sahib, he often performed at Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib, leaving devotees spellbound by the spiritual depth of his music.
Born on 1st January 1909 at Mandiani, District Ludhiana, Punjab, India, to Master Kehar Singh and Sardarni Attar Kaur, he nurtured an early love for education and music. He completed his Gyani (Honors in Punjabi Language & Literature), passed the Intermediate Examination in English, earned the Anglo-Vernacular Certificate, and achieved distinction in Drawing. Throughout his career, he served at Tarn Taran, Baba Bakala, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Ludhiana as a Drawing Master, English Teacher, Artist, Musician, Band Master, and even as an Architect.
While teaching at Ramgarhia School, Miller Ganj, Ludhiana, he was invited by Thakur Singh, a prominent Sikh personality, to serve as the Head Priest at Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Nairobi. Respected Sikh figures such as Gajjan Singh from Mombasa, Gurcharan Singh Banga from Nyeri, Gurcharan Singh Gaheer from Nairobi, and S. Piara Singh from Nakuru were among those who admired his devotion and often invited him to various congregations across East Africa.
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo departed from this mortal world on 31st January 1961 at the age of 52. Thousands from Nairobi, Nyeri, and nearby regions in Kenya came together to pay their final respects. He left behind his wife Jaswant Kaur, his two sons, Gurcharan Singh and Surrinder Singh, and his two daughters, Surjit Kaur and Karmjit Kaur. His sublime voice continues to live on through his timeless Shabads, including “Meharvaan Sahib Mera Meharvaan,” “Aye Vutte Ghar Mahein Saajan,” and many others.
The biography and photo of Giani Amar Singh Ji above was kindly provided by his youngest daughter, Bibi Karmjit Kaur Ji.
If anyone has more recordings of Giani Amar Singh Sagoo to share, please contact us.
The following recordings of Giani Amar Singh Sagoo were kindly contributed by an anonymous Kirtan Premi. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 01 Raj Meh Raj Jog Meh Jogi (Asavari)
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 02 Eh Doe Naina Mat Chhooho (Bhairo)
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 03 Ram Gusaiyan Jee Ke Jeevna (Asa)
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 04 Tu Tu Karta Tu Hua (Asavari)
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 05 Saajan Aaye Vuthe Ghar Mahi (Bhairvi)
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 06 Jap Man Sat Naam Sada Sat Naam
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 07 Hoega Khasam Ta Layegaa Raakh
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 08 Mere Ram Har Jan Ke Houn Bal Jayi
Giani Amar Singh Sagoo (Nairobi) – 09 Meharwaan Sahib Meharwaan