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His daughter’s description of calypso legend Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste as a “messenger of the people” went viral at his lavish funeral yesterday, while his lyrics were highlighted by some paying tribute.
The solemnity of the service continued even as light moments were shared in loving memories of Calliste and performances of his calypsos.
The curtains were opened on the casket, adorned with anthuriums and a large wreath, and placed center stage in the auditorium at the Southern Academy of Performing Arts (SAPA).
Bishop Kessel Byer said people can bring their message of salvation in many different ways. He said that Calliste was anointed for this purpose and “he lived it and lived it well and saved many souls”.
Byer said Calliste will remain a legend and added: “He was a man of God and he was a man of his country.”
Calliste’s daughter Keina Calliste delivered the eulogy for the Humming Bird Silver recipient, who was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies in 2008 and was selected as part of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural contingent for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
She shared memories of him being “just Dad” and said they saw him as a man who just went to work. She said because he was popular, there was a perception that they were rich. However, Keina said that was not the case, but they were comfortable.
She said her father was the messenger of the people. He was not affiliated with any political party and performed for several political parties and “cleverly used his songs to communicate his messages every time”.
Keina also said that the five-time Monarch of Calypso was not concerned about material possessions and never sought or demanded any appreciation, but appreciated efforts and accepted them with pride and dignity. However, he felt that they would not make a difference or affect people’s lives the way his songs did.
Calliste suffered a stroke in 2014, and Keina said he will have a chance to live on forever through his music.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis paid tribute to herself and also Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
In his tribute, Rowley said that Calliste wrote high poetry.
“He told us stories about ourselves and educated us about history and the world, singing his lessons to us with complete love, inciting neither racial hatred, bitterness nor revenge, but instead reaching us with melodies, rhythms and stage presentations that hit our team. consciences and touched our souls.”
Rowley said Calliste despised “racial politics” and was cynical, defiant and resistant to oppression in the world order, but always optimistic as he quoted from Calliste’s Calypso, “We can make it if we try.”
The Prime Minister also said that Black Stalin was not a pedestrian and not one who stood by the side of the road watching, moaning or complaining, but the bard, the philosopher, the griot, the calypso king, the man of the Caribbean and the black man who left the country and the Caribbean with a stronger one. and more resilient people.
During the service, there were tributes and songs performed by a number of artists, including the Most Reverend Anthony “Gabby” Carter.
Soca star Machel Montano sang “Love Fire” which featured Calliste. He said that Calliste’s example had taught him how to love his wife, mother and women.
The funeral service ended with the artists singing Calliste’s popular song “Black Man Feeling to Party.” (Trinidad Express)
