tidings
Yvonne Webb
The Prime Minister expressed his condolences on the death of the legendary calypsonian Black Stalin – Leroy Calliste, 81, who died on Wednesday morning.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts also joined in mourning the loss of the five-time Calypso Monarch and Calypso King of the World (1999).
In a Facebook post, Dr Rowley described Stalin, who helped put TT on the global stage through culture, as a “master”.
“It was the Mighty Duke who most aptly said, “With calypso our stories are told.” Very few bards told our stories more effectively than Black Stalin. He was a master.
“His death leaves us the poorer, but his rich legacy of poetic calypso lyrics and fantastic musical lines will all live on for our guidance and in his enduring memory. May we always remember his contribution.”
Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram said he was saddened by the death of the legendary calypsonian, who is being mourned not only locally but also in the international community.
In a statement, he recalled Stalin’s career in entertainment spanning six decades with his debut in a calypso tent (The Southern Brigada) in 1962 and later immortalized for hits such as Caribbean Man, Black Man Feeling to Party , We Can Make It and Better Day among many others.
“In 1987, Stalin was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contribution to TT culture and in 2008 an honorary doctorate was conferred on him by the University of the West Indies.
“I join the national and international community in honoring Dr Leroy Calliste and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones on his passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Acting Tourism and Culture Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of the people’s undisputed calypso. Stalin was one of our cultural icons whose influence transcended generations, geography and social strata.Through his music, many of us could better appreciate the calypso art form while being educated and entertained.
The statement said, “Black Stalin was a standard bearer of Carnival traditions whose work spans from pre-independence to the present day. In the 1950s, Stalin began as a limbo dancer, then devoted the next 60 years to his career developing calypso. In 1962, he entered the Calypso Tent of the Southern Brigade. This veteran calypsonian began his career in the late 1950s and has won the love of many with an extensive repertoire that includes timeless hits such as Black Man Feeling to Party, Wait Dorothy, Caribbean Unity., Ism and Schism, Bun Dem, and his popular chutney composition, Tribute to Sundar Popo.
“For his mastery, Stalin was awarded many well-deserved accolades such as the TT Humming Bird Silver Medal (for culture) and induction into the Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame. In 2008, the University of the West Indies (UWI) awarded the Doctor of Letters ( DLitt) for his outstanding contribution to the calypso tradition and profound social and political commentary.Black Stalin’s work has indelibly influenced all aspects of society.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts expresses its deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and the cultural fraternity. Rest in peace”.
