Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is among those paying tribute to Leroy ‘The Black Stalin’ Calliste, who died at his home in San Fernando this morning.
Dr Rowley described Stalin as “a master” and said his “rich legacy of calypso poetry” will live on.
Below are some quick answers to Stalin’s death.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley:
It was the Mighty Duke who aptly said that “calypso tells our stories”. 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. Let us always remember his contribution”.
Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool:
Hollis Liverpool better known as Chalkdust sang “The day Black Stalin stops singing this blessed art form will be suffering” when asked to comment on Black Stalin’s death. During an interview with Guardian Media, the Calypso veteran recalled: “He taught the calypsonians a lot, he’d attend all the auditions and he’ll pull you aside and say change that line, take that line out add this word . He never missed a calypso show. attend and he’d pull you aside and say son, you’re good, but the third verse was out of line.”
David Rudder:
Calypso icon David Rudder said he still hadn’t processed the news of Stalin’s death. “Whenever I’m in Trinidad we spend time together reminiscing about our times, we had some great battles in the calypso world. He was a man who kept his ear to the ground, he was part of calypso life and that’s why the people of loved so much because he expressed their feelings, he was a fighter and a fighter, he was a man with a lot of love for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Austin ‘Superblu’ Lyons:
Another great icon has gone and left us. Wow this morning I woke up to very sad news my good friend Black Stalin passed away. This man was a king he sang and performed and always did his best. It’s only the memories I have with you now of all the wonderful times we shared together. Rest in peace King. Fly with the angels.
Ronnie McIntosh:
In my early days of being involved in the music industry, I basically started at the age of seven playing percussion, mostly congas on calypso tents.
So one of those times I think I would have been in the Den of Masters… Stalin was responsible for me. He would give me a case…an empty beer case to stand on because the congas couple was on a stand because it was too tall for me then. So every night they moved the box, so every night he got a chance that I was at a comfortable height to play the congas. Stalin, yes, I was very close to him growing up.
Jules Sobion – Chief of Caesar’s Army:
Rest in peace Rasta. Leroy Calliste known as the Black Stalin. I know my father will be looking for you personally as you walk through the gates of heaven. One of our greatest cultural icons and a true son of our land of Trinidad and Tobago. Let the fire burn high Rasta.
Bunji Garlin:
“Rest in Peace Icon. Dr Leroy Calliste the Black Stalin. Condolences to his family and loved ones. May your art live on for generations to come and your desire to rise.”
Keeping company with former National Calypso Monarch Black Stalin, center, and his wife Patsy, are Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez, left, and San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello in May 2019.
Tony Howell
Kelvon Morris, Minority Leader SAID:
It is often said that the best of a man is only celebrated at the moment of his death, however it is safe to say that the best of Leroy Calliste, affectionately known as Black Stalin will live on through his many hits and unforgettable music. all were loved, appreciated and enjoyed from generation to generation. In the words of William Shakespeare, “if music be the food of love, play,” and so will the songs of this late great master of the art of calypso. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who mourn the passing of this great calypso legend. His spirit REPEATED.
Fay Ann Lyons:
Walk in glory. Fly up. To the family of Black Stalin, condolences. May he give you strength and peace at this time. Another icon has left us his wonderful music and memories.
Homeland Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds:
Some truths in life are hard to accept. Your memories will never be forgotten. Rest in eternal peace Dr. Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste. Deepest condolences to his wife, children, family and friends.
Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby Dolly:
In 2016, as Minister for Community Development, Culture and the Arts, I had the privilege of visiting Black Stalin at his home, along with members of his family and Brian London. It was a beautiful afternoon and I really appreciate it. RIP Black Stalin; your legacy will live on.
Rikki Jai:
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Dr. Leroy Caliste “Black Stalin”. I had the privilege to learn from his wealth of knowledge and share the stage with him and also collaborate on songs with him!!! His persona was outstanding on and off stage and that winning smile was his signature wherever he went!! May God bless his family in this time of mourning and may they rest in peace!! Blackman will forever be in my memory and in the hearts of countless fans around the world !!!
Farmer diaper:
Rest in peace legend! An Icon and a Mentor. I will always cherish our recent chat and being together on this tribute/cover of “Backyard Jam” by Pan Elders Youth Band. Farewell to an icon Dr Leroy Calliste, the Black Stalin, we will carry your name. Music & Heritage.
The second one:
RIP to a legend Dr Leroy Calliste “Black Stalin”, 5 time winner of the Trinidad National Calypso Monarch. In his famous words
“We can make it if we try a little harder. If we try just one more, life will be so much sweeter.”
Kurt Allen:
Black King Stalin. Yah Know.
Shurwayne Winchester:
The Original Iron Man. An icon of history, Roots so strong that always set out to educate and uplift the black man. Your teachings and love took root. The fruits that come will make you immortal. Thank you Black Stalin. Now rest well. Condolences to your family friends and icons. Culture has been hit hard as a massive cultural oak has fallen.
Calypso legend Black Stalin (Leroy Calliste) accompanied by Village Drums of Freedom founder Gerald “Drums” Achee, right, and VDOF Fellow Nyron Greenidge in April 2019
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Minister of Agriculture Kazim Hossein:
It is with deep sorrow that I extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and Calypso fraternity on the death of Dr. Leroy Calliste, affectionately known as Black Stalin. Born and raised in the city of San Fernando, Black Stalin was a cultural icon who contributed immensely to the calypso and carnival art forms. He was known for his political commentary, winning the Calypso Monarch competition five times and the Calypso King of the Word title in 1999. Black Stalin was also awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contribution to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago . Stalin has entertained us for over 60 years, giving us hits like “Black Man Feeling to Party,” “We Can Make It” and “Bun Dem.” May God Almighty give strength and comfort to his loved ones in this difficult time.
Soca artiste Jaiga:
Rest in love Dr Calliste… We will keep the black Stalin burning.
Aaron Duncan:
It saddens my heart to learn that we have lost another legend this morning. The iconic Black Stalin. Stalin contributed greatly to the calypso and soca art forms we know today. His music will live on forever, now is the time for him to celebrate with the horns. RIP to the legendary, Black Stalin.
Minister for Planning and Development, Pennelope Beckles:
Today, I join Trinidad and Tobago and the World at large as we celebrate the life of Leroy Caliste, The Black Stalin Calypso King of the World 1999. Last year, I had the privilege of visiting Stalin and his wife as we reminisced about the good old days, recalling the many memories of the Calypso Tents and the moments when he won the crown.
He was a very good friend to me and I enjoyed every moment we shared.
Dr Roodal Moonilal:
The sad death of calypso icon Zi Stalin has robbed the Caribbean of a champion artist and a constant spokesperson for the downtrodden around the globe. He was a proud Southerner and a friend to all who aspired to make a difference in our beloved twin island nation. For a generation, Stalin entertained us with enriching calypso that also championed the cause of the working and oppressed class and promoted ethnic unity and solidarity. From the beginning of his career in the 1960s, Stalin was socially conscious, singing about the ills in society, holding the authorities accountable and outlining solutions. He was unwavering in his calls for a better quality of life for the exploited and persecuted and constantly called for better administration and greater social and economic equality. He reminded the society that the “sufferers” had no time for tribal differences but were concerned with feeding their respective families. Black Stalin was a uniquely Caribbean voice, an artistic visionary who had the courage of his convictions and was confident and fearless. He was a model for performers in his art form. Rest in peace.
Drupatee Ragoonai:
Condolences to the family of the late Leroy Calliste ‘Black Stalin’ on his death.
Nailah Blackman:
RIP to Calypso legend Leroy Calliste, better known as Black Stalin, former multiple Calypso Monarch winner.
Trinidad & Tobago has lost another great. The South has produced so many talented artists and today we will remember
you for your wonderful work that you have contributed throughout your wonderful career. I will miss you.
