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  • 17 minutes ago
Tributes continue for calypso legend Slinger "The Mighty Sparrow" Francisco, as artistes and public figures sign the book of condolence at NAPA.

Among those paying their respects on Monday were veteran entertainer Super-Blue, young calypsonian Aaron Duncan and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles.
Transcript
00:00For former Road Marcher and Soka Monarch winner Super Blue,
00:03remembering the mighty Sparrow also means remembering an artist
00:07who opened doors for generations of performers.
00:23Super Blue also summed up Sparrow's place in Calypso with just a few words.
00:28The greatest, greatest, greatest Kalypsoian that ever walked down the road.
00:34Sparrow's influence also extended to a younger generation of Kalypsoians.
00:40Aaron Duncan had the opportunity to collaborate with the Kalypso legend in 2022,
00:45a moment he says remains among his most memorable.
00:50The mighty Sparrow, he was always someone that I always looked up to
00:54and I really wanted a collaboration with him from since baby.
00:59And in 2022, I had the opportunity to actually produce one of my,
01:03one of my first productions was doing that song with the mighty Sparrow.
01:06And I wrote the song as well.
01:07And from the moment he heard it, he was like, yeah, let's get it on.
01:10And then we did the song, the name of it is Legacy.
01:12And I went up to New York just to do the music video with Sparrow,
01:16put him on a throne and we did that video and we had a great time.
01:20And I was glad to have that opportunity with him.
01:22And one of my most memorable moments is that music video,
01:25being one on one with Sparrow and experiencing greatness in real time.
01:30Opposition leader Penelope Beckel says Sparrow's contribution went beyond entertainment,
01:35with his music reflecting the issues and personalities of his time.
01:40A man whose Calypso reflected the time.
01:45I mean, he can tell you about whether it's about food,
01:50whether it's the cost of living, it's politics.
01:54And it wasn't just local politics, but also international politics.
01:57We remember, you know, Philip, my dear, you know, and also about Caricom.
02:04So that his songs, even though he's no longer with us,
02:09he would always feel that he's alive because he captured everything.
02:13He captured the rhythm, you know, just his laughter, his sarcasm, his wit.
02:20And I am just, you know, I'm happy to be able to come today.
02:23Across generations, the tributes have underscored the lasting influence of a Calypsoonian,
02:30whose music documented the culture, politics and everyday life of Trinidad and Tobago,
02:37the Caribbean and the wider world.
02:40Aksha Galston, TV6 News.