THE music fraternity is mourning the loss of celebrated soca artiste Oscar “Oscar B” Benjamin, who died yesterday morning, hours before a benefit concert organised to support his medical recovery.
Oscar B, 57, of Signal Hill, Tobago, suffered a stroke in May. The Tobago Family and Friends Healing Concert, scheduled for the Shaw Park Cultural Complex last evening, had been organised to support his medical recovery.
The Division of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries under the Tobago House of Assembly confirmed that the concert would proceed as planned but would now serve as a tribute to Benjamin’s life and contributions to Caribbean culture. Following the news of his death, tributes from the music fraternity, Government officials and the wider community flowed in.
In a release yesterday, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development described him as “a cherished son of Tobago and a celebrated ambassador of our culture”.
It noted that Benjamin discovered his love for music through church choir singing before beginning his professional career with the Signal Hill Alumni Choir in 1982.
Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin paid tribute to the late artiste, saying, “Oscar B dedicated his life to sharing the gift of music, bringing joy to audiences and proudly representing Tobago wherever he performed. It is especially heart-breaking that he passed away less than 24 hours before the scheduled Tobago Family & Friends Healing Concert, an event organised by those who loved and admired him to support his recovery following his recent illness. While he may not have witnessed that extraordinary outpouring of affection, it stands as a lasting testament to the lives he touched and the deep respect he earned throughout his career.”
Veteran soca artiste Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons was among those expressing condolences on social media.
“Waking up to sad news this morning hearing my dear Friend Oscar B pass away. May you fly with the angels above until we meet again. Always enjoy watching your performance. You will be missed. Rest in Peace,” he said in a post.
Signal Hill Secondary School also posted a tribute remembering Benjamin as “more than a gifted singer and entertainer” and praised him as “a living legend”.
Former tourism, culture and the arts minister, Randall Mitchell, also expressed condolences in a post yesterday, stating, “Oscar, boy we had some really good moments. Thank you for the entertainment and the performances, always. Fly high and rest in eternal peace.”
