by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — The Caribbean music world is saying goodbye ehone of her biggest names. Slinger Francisco, better known as ‘Mighty Sparrow’, has died at the age of 91. His family announced that the legendary calypsonian died on Sunday surrounded by his loved ones in New York after a short illness.
His death has now sparked reactions throughout the region. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley described Sparrow in her condolence message as someone who belonged “to all of us”. According to Mottley, the artist was intertwined with Caribbean civilization for seventy years and through him calypso gave a voice to ordinary West Indians.
Mottley also recalled his songs and his ability to musically record the history and daily life of the Caribbean. She called on younger generations to continue listening to his music and learning about his significance for the region.
Link with Suriname
The Surinamese singer and composer William Souvenir, known for the hit ‘Masini Mofu’, also reacted with shock to the death of his great example. In an emotional response to Facebook he wrote: “Saaaaaaanng! This really hurts! What I didn’t want to hear or read has happened. My role model Mighty Sparrow is no longer here. Mi am lobi a man tru, tru!”
Sparrow had developed a clear bond with Suriname over the years and performed several times in Paramaribo. One of the most special moments in that relationship was the release of his song ‘Paramaribo’ in 1998. The song was released on the album ‘The Supreme Serenader’ and is a musical ode to the Surinamese capital and the country.
In the song, Sparrow sings about, among other things, the Surinamese woman and refers to the diversity of the districts. He also sings parts in it Sranantongo. As previously in the True Time was quoted, the song was therefore experienced by many Surinamese as more than an ordinary calypso. For many, it was a form of international recognition of Suriname and its culture.
His performances in Suriname have also been remembered by music lovers. Sparrow performed on stage at swimming club De Dolfijn, Hotel Torarica and the then Theater Star in Paramaribo.
Sparrow was born in Grenada on July 9, 1935, but moved to Trinidad and Tobago as a child. There he became one of the defining figures of calypso. His repertoire included love, politics, social issues, humor and everyday life. His career spanned more than seven decades and brought calypso to an international audience. Sparrow’s voice has fallen silent, but his musical message remains audible in Suriname and the region.
