Like the late great Byron Lee, Arrow (Alphonsus Cassell) has joined the ranks of Caribbean musical colossus. Really these men (Bob Marley included) have made a name for themselves regionally and the impact of their music has been also felt internationally.
While Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman) invented soca music, Arrow refined it, giving it a touch that appealed to international audiences. His songs were danceable, and compelled you to move, even if you were physically challenged. The first time I heard Arrow's music, the popular Roll Back, I liked it. It was different.
I was amazed by the moves of this slim-built dynamo, who delivered his songs with such charm.
No wonder why the Montserrat King of Calypso was despised by some local calypsonians. He was popular with women who formed his fan base. Arrow was criticised by calypso purists, but he kept doing his thing.
Today I'm still baffled how Arrow could make a hit out of Bills. I think it was the pure combined genius of Sir Leston Paul and Arrow behind that ditty's success. They formed a formidable team. This is the team that gave the world Hot Hot Hot, the only soca song to make significant waves internationally.
This song has been recorded in 12 different languages, and topped the charts on all continents on the planet. Today Hot Hot Hot is still going guns, having sold millions of copies. But, Arrow has to thank American artiste Buster Poindexter for making the song take off like an arrow in 1987.
Poindexter opened MTV with the song and since then the world hasn't been able to get enough of Hot Hot Hot. The song has been featured in movies and commercials. You name it, Hot Hot Hot has been there.
Arrow's success in promoting calypso and soca internationally put him in exalted company with The Beatles.
He was given the member of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. This Caribbean son really gave us music which will last a lifetime. Some of this songs are Soca Rhumba, Roll Back, Rhumba Fever, Long Time, Dance this Dance, Columbia Rock and my favourite Groove Master.