Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste has undoubtedly cemented his position as a calypso legend.
In a career spanning over five decades, hits such as “Bun Dem,” “Caribbean Unity,” “Wait Dorothy Wait” and “Black Man Feeling to Party” have transcended generations and are still able to keep crowds grooving at parties.
But yesterday, the sudden news of the 81-year-old’s death was enough to stop many from all house work they were doing.
The five-time calypso monarch passed away at his home in San Fernando shortly after 8 am.
Among those stunned by Black Stalin’s passing was veteran calypsonian David Rudder.
He stated, “I think right now I’m just kind of like just going through the times we had together, I think it will hit me later on.”
Rudder labelled Stalin as a mentor whom he was privileged to share the stage with.
“Whenever I’m in Trinidad, we would spend time together reminiscing about our times, we had some great battles in the calypso world. He was a man who kept his ear on the ground, he was a part of the calypso life and that is why the people loved him so, because he voiced their feelings, he was a fighter and a warrior he was a man with lots of love for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Dr Hollis Liverpool, popularly known as Chalkdust, meanwhile summed up Stalin’s passing in a simple verse he sang during a telephone interview with Guardian Media.
“The day Black Stalin stop singing, this blessed artform will be suffering.”
Dr Liverpool explained that for him and others, Black Stalin’s influence was strong and recounted one of the times he was reprimanded by the artiste.
“One of my fondest memories of him is when he corrected me. He called me and say ‘Chalkdust’ you too big for that, change that word, change that line’.”
National Carnival Commission chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters said their bond went beyond the beat.
Said Peters, “Stalin was like a big brother or father figure to me. I’ve known Stalin since I was ten years old in 1962. I met him for the first time and I sang my songs for him and he said you go be one big calysonian and he has been my friend, family mentor and basically a family member from then to now.”
Peters said it was too early to determine the NCC’s role in the legendary calypsonian’s send-off.
In a Facebook post, the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) said, “Black Stalin has left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of millions who witnessed his energetic performances.”
Meanwhile, via a Facebook post, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley recognised that very few calypso bards told T&T’s stories more effectively than the Black Stalin, whom he described as a master of his art form.
Rowley said, “His passing leaves us poorer but his rich legacy of poetic calypso lyrics and haunting musical lines will all live on for our guidance and in his enduring memory.”
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar added that her favourite song from the calypsonian was “We can make it if we try.”
“This classic calypso perfectly captures the spirit of what true patriotism is about; the value of hard work and self-sacrifice during tough times for the good of all of our people,” Persad-Bissessar said.
A statement from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts described the loss of the “undisputed People’s Calypsonian” as saddening.
“Through his music, many could better appreciate the calypso art form whilst simultaneously being educated and entertained,” the ministry said.
Also saluting the veteran artiste via social media posts were Austin “Superblue” Lyons, Ronnie McIntosh, Rikki Jai, Shurwayne Winchester, Faye-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Bunji Garlin. All credited Stalin as a true Caribbean man who left an indelible mark on the art form.
