By FRANCIS JOSEPH
The reputed Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow, has died.
Sparrow, 91, real name Slinger Francisco, died in New York on Sunday after a brief illness, his daughter Karen announced on her Facebook page.
Karen said, “He was an institution in the entertainment industry, well admired for his skill and finesse as a singer, songwriter, and mentor; beloved by many. He was also a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, life partner and friend.
“He died peacefully surrounded by family on September 27, 2026 where he succumbed from a brief illness in New York. And although we are extremely saddened by his passing, we are comforted to know that before his transition, he was able to make his election sure by giving his heart to the Most High, Jesus Christ where he was baptized in the Seventh Day Adventist faith.”
She continued, “As we prepare for a proper gathering to celebrate his life, we encourage his friends and fans to pay tribute on social media by tagging. We thank everyone for their well wishes and for allowing the family to grieve privately at this most difficult time.”
Sparrow won the Calypso King title in Trinidad eight times. He also won the Road March title eight times, and the Calypso King of the World title on two occasions.
Over the years, Sparrow was one of the most prolific song writers and performers. Some of his songs included:
“Carnival Boycott” (1957): Written in protest of the unfair prize money awarded to calypso winners compared to the Carnival Queen.
“Congo Man”: A provocative, humorous narrative showcasing his unmatched wit and storytelling.
“Mr Walker”: Memorable and sharp lines detailing the pursuit of a rich man’s daughter.
“Capitalism Gone Mad”: A brilliant social commentary featured on his album, the Greatest.
“Sixty Million Frenchmen”: A witty track filled with double entendres regarding French culinary culture.
“No Money, No Love”: Highlights his shrewd perspective and value-for-money philosophy.Only this year, BP Renegades performed one his classics for Panorama, “The Lizard”, which earned them second spot.But one of the best songs he ever produced was called “Education”, which today is very relevant based on the fact that school children have been unruly. Some were charged with offences, and others suspended from school. This song needs to be played now more than ever.
Others top songs included: Jean and Dinnah, Ah Fraid Pussy Bite Me,Melda, Mas in Brooklyn, Sa Sa Yea, Lying Excuses, Doh Back Back, Ten To One, Margarita, Only a Fool, Sparrow Dead, Miss Mary, Federation, Drunk and Disorderly, May May, and The Village Ram.Sparrow ruled the stage in the 1970s and 1980s with his closest rival for Road March being Lord Kitchener who died in 2000.
In the Calypso Monarch competition, his closest rival was Chalkdust.Sparrow was born in Grenada on July 9, 1935. He moved to Trinidad as a one-year-old with his mother. Sparrow received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) from then President Anthony Carmona on June 11, 2014.Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
