Soca artiste and bandleader Oscar Benjamin, better known as Oscar B, has died at age 57.
Oscar B passed away in the early hours of Sunday just hours before a planned benefit concert aimed at raising funds to assist with his medical treatment and recovery.
The event, called the “Tobago Family & Friends Healing Concert”, was scheduled to take place at the Shaw Park Complex, bringing together members of the entertainment community and supporters who wanted to show their love and provide assistance during his health battle.
Tributes poured in after news hit social media that the Tobago-born artiste had died. Heading that list was Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development.
The Minister said, “Oscar B dedicated his life to sharing the gift of music, bringing joy to audiences and proudly represented Tobago whenever he performed. It is especially heartbreaking that he passed away just 24 hours before the scheduled Tobago Family and Friends Healing Concert, an event organised by those who loved and admired him to support his recovery following his recent illness.”
For decades, Oscar B’s voice, performances and contribution to soca helped shape the island’s cultural landscape, earning him respect among generations of music lovers across Trinidad and Tobago.
The Tobago born entertainer left behind a rich Legacy, Oscar B was a highly celebrated soca ambassador. He was widely known for his time as a primary frontline vocalist for the legendary Jamaican powerhouse band Byron Lee & The Dragonaires. He vocalized timeless Caribbean hits such as “Soca Tatie” and “Soca Butterfly”, bridging the musical cultures of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. He later led his own live music ensembles, including Karybbean Vybz and Oscar B and Vibes.
During the budget debate last Thursday, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announced the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) had approved funds to assist the singer’s medical expenses. Augustine had hailed the legacy of Oscar B, revealing he was in Jamaica recently and the singer was still a topic of discussion.
Augustine added, “We have Oscar B ordinarily singing at our functions and not realiszng his mark on the region and the globe. We doing the butterfly and the shadow and not realizing his mark on the globe.”
Signal Hill Secondary School paid tribute to the legendary singer in a Facebook post following his passing, saying he was more than a gifted singer.
“Today, the music is a little quieter, the stage a little dimmer, and our hearts heavier,” it said.
While noting his accomplishments on the international stage, it said Oscar B remained grounded and friendly.
“Yet, despite his remarkable achievements and acclaim, he remained the very definition of humility. His warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness made everyone feel seen, welcomed, and valued.”
Peter Green
