By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Bill Trotman, who has sung many calypsoes including the one which everyone knows as “Mammy, Mammy, I want to go back to School”, has died at the age of 92.
Trotman died on Wednesday after a brief illness.
The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) has already paid tribute. In a Facebook post, TUCO said, “We join the cultural community in mourning the passing of calypso icon and artist Bill Trotman. His contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s creative landscape will be remembered with respect and gratitude. Condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.”
Trotman was described as a gifted calypsonian, actor, visual artist, poet and master of ceremonies. He enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades. Performing as Lord Flying Fish, he became known for songs such as Back to School, Sing a Song for Me and Would You Believe. He also served for 23 years with the Original Young Brigade Calypso Tent and hosted the Dimanche Gras show for 11 consecutive years. He was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) in 2005.
Trotman also had hits that included the popular My Kinda Woman, Monkey See Monkey Do, Suck Finger Baby, and Going for King.
Trotman was one of the foundation MCs in the history of Kaiso House and served selflessly in the development of the tent’s profile in the world of Carnival entertainment.
An artiste of international stature, Trinidad Bill was known as a poet with a number of published collections as well as a spoken-word artiste who has released recordings on his own label.
He was a distinguished visual artist whose work has been embraced by Studio 66 of Barataria and master artist LeRoy Clark. Trinidad Bill’s work has been exhibited as the National Museum for Calypso History Month. Some of his works are also posted at Nalis.
Trinidad Bill was a founding member of the original Morvant Ebonites Steel Orchestra. He worked his way through North America as a folk dancer, comedian and cabaret act. For many calypso lovers Trinidad Bill was known for calypso hits. It was the immense success of “Back to School” which propelled him to stardom.
He was considered by many as a true patriot and a true icon of Carnival. He also served on the national executive of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) during its formative years.
