Legendary calypsonian, Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Fransisco, is among candidates being considered for induction into the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame 2016.
The conferment ceremony, which takes place every four years, will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016, at the Fort Young Hotel.
Other candidates being considered are Patrick “Pembo” Pemberton, Osborn “Ossie” Lewis, Kelly “Ras Kelly” Williams and Roosevelt “Mico” Williams.
They are being considered for their contributions to the Calypso art form and were nominated in 2012.
Organizers say the candidates chosen must have attained an appreciable review in the following areas as relates to the development and practice of Calypso:
-Longevity/Consistency
-Achievement(s) – Monarchy (Road March national and regional Kaiso/Soca crowns) and official recognition, such as:
a. Junior Kaiso Titles.
b. The development and support of Kaiso Industries.
c. Intellectual/Cultural expressions, using Calypso.
d. Business and commerce, especially in the line of Kaiso or Soca as a medium.
e. Teaching of the Kaiso art form.
f. Promotion of the art form of Kaiso.
g. Support to the art form.
h. Overall impact on Humanity; in decent standing.
i. Recognition of the candidate.
“The candidate must also produce timely and timeless songs, written and/or performed by the individual, and s/he must be dedicated to the art, practice, integrity, and spirit of Kaiso,” said one of the main organizers, Alex Bruno. “The candidate must also show leadership and management of Calypso, and should have impacted or changed the art form for the better. Candidates should pioneer new creations or standards, such as fresh intellectual research and documentation of Calypso.”
The event will also include a ‘Classic Kaiso Concert’ to be held at the Harlem Plaza.
The 2016 candidates will join Norman “Ency” Cyrille; Roland “Spider” James; Hayden “Tokyo” Desire; Ulrick “Idol” Jackson; Melvin “Solo” Constant; Cleveland “Hurricane” Jean-Jacques; Gregg “Breaker” Bannis; Pat “Musician” Aaron; Vaughn “Shakey” James and The Swingin’ Stars Orchestra in the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame canon. The honorees opinions’ weighs heavily on final selection of candidates, and the convocation is an irrevocable covenant between the honoree and the spirit of Calypso.
See brief biographies of candidates below:
Patrick “Pembo” Pemberton is being considered for his relentless pursuit for excellence in music, having been an outstanding musician with the Swingin’ Stars Orchestra, and others, providing quality accompaniment to Calypso since 1970/71.
Following his tenure as an active musician, Pembo served as a Calypso Judge. He has so far given thirty (30) continuous years, ten (10) of which were spent as Chief Judge. Pembo also created a computerized judging rubric which has been used by the Dominica Calypso Association for the efficient and scientific tabulation Calypso competition results for over a decade (2004 – 2015).
Pemberton’s work in Calypso has also been taken regionally and has gained him international acclaim. For his work at preserving the integrity of Calypso as a Calypso Industries Creator, a pioneering and accomplished musician, a long serving and credible Calypso judge, Patrick Pemberton has earned this nomination and is hereby qualified to be inducted into the Dominica “Kaiso” Calypso Hall of Fame under its stipulated qualifying criteria.
Kelly “Ras Kelly” William is the longest serving Head of the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA). Under his presidency, the DCA created history by being the first and still only Calypso organization to construct a building, ‘The Dominica Calypso – kaiso – House,’ to conduct its administrative affairs; the Dominica Calypso House is valued at over a million dollars.
Ras Kelly is also an accomplished and experienced musician. He is a stalwart calypso writer, arranger, composer and authentic calypsonian; the epitome of calypso correctness. Ras Kelly’s name, face and voice remain an unmistakable staple of Kaiso administration, and the image of calypso rocketed to an unprecedented level of respectability. Ras Kelly is also a diehard defender and supporter of everything calypso.
He is a true lover of the Arts, spending the better part of his life fighting for the downtrodden calypsonians. For his relentless efforts at supporting, packaging, practising, promoting and managing calypso for over four decades plus – and others, Ras Kelly has earned this nomination and is duly qualified to be a candidate for induction into the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame.
Osborne “Ossie” Lewis: Ossie’s voice is the voice of Calypso. He speaks for Calypso, he lives for Calypso, he thinks Calypso; Ossie is Calypso. And to say that Ossie is Calypso is by no means a statement laced with sacrilege, because Ossie truly feels, believes and acts as if he is Calypso and he indeed is. To say otherwise would not be fair to the reasons which guide this assertion. But outside of or in addition to Ossie’s Kaiso fanaticism – or as some say – fascination with Kaiso, Ossie has given practical service to the art.
Ossie has served as Calypso Judge for over twenty-five (25) years, including being Chief Judge for an extended period of time. Ossie has had a formidable presence in calypso, from his mastery of calypso commentary, to conducting kaiso workshops and seminars, to hosting elite calypso events. A broadcaster, promoter, commentator, advisor, analyst, presenter, critic, historian and kaiso lover, Ossie has and continues to serve with passion, pride and excellence in all the areas mentioned and more. For the reasons mentioned, and more, Ossie has earned the candidature for induction into the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame.
With an aggregate of 17 calypso crowns, Roosevelt “Mico” Williams holds the record for highest number of calypso titles in the history of Dominica calypso. Mico captured 16 North (Portsmouth) titles and one Dominica Calypso Association Road March Title.
His Road March song, ‘Come Down Jesus’ is an all-time classic. ‘Tumba,’ ‘They Pass on a Bus’ are other massively popular tracks which helped stamp Mico’s name into the annals of Dominica Calypso history. But it is probably Mico’s unwavering commitment, his discipline, dedication and incomparable valor and contribution to calypso which brings him much acclaim. Mico has talked the talk, and walked the walk of Calypso – literally walking from Portsmouth to Roseau and back, several times and over many years in the name of calypso. Like the proverbial soldier, Mico just keeps coming and coming, year after year.
With a name which means harmony, Mico stands alone in his class. This nonm tè (man of/on the grounds/roots man/dread/cultural man) brings to calypso what many can’t, and does so with great humility. For these and many more reasons, Mico has earned this right as a candidate and is duly qualified to be inducted into the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame.
Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco: The incomparable, legendary Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco is the only one of his kind, and there may never be another. To say Sparrow is to say calypso and to say calypso is to say Sparrow. Sparrow’s ultra-sweet vocals and dynamic lyrics speak the language of calypso.
Born Slinger Francisco, Sparrow rose to the upper echelon of Trinidadian and world calypso. Although he is best known for his hits: “Jean and Dinah (1956)” and “Carnival Boycott (1957)” 1957, each and every one of Sparrows’ songs is priceless; like a civics lesson on Caribbean and world issues which will never lose its relevance. Sparrow is an 11-time winner of the calypso monarch title in Trinidad & Tobago, adding to his Carnival Road March titles. Sparrow is a self-taught guitar player, and began writing his own songs from the time he was able to speak.
When he won his first calypso crown with “Jean and Dinah,” Sparrow received a grand prize of 40 dollars. He, of course, protested. Sparrow wrote a scorching indictment of the Trinidadian music industry, “Carnival Boycott,” and stood by what he wrote, but despite his refusal to compete in the Carnival contests for three consecutive years, Sparrow became and remained one of the Caribbean’s most prominent performing artists.
Sparrow has given his every being to calypso; as if he was created by the Gods of calypso to be exactly what he is – the Undisputed Supreme Calypso Monarch of the World. For these reasons and plenty, plenty more, Sparrow – the only non-Dominican, so far, to be accepted – has earned the rights to be a candidate for induction into the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame.
Correction. : “Tell your sister to come down I have a message for she, tell she is mister benwood the man from sandy brandy – she know me well, I kiss she already woy! go on go on tell she mister bentwood come.”
There was a time I had a name for Sparrow (still do) because he sang those types of calypsos.
Anyway, the music is excellent.
Do you recall “The Princess and the Camera Man?” – I don’t know why a Princess would marry a camera man.
He lost out to be knighted as “Sir”. When Queen Elizabeth II heard it or heard of it, he was immediately disqualified.
I never heard his response to this. Would love to know his views.
I heard this song once or twice. I was still very young. Don’t even remember the tune.
I liked this one. : Sa sa yeh, sa sa yey bon dieu, monsieur vous ca tuer moi………. 
He was giving she something real BIGGGGGG for him money. 
O,since we are talking about nomination into the let me throw in the bag the Exposer real name Joey Maglorie and another
King called Trinni of the 11 sisters fame song. Sorry young calypso lovers guess you do not know them as you were not here they were pioneers in the local art do not get mad we are standing for the giants of our era.
Whatever happened to names like Embert “The Saint” Stowe, and Herman James, Calypso pioneers and Road March stalwarts for years?
if i had to induct another calypsonian into the hall of fame the only individual i see fit there is king dice.
calypso association has no respect for king dice come on a seven (7) times king,no one has ever achieved this in the history of the art form yet he can’t be honored,i am very disappointed in the Dominica Calypso Association.
I am all for what you’re saying but look at the criteria very very carefully, they are looking for longevity. Yes our king did win 7 times but only in a short space of time. Don’t be so quick to bring down others
Yes the one and only mighty Sparrow! The supreme Calypso king of the World! “We Know, We like it so”
I do not want to be biased. My choice would be Mighty Sparrow and Ossie Lewis. This does not mean the others have not excelled.
To each one of you, congratulations. May the best one win.
Do u think that the Mighty Sparrow will be well enough {health wise}to travel to Dominica for that occasion?. I say congratulation to the promoters of that programme. The accolades bestowed on the individuals were well thought off and put together
Yes I am for inducting the Mighty Sparrow into the Dominica Calypso Hall of Fame, and comend those who have decided to vote him into the Hall.
Today our young calypsonians love the art form because of him and the others like him who entertained our parents and elders when he would come to Dominica to perform for the Dominican public, many of you were not born when he would
Come here to have shows. Sparrow performed at the yard of the Police Head Quaters in Roseau, the famous Beach Club at
Fond Cole, Aquatic Club in Fond Cole, the Famous Palm Groove Night Club and of course the Carib Cineme, Sparrow earned
the induction his imput caused a lot of guys to come out to sing calypso his songs would be heard every night in lagoon played by a guy called Texas. Sparrow was like a Dominican, this guy loved Dominica so much that one year he brought a steel band for Carnival Monday and Tuesday and played Mas with us. Do you know…
Not only that! As far as I can remember, living my young smd pleasurable days in Toronto, Swinging Stars was always the Back-up band of the Mighty Sparrow, when he performed in Toronto–especially at Caribbana festivities–that should give us another reason to choose him, as part of our Calypso Hall of Fame .
Why do Dominicans always put their priorities, whether they are in politics, sports or entertainment, wrong. Because Sparrow has entertained the world for several years, does not qualifying him to be in our hall of fame. If Ghost and the rest of them fellers want to honor Sparrow for his contribution to calypso to Dominica and the Caribbean, I don’t have a problem, but our hall of fame, what is he famous for in Dominica, selling his records to Dominicans and singing smut in the sixties and seventies. With all his millions, has he ever made a significant financial contribution to Dominica. Erika came and gone, when the world had helped in one way or another, I did not hear Sparrow’s name on the donation list. They are telling us he is a candidate, if the selection is on achievements, over the years, which Dominican listed above is close to Sparrow’s achievements. It is the same Sparrow who once sang, our Prime Minister, Patrick John, was a wanted man, a crook.
SMH. Another case of a parochial uninformed Dominican exposing his ignorance. I won’t even waste my time to enlighten you as to why Sparrow would be welcomed into this Hall of Fame (Dominican or not) or to his contribution or influence in the art form Calypso – as based on your comments any amount of reasoning would go straight over your head. However, based on facts – clearly something you have no regards for – I will inform you that Sparrow headlined a highly attended Erika fundraising event in London where he received several standing ovations for his performance. The man made a special effort to leave his sick bed to contribute to Dominicas cause as did many other dignitaries from other islands. And if you can step out of your cave and into the light here is the report issued by the Dominica High Commission about the event, so please stop all the ignorant talk as we are all more connected than you might think.
http://www.dominicahighcommission.co…
Typical Skeritt Labor Party supporters, they read but they don’t understand. All I said was that I didn’t see his name on the donation list post Erika. I read DNO every minute of the day, therefore if the Dominica High Commission had a fund raising involving the Sparrow, I cannot remember the occasion being reported by DNO and other press in Dominica. Again, we are dealing with a High Commissioner who does not inform Dominicans of anything which concerns them. Case in point, remember the US $10,000 charity for the poor people of Dominica.
@Doc. Love: What on earth has Skeritt or the Labour party got to do with this?? You really are obsessed or have you been drinking Sparrow’s bicycle oil so now all your screws are loose. Man go an see a doctor instead of masquerading as one!
@Doc. Love December 29, 2015
Your name is not speaking your sentiment at all! It never does
The majority of us Dominicans–especially the older generation– we love the Mighty Sparrow; that is one of the best reasons to enter him in our Calypso Hall of Fame
In 2008, when I was in Dominica, one time when we all were at a Social Club in Giraudel–it was a birthday party for my young nephew–so my dad, his grandfather, was there too. While we were dancing to various music, he kept on asking for the songs of the Mighty Sparrow–so I started to sing to him “Drunk and Disorderly”; he joined with me to have fun.
My dad was 76 years in 2008, he passed in November 2014, at 82 years old, I have no doubt that he went to his grave with his love for the music of the Mighty Sparrow.
Thinking about it, this decision is in tribute to my dad along with so many of our old people–alive or in their grave– who loved the music of the Mighty Sparrow–why spoil it for them.
Way pa pa, because the man father loved the songs of Sparrow, he should be in the calypso hall of fame. Then, Chalk Dust should be in the hall of fame, as far as I am concerned, he is a better calypsonian.
“A Lizard ran up she dress and it disappear.” Way de lizard, teacher mildren? De way she happy and jolly; I know de lizard must be tickling she.”
:lol:. But is he a Dominican?
Bet you do not (may not) know these:
Dan is de man in de van.
Can a pig dance a jig for a pig?
Twirly and Twisty were two screws.
Mr. Mike went to school on a bike.
Then he went on: How I managed to learn anything me ain’t know. . . ..
And:
I am going to bring back Solomon.
Who ain’t like it complain to the commission.
Anyone of you tell me how to run my country,
I defy anyone of you to dictate to me.
I am no dictator but when I pass an order
Mr. Speaker, this matter must go no further . . .
Then he sang: “Pay your taxes. Shut up and have respect!”
Google the rest. You may find them.
Sparrow was very good. Still is.
Yeah mann! I know dem all. What about this one – : “Tell your sister to come down, I have a message for she, tell she is mister BENWOOD, I have a message for she – She know me well, I kiss she already woy….go on go on, tell she mister Benwood come. Hahahahaha
There was nothing in the criteria stating that a candidate had to be Dominican, please read very very carefully.
@ chaaaa. What’s your point?
@Zeb Kooess December 30, 2015
I used to like that one; it has a beautiful rhythm for dancing!
Congratulations to all my friends on that achievement. There is one former Calypsonian missing he was the first Junior Calypso king held that title five times in three years. 1969 2, 1970 2 1971 1 and the youngest to make it to the finals in 1972, at the age of 15yrs. and left in 1978 we missed him then for he was a crowd favorite he and Mico were the two youngest on stage among the top guys. Now he is a Christian Preacher and singer of the Gospel. but this young man they was a top calypsonian.
WHY DON’T U TELL US HIS NAME, LESS WE FORGET?
He is already in the Hall of Fame. Please do your homework if you are such a fan!
The Mighty Swallow was his name
Congratulations to the Mighty Mico and all the other inductees. As a tribute to the Mico, I would like any and everyone from Possie to share your best memory as a Possian of the Mico. So here goes: Rat eat the fridge of Mr. Sorhaindo, Ants lay a nest in his people; when AA was ironing, she get couple callots behind she head, when Sorhaindo fly to Haiti; de soucouya dead. Children, children this year I am here to tell you all around you is soucouya and lougawoo.
Blood in My Heart was a classic as well!
One Love Dominicans! #OLD!
One of my favorite from King Mico. Toomba was a fella who run away from his home real dread but he tumble from a bullet making great our history but what did he profit from dread, Lion natty dread you am a lion
If you don’t know the lyrics shut up