Four-time calypso monarch, Melvin Constant, stage name Solo, is the unfortunate victim of Dominica’s first drowning in 2023.
The 74-year-old Bath Estate native who resided in Maybrook New York, in the United States of America (USA), was on vacation in Dominica when he passed.
On Sunday, January 1, 2023, at about 1:45 pm, Constant was on a whale-watching tour with some of his family members when he is said to have drowned.
Inspector Fixton Henderson reported. “…when they arrived outside Secret Beach in Tibay, Portsmouth, he went swimming along with others. Shortly thereafter, he appeared to have been in some distress,” Inspector Henderson disclosed.
He continued, “The boat crew apparently responded, and he was rescued from the water. However, he was unresponsive. CPR was apparently administered but he remained unresponsive.”
Constant was then transported to the Reginald Fitzgerald Armour Hospital in Portsmouth, where he was examined and pronounced dead by a medical doctor that same afternoon.
His body is being kept at a funeral home, awaiting an autopsy, the police inspector said.
Henderson stated that the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) is currently investigating the incident but expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Solo was also known for his memorable revellers’ anthem, “Mass in the Cemetery”. Solo’s journey on the throne officially began in 1973 when “Black Man Leads the Way” and “I Pleasing Me Fans” placed him firmly on the throne.
Following a brief interruption in 1974, he held a grip on the calypso monarch title for three straight years in 1975, 1976, and 1977.
Although he was based in the USA, he continued to be active in the music industry, performing in competitions abroad.
Sad moment ..however… Dominicans never enjoy dominica when they are in dominica. They wait until they leave dominica come back to dominica , then go all sight seeing u can find.. i am trying to understand the logics.. whale watching why… i may sound ignorant but my thoughts..it’s god’s time though…
Does the police officer know the meaning of apparently? I really don’t see where apparently fits on the occasions he mentioned it in his interview. Please be direct when addressing the public as this will make you appear more credible and trustworthy.
Maybe the policeman didn’t see the events occur and had no proof that the reported events did take place, so he would be wrong to present said hearsay to the public as facts – apparently.
I pray for peace and comfort for his family. Kendel, hold strong, brother, the good lord giveth and he taketh. Sir, your contribution to Dominica’s music industry will surely live on. Rest in eternal peace.
https://youtu.be/zVWiXadD2MQ
May he rest in peace. Tragic!! My sympathy to loved ones.
Can we get these folks music up on YouTube or somewhere. I keep getting trini classics and very few from DA. Good way to keep hos legacy alive
Its pointless speculation that “something going on..” but a man of 75 who is somewhat disacclamatized to the rigours of Dominica sea pressures & currents needed to be far more careful with his fragile temple. After living in a temperate zone for more than 15yrs, can you imagine the shock to a body of that age from these seas? Melvin “Solo” Constant, I am proud of your contributions to the arts and your humourous “tiptoe kaiso bounce”. We could have had some extra years, but sadly your epitaph must be written. What a Legend you have left!!
I have always been told when I go to Dominica, don’t get in the cold water on my first week of visit, because of showering in the warm or sometimes hot water baths stateside, the first time I read Solo’s demise,this was the first thing that came to my mind,though am not saying this is what happened, but albeit am sad man
That makes no sense.
My deepest sympathies. I was such a huge fan and was honored to see him perform live at a show where they had him as a guest. May he rest in peace and sending strength to his family at this time of grief.
People think of that: We ended 2022 with two brutal homicide murders and we started 2023 with a suicide and now a drowning? I don’t know what it is or how to call it but what is happening here is very frightening and doesn’t look good for 2023. If those four deceased were sick at least it would be easier to deal with even if they were only sick for a day. But for all four to start their day on a high and then just vanish like that?
Man one of the songs of mighty Solo is “ Mass in the Cemetery”. Boy it’s a very timely song now because most certainly somebody or some people seem to be having mass in the cemetery on us and the results are not good for us
RIP Sir and my condolences and prayers for the families
No wonder you call yourself “Funeral Home”, for that is the place your mind is settled, based on your carnal and closed thought condition.
It is carnal to think that death must only come through sickness, or else it is “frightening”, especially that you are referring to 4 deaths at the moment.
God Almighty is the One who planned the number of days of existence in the body for every one of mankind, including you. Your responsibility right now, is to live by His Will while you are in the body, instead of wasting your time feeling frightened. Frightened of what?
Meanwhile, I had never heard of Mr. Melvin Constant, since I was not in Dominica at the time of his popularity. So all I wish for him, is that he left his body with a “soul of Love”, that is ready to spend Eternity in the “Light” of the Holy and Almighty God, through His Christ Jesus.
May the rest of us keep in mind, that is the reason we are in the body, first and foremost.
You greedy, corrupt and ungodly woman shut up! You are the worse person to talk about God and Jesus Christ only if you are referring to ur god Skerrit
Admittedly you never knew the man. So why do you feel obliged to get involved in the discussion? You just thought it’s the beginning of a new and as such a good time for your religious hypocrisy. Woman, you and your like make me sick!
Thelma, I have the right to speak my thoughts, especially to cause people like you to learn to fight against the devil who is darned on occupying you all’s mind with the things of death & darkness– not Life.
Someone claims to be “Funeral Home” to begin with. Then he or she goes on to speak about “being afraid”. Afraid of what?
The man did not die suddenly; but even if he did, that was the his existence in the body was meant to come to and end.
Also it is a fatal decision to go under water at the time there is alcohol in the blood. Many people do not know that–that could have been the reason for the man’s drowning.
But whatever the reason, that was the way his existence in the body was meant to end.
The news article is for people to express their views. That was what I did; so take it or leave it! What I post is none of your business.
Sad moment for the family. My heartfelt sympathy to his family , may he RIP
But what on earth is going on here nou? We ended 2022 with very bad news and we starting 2023 on sad note again man as if we under a spell.
RIP sir and my condolences to his family
In case you missed the news, Pope Benedict, the great footballer PELE, famous fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, another one of the famous Pointer Sisters and many others all around the world also died. Is the whole world under a spell? You guys eagerly await one unfortunate incident to happen here to decry Dominica, the government or the prime minister as the curse, while ignoring everything occurring around the world at the same time. FYI, there’s also a war going on between Russia and Ukraine fermented by the US that’s also affecting the rest of the world, is Skerrit and the Dominica curse responsible for that as well?
Hey! Don’t put The Whole world on our shoulders. We are concerned and responsible for DOMINICA. Period. Folks dying everywhere every day – But there’s definitely a problem here in Dominica. All you researching the entire globe for casualties to excuse what’s happening in Dominica. We are in all types of crisis and de head is not going on his State Red Radio to encourage and sympathize with the people. Go hide yourself, Eagle Blind Eyes.
Eagle Eye… incase you missed it:
The Pope was sick and died in his bed peacefully…
Famous Pele was sick and died peacefully in his bed…
Designer Vivienne Westwood died peacefully and was surrounded by her family in London….
The Pointer Sister, was sick and died of cancer.. and many more around the world..
Block head, did any of those died due to an accident?
Were any of them killed by someone?
In Dominica it is different..
The greatest enemies of God and mankind,
is Russia and China..
Don’t blame America for the war that’s going on with Russia and Ukraine……
Eagle-Eyed, I don’t even understand why there are 8 people at this moment giving you a negative thumbs rating.
You have a GIANT OBSERVATION, that too many of in Dominica cannot perceive because they are so closed-up within themselves.
I think that it would be better for those people to remain quiet instead of making a fool of themselves, the way they are doing.
Who can compare the death of a Pope, who is well known to the whole World, as a Man of God Almighty, with 4 simple death which has happened in Dominica–regardless of how those death happened– to thing that Dominica and her people is “under a spell”?
Those people do not know that they are calling for their own damnation, not for the fellow God Fearing people who belong to Dominica. May the God of Love show them His mercy and compassion
@Left the mourn, whatever this identity of yours mean, the only one who is “under a spell” is you and your state of mind, please leave the “we” out of it.
Rest In Peace king Solo. Sad vibes for the Calypso fraternity and lovers
Rest in peace legend.. Condolences to the family during this tough time.
That’s very sad indeed. May his soul rest in perfect peace. And his family find comfort.
“Mass in de cemetery”? Boy let me hush my mouth, tan. Before they say Time-X dis an Time-X dat. But something is going on.
What is going on, Mr. Stupid? You blame Skerrit, yes? Pope Benedict died, you blame Skerrit, yes? One of the Pointer Sisters died, you blame Skerrit, yes? Pele passed away, you blame Skerrit, yes? I think it is time you time-out Time-x, whatever that means, Mr. fool.
AA you still there nuh! Mr. kawat. Everyone who supports Skeritt is filled with anger. This traits are inherited from the fish head that reeks. All the threats and insinuation of threats come from cowards like you. Go get a real job. UJA…s
@ds “Something is going on” refers to Skeritt? But what’s happening in this country? Anyway, if that cap fits you then wear it. You are nothing more than a Moron. And don’t respond to my comments anymore. Stay under your rock.
@BS I stand to be corrected. But when a ….. like you blows foul air on my comments and taking it out of context; it pisses me off!! Get a hold of some self control and chill out.
This is a huge tragedy. Mighty Solo was one of the biggest calypsonians of the early to mid 1970s. His song Mass in the Cemetery has assumed iconic status in calypso folklore in Dominica. May his soul rest in peace.