The 23rd season of The Normandie's Carnival Under The Trees in St Ann's opens on February 3 at 8.30 pm.
The cast, that includes Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne, David Bereaux and Olatunji Yearwood, will include in its musical selections the music of Black Stalin (Dr Leroy Calliste), as management of The Normandie pays recognition to the contribution Stalin has made to the hotel's annual Carnival programme over the years.
The five-time National Calypso Monarch is unable to work this year as he recovers at home from a stroke suffered last September that has left him incapacitated. With a commendable half-century-plus of experience in the calypso arena, Black Stalin has succeeded in remaining relevant today in a society he has challenged to think and reflect on burning social and political issues of our time, and is widely regarded as one of the most humble and easy-going personalities in calypso.
Fred Chin Lee, owner/manager of The Normandie, and the person responsible for the annual Carnival programme, described the relationship that has been fostered with the iconic calypsonian as a true blessing, noting that it was one of the things of which the hotel was most proud.
"Leroy has been a staple on the cast for years, and the love, respect, and support he receives from his many fans has contributed in no small measure to the success we have enjoyed with this Carnival programme, so far," he said. "Now that he is unwell and unable to be with us this year, we would like to return that love, respect and support to him and his family in a tangible way. We have communicated our intention to his wife Patsy, and are asking his many fans to join with us in this effort."
Stalin was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine for his tremendous dedication and contribution to calypso music and culture in T&T. In 1987 he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contributions to culture. Stalin began singing calypso in 1959, and won the Calypso Monarch title for the first time in 1979 with his classic "Caribbean Man."DAVID CUFFY
The 23rd season of The Normandie's Carnival Under The Trees in St Ann's opens on February 3 at 8.30 pm.
The cast, that includes Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne, David Bereaux and Olatunji Yearwood, will include in its musical selections the music of Black Stalin (Dr Leroy Calliste), as management of The Normandie pays recognition to the contribution Stalin has made to the hotel's annual Carnival programme over the years.
The five-time National Calypso Monarch is unable to work this year as he recovers at home from a stroke suffered last September that has left him incapacitated. With a commendable half-century-plus of experience in the calypso arena, Black Stalin has succeeded in remaining relevant today in a society he has challenged to think and reflect on burning social and political issues of our time, and is widely regarded as one of the most humble and easy-going personalities in calypso.
Fred Chin Lee, owner/manager of The Normandie, and the person responsible for the annual Carnival programme, described the relationship that has been fostered with the iconic calypsonian as a true blessing, noting that it was one of the things of which the hotel was most proud.
"Leroy has been a staple on the cast for years, and the love, respect, and support he receives from his many fans has contributed in no small measure to the success we have enjoyed with this Carnival programme, so far," he said. "Now that he is unwell and unable to be with us this year, we would like to return that love, respect and support to him and his family in a tangible way. We have communicated our intention to his wife Patsy, and are asking his many fans to join with us in this effort."
Stalin was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine for his tremendous dedication and contribution to calypso music and culture in T&T. In 1987 he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contributions to culture. Stalin began singing calypso in 1959, and won the Calypso Monarch title for the first time in 1979 with his classic "Caribbean Man."
Classic hits
Over the years, other hits followed, including "We Can Make it if We Try;" "Play One," a tribute to late pan pioneer Winston "Spree" Simon; Mr Panmaker; Sundar, a tribute to chutney king, the late Sundar Popo; and perennial party favourite Black Man Feeling to Party. To date he has recorded more than 50 albums and CD's and has a repertoire of more than 240 original songs.
Meanwhile, record producer/businessman Earl Crosby and US-based radio personality Eric St Bernard have combined efforts to re-release his latest album Black Stalin Live–Collectors Edition for the 2015 Carnival season, with all profits from the sales going to the calypsonian.