Contrary to the handful of people who may have thought otherwise yesterday, Dr Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste’s funeral was never going to be a sombre and solemn affair.
The Southern Academy for Performing Arts was transformed into a stage for superstars, all of whom honoured and sang tributes to Black Stalin as they paid their last respect to a true Caribbean icon.
It was estimated that thousands turned out to pay their final respects to Black Stalin, who passed away at his home in San Fernando on December 28.
In fact, the crowds were larger than SAPA could have accommodated, forcing security to take action to ensure order was maintained and prevent people from storming into the area. There was a surge to enter SAPA when Black Stalin’s body arrived shortly after 11 am and security and police officers had to take action to ensure chaos did not ensue. (See page 7)
Those fortunate enough to attend the funeral service shared in the fond memories and legacy of the pioneering calypsonian.
The funeral service started with an opening prayer from Reverend Kemar Rhoomes, followed by a reading and praise and worship by Bishop Kwame Jordan. After the homily was delivered by Bishop Kessel Byer, video tributes were aired on a screen on stage by members of the calypso and soca fraternity.
Throughout the event, a last command from the icon could have been felt, as the viewing public was left with no choice but to stop all they were doing to have a bit of fun and join in the songs and tributes.
Friends, family and fans of Black Stalin were captured clapping their hands and lifting their voices during his final farewell.
Among the emotional performances was a piece titled “In Times” delivered by Kevan Calliste, the calypsonian’s grandson.
During his rendition, the younger Calliste, decked off in a full white suit, called for the brass section to lower their tone to punctuate a particular message.
He sang, “You see this world that we live in, ah sure by know by now that this world owe us nothing, so live yuh life Stalin did and just enjoy it.”
As his coffin sat centre stage, topped with a crown, the calypso legend was remembered as a gem of a man by those closest to him.
“Dad was not fazed by material possessions and never requested or demanded any accolades, including statues, national awards, facilities or streets in his name. However, he appreciated all the efforts,” daughter Keina Calliste said during the eulogy.
Keina said while her father was considered by his peers as a giant among men, he was always simple at heart.
“My dad would say he made the Dimanche Gras on numerous occasions, he occupied all positions and was satisfied with his placings each time. We never saw him angry or upset when he did not win ... he may have been disappointed, but it never showed...on the five occasions that he won, he ensured he was the winner without a doubt,” she said.
Keina also recounted how impartial her father was, never allowing his character to be tainted by politics and solidifying him as a true voice for the people.
“Dad never saw the inside of a polling station and he was never affiliated with any political party. He was the people’s messenger, that was his choice, which we respected.”
Keina stressed that her father also never disrespected any political party and would even meet candidates during their walkabouts while campaigning, to listen to their perspectives and offer words of encouragement.
She said while he would perform for the major political parties throughout the years, he would choose songs to cleverly reflect messages.
“During the 1991 election campaign, he accepted a request to perform for a political party and sang “We can Make it if we Try. The next day, he appeared in all newspapers and was labelled a member of that party. “Many expressed shock at what they perceived was his political affiliation at that time. Dad did not respond to those rumours. The following week, he appeared on another party’s platform and the rumours were put to rest as everyone was unsure about his affiliation. On that occasion he sang Better Days are Coming. Following that performance, persons truly understood the genius that he was and true to form, one party saw better days while the other had to try a little harder.”
Following Keina’s eulogy, tributes and musical performances continued.
Emrold “Brother Valentino” Phillip delivered an emotional rendition of his classic “Blood Brothers,” while Rondell Donawa calmed the crowd with his performance of “To God Be Glory.”
Later in the programme, rapso band 3 Canal powerfully sang “Giants,” while calypso legend Superblue added some flare with his performance.
Soca giant Machel Montano’s powerful delivery of a song entitled “Love Fire,” which featured vocals from Black Stalin, had the entire audience on their foot.
The recessional was a pore-raising performance by members of the calypso fraternity, including Ras Kommada, Superblue, Lady Adanna, Iwer George, Montano, Kevan Calliste and Cro Cro, of Black Stalin’s mega hit “Black Man Feeling To Party.”
Black Stalin’s final resting place was at the Paradise cemetery located close to his home in San Fernando.