innis_francis@yahoo.com
Soca Parang entertainer Kenwrick (Kenny J) Joseph was on Friday cremated at the San Fernando Belgroves Crematorium and was remembered as “the man with jokes.”
Joseph was hospitalised at the Augustus Long Hospital in Pointe-a-Pierre for almost two weeks but succumbed to COVID-19 on January 2nd.
He was 69 years old.
His daughter Jeselle Joseph during the eulogy suppressed her tears with laughter and recalled memories of the singer and former retired Assistant Superintendent of Police family life.
She said: “He always had a joke or three. He always tried to keep things light and positive. My cousin has a book of his jokes, he always had people happy and smiling.”
She said “his lively spirit and fun nature, will be missed.”
Due to COVID-19 death guidelines, Joseph’s body remained in the facility’s retort (incinerator) as a small gathering, who attended the service, looked at a framed black and white photograph surrounded by flowers of the entertainer.
Some local personalities who were unable to make the guest list congregated outside to pay tribute to the Paint Brush Soca Parang man.
Among them were KaisoKah Moko Jumbies leader Junior Bisnath, and Neil “Abebele” Baptiste, and Mc Donald “Uprising Star” Hercules, and Terry “Di Masso” Marcelle.
Jeselle said her father was best known in the industry for his contribution to songs that touched on politics, race, and social issues. She said he gained entry to the National Calypso Monarch on four occasions and his highest ranking was second in 1990 with songs Addicted to Sweet Soca and Leave She Alone.
Officiating minister Cecil Colthrust, who knew Kenny Joseph as a boy remembered him as a “darling child and loving child.”
Minister Colthrust said he saw Joseph in the Health advertisement being an advocate in the fight against COVID-19 that encouraged people to get vaccinated but God had spoken.
Joseph leaves to mourn five children and seven grandchildren.
