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On July 8 at 7.15 pm, one of the world’s most uniquely humorous comedians and unmatched artistes, stage-named Bill Trotman/Trinidad Bill, died at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope.
It was only two months after he was visited by two of his faithful friends, both in and out of the entertainment industry—prominent cultural management icon Errol Peru and prolific calypsonian Crazy (Edwin Ayong)—at his request for a series of reasons.
That visit resulted in commitments, one of which led to another visit, during which Trotman delivered a significant presentation and heartfelt plea to Peru.
Following a browse through his photo albums and CD collection, Trotman presented Peru with a catalogue of his works and those of other calypsonians.
“I’m presenting you this,” Trotman said. “These are CDs of some of my work and some of calypsonians’ works, and I hope you’ll continue promoting Trinidad the best way you can. Thank you for all your contributions.”
On July 2 last year, exactly one year and six days before his passing, Trotman shared his views on himself and culture regarding one of his art exhibitions, I See My Culture. “I’m addicted to ‘we culture’, and we culture is bacchanal, pan, calypso, mas and mauve lange, and I’m culturally addicted to all of T&T.”
Born Paul Emmanuel Cecil Trotman, at 92 and on his deathbed, Peru and Crazy were at his side, where Trotman heartily enjoyed jokes, but his passing touched many, including acclaimed Trinidadian journalist/editor, cultural historian, Carnival masmaker and poet Dawad Phillip.
Outlined as “Rat Race for Trinidad Bill”, Phillip remembered Trotman as the consummate artist who could not, and would not, be pigeon-holed. He was The Hungry Man from Clapham—the main attraction—and his fans could not wait for what new outrage he would bring, or see in what new way he would reinvent himself.
“When theatre was a big attraction at the tents re-enacting the scandals of the season, Bill was the knock-knee, blushing bride Stella in the skit based on Lord Nelson’s hit of the same name featuring Christo as the Reverend, Melody as mother-giver, Sparrow as the groom-to-be. Bill revived the bridal role a few years later for Sparrow’s Obeah Wedding. Theatre had a place in kaiso and Bill was always a main attraction.”
Phillip said Trinidad Bill was an emcee and limbo dancer with the great lady of dance, Julia Edwards, bringing his comedic flair and antics to the stage, always mashing up our Jerry Lewis, but way, way more.
“He was featured as a limbo dancer on the big screen in America by Night and damn near stole the movie from the Mighty Sparrow and jazz legend Lionel Hampton, and he started a talent agency in the 1960s on Frederick Street, acting as agent for many stars, including young sensations, The Lunatics.
“Just yesterday, a security guard at Massy Stores stopped me in the aisle to enquire about his health, saying, ‘Yuh know is years later I come find out Bill Trotman was an artist. Talk about Renaissance man. The year 1971 was the first time I travelled to Montreal, and my dear brother Earle took me to an art exhibit by this celebrated son of Morvant. Unfortunately, he was not at the gallery on that day.
“Then there was Bill the Pied Piper who took us all Back to School for Carnival.”
Phillip hearkened back to Bill and Carnival. “Mas was Bill Trotman’s DNA, from the military years alongside he pardna Sparrow in Trinidad All Stars to the White Powder Rat in Minshall’s Rat Race, he being singer/composer of the band’s theme song, and later bringing the role of White Powder Rat to Brooklyn’s Labour Day. In recent years, he turned his passion to Indian mas with full bonnet and trail with Tribal Connection,” Phillip painted.
“As I bid Adieu to our Elder Trinidad Bill, our cherished son and brother, the most indelible memory I will carry in his transformative madness through the years would be in Carl Blackman’s Jouvay epic The Wedding, coming out of Archer Street, Belmont. Blackman himself stood over six-foot-six in his socks and well strong, Blackman playing the blushing bride. And scrambling from his duties at Dimanche Gras at De Savannah as Master of Ceremonies, and hurrying across Jerningham Avenue to his car parked on Archer Street, he quickly transformed himself out of the trunk of his vehicle, from stage tuxedo to priest officiating over the nuptial proceedings.
“One of a kind, O Trinidad Bill, Ebonites man, Poet, Rest in Peace. (Way lah way lah way low).”
While Phillip, Peru and Crazy soothe their hearts in different ways, Peru advises: “Remember to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves, especially our artistes who put us on the World map. Life is fragile, and power is temporary…. Spread kindness and always choose to be good.”
Bill is etched as having had “a life filled with laughter and joy through comedy; a love for the sweet sound of Pan, a passion for calypso, mas and the spirit of celebration, and a proud champion of Trinbago culture, our people and our heritage.”
