Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Senator Randall Mitchell, has described the late Winston Henry, lovingly known as the calypsonian Explainer, as a “visionary” artiste, who made a tremendous contribution to this country’s cultural legacy.
In offering condolences on Explainer’s passing, Minister Mitchell noted that many of today’s soca stars would have been mentored by the veteran calypsonian.
“Over the years, he has mentored and composed for many Calypsonians and also notably collaborated with a number of Soca artistes including Bunji Galin, the late Blaxx, MX Prime and Farmer Nappy,” the Minister observed in an official statement issued today.
“Known for his hit ‘Lorraine’, Explainer began his Calypso career in 1969 and has taken the calypso artform across the world, performing in North and South America, Europe and throughout the Caribbean,” the statement pointed out.
Calypsonians, Willard 'Relator' Harris and Winston 'Explainer' Henry show off their awards after the National Awards Ceremony which was hosted on Republic Day at NAPA, Port of Spain. Relator was awarded the Humming Bird Medal Silver and Explainer the Humming Bird Medal Gold. [Image by DARREN RAMPERSAD]
In 2018, Winston ‘Explainer’ Henry was awarded the Hummingbird-Gold for his contributions to the Calypso art form.
The Tourism Minister says he was a “visionary” artiste:
“Explainer was more than a calypsonian; he was an extraordinary mentor and teacher with a passion for ensuring that our cultural legacy lives on through the younger generations. Explainer was a visionary and has undoubtedly left an indelible footprint on the cultural landscape for others to follow. He will certainly be missed.”
Minister Mitchell added: “The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts sympathizes with the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. Winston ‘Explainer’ Henry during this time of grief.”