TrinidadandTobagoNews.com Reporters
January 14, 2009
One of Calypso’s greatest icons Kelvin ‘Mighty Duke’ Pope passed away
earlier today. Mighty Duke, who was diagnosed with myelofibrosis – a
serious bone marrow disorder that disrupts the body’s normal production
of blood cells – has succumbed to this illness ending a battle of over
four years. His wife, one of his sons and Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool
were at his side when he passed.
Born in 1930 in Point Fortin, South Trinidad, ‘Duke’ over the years
became renowned not only for delivering social commentary; political
and witty, humorous songs with equal skill, dignity and lyrical mastery
but also for his stately stage presence and for being one of the
best-dressed Calypsonians.
The Duke, as he was lovingly called, is the only Calypsonian in
Trinidad and Tobago’s history to have won the Calypso Monarch title
four consecutive times: 1968 with “What is Calypso” and “Social
Bacchanal”, 1969 with “Black is Beautiful” and “One Foot Visina”, 1970
with “Brotherhood of Man” and “See Through” and 1971 with “Mathematical
Formula” and “Melvie and Yvonne”. He also won the Road March Title with
“Thunder” in 1987. As a Calypsonian, Duke was a master lyricist who was
not only interested in local issues, but over a career which lasted
more than 50 years demonstrated the importance of a global awareness.
With such songs as “How Many More Must Die” and “Apartheid” he was a
vocal critic of colonialism and apartheid in Africa. In 1970, Mighty
Duke was honored with the Humming Bird gold medal for his musical
accomplishments.
Speaking with TrinidadAndTobagoNews.com, TUCO president Lutalo ‘Brother
Resistance’ Masimba said that the Mighty Duke, who has been in and out
of hospital for blood transfusions, passed away at about 1.05 p.m.
today at the Ellerslie Private hospital in Maraval. Brother Resistance
stated that Mighty Duke has always been a light for the Network Rhythm
Band, the Rapso movement and the Calypso fraternity in general. Duke
also supported the People’s Mall in “a certain and definite way,” for
which he would always be remembered. Brother Resistance also said that
the Duke’s passing leaves, “a deep hurt in a personal way,” but also a
celebration for his lifelong achievements and commitment to the Calypso
industry. Duke would be remembered as one of the greatest chantwells in
the history of Calypso, concluded Resistance.
The Duke, who was one year short of 80 lived a long and fulfilling life
recording Calypsos from 1964. His Calypsos remain a living testament to
the momentous contribution of this mighty Trinbago Icon and he will be
remembered for his passion for the Calypso art form. Below are a list
of the songs that he recorded over the years:
1964 - Woop Wap; Racial Segregation
1968 - What Is Calypso, Social Bacchanal
1969 - All Night, Tonight; Black Is Beautiful; Bring It Back; One Foot Visina
1970 - Beast for Sale; Brotherhood of Man; See Through
1971 - Carnival in Trinidad
1973 - Tonight
1974 - Ah Never Do That; Ah Wish Ah Was; Axe Handle Freda; Class Is Class; Cock of the Rock
1977 - Uhuru; Mr. Jarvis; Be Yourself; Black Is Back; Calypso Will Never Die; The Cannibals; Carnival Fire
1978 - Barbers Complaints; Black Woman; Carnival Time 1979 - Bam Bam Oui; Do What You Doing
1980 - Freaking Streaking
1981 - Answer the Question; A Point of Direction
1982 - Mystery of Life; No Man But Me; Advantage; Babylon Go Fall
1983 - Love Me All Over; DJ Honeyneedle
1984 - Rock Meh; Land of Love
1985 - Ah Got The Feeling; Apartheid; Artificial World
1986 - How Many More Must Die; Treat Your Woman Nice; Ah Want You To Love Me
1987 - Thunder
1988 - Outrageous; Pan in Yuh Rookcung-Kertungcung; Acid Wash
1989 - Yahhh Hhhh; Ah Tired Do That
1991 - Get on Radical
1992 - Rocket in Yuh Pocket
1993 - Role Model; Yuh Come to Dance
1994 - Soca Have Meh Tu Bey
1995 - Don’t Destroy Calypso; Get A Life
1996 - Play Yourself; Furhman
2001 - Memories of the Year
2000 - Things Change Up; Horn Proof; There’s No Excuse
Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:19 am by shadow25
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