Leroy Calliste had the most fitting calypso name, Black Stalin, but he was nothing like the ruthless Russian dictator who terrorised his subjects. Black Stalin used his power to celebrate Caribbean history, culture and music. He strived to build unity in the region. He never demanded respect. He was decades ahead of the Black Lives
THE EDITOR: Leroy Calliste, aka Black Stalin, has departed peacefully at his home in San Fernando. Stalin, who won the Calypso Monarch five times, was 80 in September. His songs include: Bun Dem, Ah Feel To Party, Wait Dorothy Wait, Black Man Feeling To Party, Caribbean Man, Better Days, Sufferers, Come With It. Thanks for
In the space of 12 days, as 2022 draws to a close, the voices of a king and queen of calypso have been silenced.Black Stalin, born Leroy Calliste, died at 81 on Wednesday, and on December 16, we lost Francine Edwards, better known as Singing Francine, at age 79.The void left by these musical giants is unmistakable. Though too often underrated, these humble servants of culture were icons who have left an indelible mark on the region’s musical landscape. It is right that they are praised, albeit on their departure.Say the name Black Stalin and immediately his party hit, Black Man Feeling to Party, deemed one of calypso’s most ingenious songs, comes to mind. But there was far more to this lyrical master.“A lot of people have no idea how much I like calypso,” he told the late entertainment journalist Terry Joseph for a feature article, Sando [San Fernando] celebrates with Black Stalin. “Singing is just one part, but I like the calypso environment; then, the whole mood of an audie