The Mighty Sparrow celebrates his 69th birthday
by Marcia Braveboy
Saturday, July 17, 2004
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Architect, Father
and Calypso King of the World, Slinger Francisco (The Mighty Sparrow) is in
full gear for his celebratory concert this weekend at Queens Hall where he is
also expected to be commemorating his 69th birthday.
Sparrow has emerged himself into a success story by producing calypso-hit
songs throughout the decades. Sparrow’s long time hits such as, 10 –1, Gene
and Dinah, Mara Jean et al are today’s classics and are still considered to be
dancehall hits. The long-standing icon gloats
about his good health and said that doing everything in moderation is the key
to a long healthy life. When asked what the
people can expect from this weekend’s concert, Sparrow said with his voice
still intact the people can expect experience and a balanced show that will
let everyone know that traditional calypso is still alive.
The Mighty Sparrow who hails from the village of Gouyave, known as the ‘city
that never sleeps’ in the land of Spice, Grenada, said in an interview with
Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment guide “Showtime” that today his
introduction goes like this: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m happy to present his
Excellency (cultural ambassador), the honourable (order of the Caribbean
Community), Doctor Slinger Francisco (University of the West Indies Honorary
Doctorate), affectionately known as Chief Omawale of Osikoyi (Nigeria) and,
ladies and gentlemen, he is most famous as the Calypso King of the World, the
mighty, mighty Sparrow. Let them take that - that is success.” (Laughs)
An open minded Sparrow said that young artistes like Machel Montano and Bunji
Garlin are going through a phase in their musical career and is not worried
about where they will take the art form. He said in his time there was no
money, no icons and nothing to encourage you; only his passionate love for the
art form that made him the success he is today.
Today the Mighty Sparrow is among the icons that many young entertainers
through out the Caribbean can emulate. But as Sparrow himself says it, loving
what you do is one of the greatest secrets to success.
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