Black Stalin is dead

Trinidad and Tobago’s five-time Calypso Monarch, Black Stalin died today. 

CBC News understands that the calypso great, whose real name is Leroy Calliste passed away at his home in San Fernando, Trinidad following three weeks in hospital. 

He was in his early 80s and was ailing for years after suffering a stroke in 2014.

In 1979, Stalin first won the Calypso Monarch competition, then in 1985, 1987, 1991 and 1995.

He also won the Calypso King of the World contest in 1999.

In 1987, Black Stalin was awarded the Trinidad and Tobago Hummingbird Medal for his significant input to culture in his home country.

The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, in 2008, conferred him with an honorary doctorate for his outstanding dedication and contribution to Calypso music and culture in Trinidad and Tobago.

His top tunes include, “Black Man Feelin’ to Party”, “Look On The Bright Side”, “Tribute To Sundar Popo”, “Ah Feel To Party” and “Wine Boy”.

And his celebrated albums released by Eddy Grant’s Ice Records label are Rebellion and Message to Sundar.

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