Sparrow remembered for 1996 airport stunt that sold out 'Jean and Dinah' play
Trinidadian writer Dawad Philip recalls the calypso king posing as a limousine driver at JFK, as Jamaica mourns Lt Stitchie and prepares for Cardi B.
NEW YORK, United States. A week after the death of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, diplomats, politicians, clergy, colleagues and family gathered at a Queens Seventh-day Adventist church for a three-hour memorial.
Speakers called him "Birdie", "doctor" and "Chief Omowale of Ikoyi". One described him as a "social commentator"; another called his compositions "transformative". Many recalled his baptism at Far Rockaway beach four years ago.
On the day he died, his daughter Karen posted: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Trinidad & Tobago's icon Slinger Francisco, known to the world as the Mighty Sparrow."
A diplomat representing Trinidad and Tobago said the republic would soon honour him with a state-assisted burial.
The JFK stunt
Among the tributes was a memory from San Fernando-based Trinidadian poet, producer and author Dawad Philip.
In 1996 Mr Philip devised a stunt to boost ticket sales for a Brooklyn production of Tony Hall's play "Jean & Dinah...Speak Their Minds Publicly". Sparrow, who wrote the 1956 hit naming the two women, agreed to dress as a limousine driver and wait at JFK airport with a placard.
When actresses Penelope Spencer and Rhona Spencer arrived from Trinidad and Tobago as Jean and Dinah, they performed a skit in the terminal. The trio then toured bars and basements, creating a video showcase that sold out opening night.
Mr Philip credited the eight-time monarch's humility and willingness to perform.
Lt Stitchie dies
Jamaica also lost Cleve Laing, the dancehall deejay known as Lt Stitchie, who died on September 28 after a stroke. He was the first dancehall artist signed to a major label, releasing "Wear Yu Size" on Atlantic Records, and performed regularly at Reggae Sumfest and Japan Splash.
The former Spanish Town teacher later converted to Christianity and switched to gospel, performing at Fun in the Son alongside former secular artists such as Papa San.
Cardi B heads to Kingston
Cardi B is due to headline a show at the National Stadium in Kingston on October 18, with a bill including BZR WKND, Keyshia Cole and Ding Dong. The four-hour Sunday show, hosted by dancehall queen Spice, is expected to draw heavy traffic in the capital.
