[UPDATED] Actor, singer Marlon De Bique dies

BELOVED award-winning actor, singer and choreographer Marlon De Bique has died.

De Bique died on June 18 at the San Fernando General Hospital, where he had been warded since June 14 after falling ill, his family said. He was 45.

He had been CEO of Naparima Bowl in San Fernando, since 2020.

De Bique’s family highlighted his achievements in a statement on Wednesday, beginning at the Presentation College Mixed Choir, where he served as choreographer and costume designer for many of its productions.

“The tenor has been involved in several productions by the Marionettes Chorale, the UWI Arts Chorale, 3canal and The Trinity Tenors,” the statement read.

In 2008, Living Arts Inc of New York, a performance arts company, acknowledged his talents and cast him in Sportin’ Life and Robbins in the Gershwin opera Porgy and Bess.

“For two years, De Bique, a true ambassador of the arts, toured with the company, performing in more than 70 shows across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Russia and Poland,” the statement read.

De Bique’s family described him as a “versatile performer,” having won several titles at the biennial TT Music Festival and captured two Cacique Awards for his roles as Judas in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.

“His repertoire includes a wide range of characters, from the iconic Jean Valjean in Les Miserables to the rebellious Roger in the musical Rent, the passionate Don Jose in the opera Carmen, and Madea in Raymond Choo Kong’s staging of Diary of a Mad Black Woman.”

De Bique graduated from UWI in 2017 with a  degree in Carnival studies with a minor in communication studies.

He was studying for a postgraduate diploma in international relations at UWI when he died.

“De Bique has always described this as a full-circle moment – being at the helm of an institution on which stage he set foot many years prior,” the statement read.

“His foresight and creative energy injected new life into Naparima Bowl, raising its profile once again as the cultural soul of the South.

“As covid19 restrictions on the cultural sector were being lifted, De Bique revitalised the use of the facility's amphitheatre.”

In 2021, he spearheaded the staging of A Bowl Face Parang, and in April last year, the Naparima Bowl Jazz and Culture Festival with a two-in-one concert titled Fusion IV – The Jazz Experience.

In April, De Bique made his play-directing debut with Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel, produced by the UWI Department for Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) at Queen’s Hall.

“De Bique’s family sincerely thanks the doctors, nurses, staff, and the High Dependency Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital for their dedicated care, treatment, and sensitivity since he was admitted on Friday.”

Tributes pour in for innovator of the arts

In a post on Facebook, the DCFA said it joined the national arts community in mourning De Bique.

“His loss will be keenly felt by our theatre arts community, most notably, the students who professed profound admiration and joy for the experience of working with him.”

It said as CEO of the Naparima Bowl, De Bique transformed it into the virtual jewel of the South performance spaces.

“Recently, he encouraged performances there by our music ensembles in April and May. He was a noted soloist with productions of the UWI Arts Chorale, inclusive of choral performances and music theatre productions.

“Our condolences go out to his family, his many friends, and to our own students who had experienced the richness of a life well-lived.”

The National Drama Association (NDATT) also reacted to De Bique’s death, saying his creativity and kindness would leave a lasting impression on the arts.

NDATT vice-president Safa Niamat-Ali said working with De Bique had always been a pleasure.

“It was clear from my first encounter with him that he knew the arts and considered the perspective of the artists and other stakeholders in the industry,” she said.

“He led, guided by this perspective, committed to expanding the opportunities and conditions for practitioners. His life and passing will leave an indelible impact on the arts and everyone he touched.

NDATT trustee Peter Craig said learning of his death came as a shock.

“Nevertheless,” Craig said, “we press on in good faith, grateful for the contributions he made over the years towards the development of the arts.

“It's truly a great loss.”

Anil Singh, NDATT public relations officer, said few among us “can vibrate on a higher plane of creative existence. Marlon De Bique was one.

“I will remember him mostly for the kindness he steadily extended in the most trying moments of my career.

“A true mover and shaker, he was the embodiment of innovation and creativity, propelling the creative sector into the future. His love for the arts, faith in its practitioners, and commitment to change is his legacy. We thank you for your national service, brother.”

Newsday also spoke with De Bique’s fellow performer and friend Keino Swamber, formerly an editor at Newsday, who said he was crushed.

“Marlon De Bique was my friend and confidante for close to 30 years,” Swamber said, adding that they first met when he joined Presentation College Mixed Choir in San Fernando.

“Marlon struggled initially to prove himself as a singer,” said Swamber. “He fought to break some boundaries and obstacles in his way, but he triumphed in the end.”

He said he regarded De Bique as a “visionary, who was always willing to lend support to any artistic venture and share his ideas and experience to elevate the product.

“My friend and I experienced years of sharing wins and losses and continued to encourage each other in our professional careers.”

Swamber said he admired De Bique’s wit and his love for family, friends, and the arts.

“I am shattered by his passing and share in the grief of his family. A brilliant mind whose voice we have come to love is no more.”

Gillian Moor, singer and friend of De Bique’s, said he always had a creative spark.

“It was inspiring to see him grow and evolve in his career and get to share his creative vision as a producer and administrator,” Moor said. “He was so committed to developing the arts but what I'll always remember is his warmth and that infectious laugh.”

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts also acknowledged De Bique’s contribution to the cultural landscape.

The minister, Randall Mitchell, extended condolences to De Bique’s family in a media release, saying, “De Bique was not simply a cultural and art enthusiast; he embodied it.

“Mr De Bique’s tireless efforts and notable achievements have created a lasting impact on the cultural fraternity.”

De Bique joined the former Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts as an acting cultural officer II in November 2007.

“He was instrumental in (implementing) the ministry’s strategic plan, efforts toward the development of national festivals and the performing, visual and literary arts, and represented TT at various international events.”

Since becoming CEO of Naparima Bowl in March 2020, De Bique “executed his duties with devotion and a vision to propel the brand through stakeholder engagement,” the ministry said.

“To this end, his contributions toward the modernisation, stability and efficient operations of Naparima Bowl are recognised and praised. He was admired and well-loved by his colleagues and staff, who describe him as a servant leader.

“We will be forever grateful for his invaluable contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of TT.”

Promoter Randy Glasgow said De Bique was an excellent CEO at Naparima Bowl.

“He will be missed tremendously,” Glasgow wrote on Facebook.

“Condolences to his family, staff, good friends and the local entertainment fraternity. May he rest in peace.”

De Bique was a beloved former member of the Marionettes Chorale.

Marionettes musical director Gretta Taylor said De Bique’s death came as “an absolute shock because he was a prominent member for years,” having performed several Marionettes tracks as a group member and solo.

Taylor said he was versatile and talented.

“I saw him about six weeks ago when they did Mama Mia because some of our members were leads in the cast. So he came out and greeted us like long-lost friends. That was the relationship.”

The Tobago Arts Company also paid tribute to De Bique.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marlon De Bique…a cherished friend of the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) and an unwavering advocate for the performing arts.

“Marlon recently collaborated with us at our inaugural Fource Arts Festival, bringing his invaluable expertise, guidance, and support to our team.

“From the inception of TPAC, Marlon's dedication and passion for the arts have been a constant source of inspiration.

“His legacy in the arts community, both locally and internationally, is remarkable, and his contributions will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marlon's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Marlon. Your spirit and impact will live on in the arts community forever.”

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

AWARD-WINNING actor and singer Marlon De Bique has died. He was 45.

De Bique died at the San Fernando General Hospital, where he had been warded since June 14 after falling ill, his family said.

He was CEO of Naparima Bowl, a performance arts theatre in San Fernando, since 2020.

De Bique’s family highlighted his achievements in a statement on Wednesday, beginning at the Presentation College Mixed Choir, where he served as choreographer and costume designer for many of its productions.

“The tenor has been involved in several productions by The Marionettes Chorale, The UWI Arts Chorale, 3Canal and The Trinity Tenors,” the statement read.

In 2008, Living Arts Inc of New York, a performance arts company, acknowledged his talents and cast him in Sportin’ Life and Robbins in the Gershwin opera Porgy and Bess.

“For two years, De Bique, a true ambassador of the arts, toured with the company, performing in more than 70 shows across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Russia and Poland,” the statement read.

“De Bique, a versatile performer, has won several titles at the Bi-Annual Music Festival and captured two Cacique Awards for his roles as Judas in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.

“His repertoire includes a wide range of characters, from the iconic Jean Valjean in Les Miserables to the rebellious Roger in the musical Rent, the passionate Don Jose in the opera Carmen, and Madea in Raymond Choo Kong’s staging of Diary of a Mad Black Woman.”

De Bique graduated from the University of the West Indies in 2017, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Carnival Studies with a minor in Communication Studies.

He was studying for a post-graduate diploma in International Relations at the University of the West Indies when he died.

“De Bique has always described this as a full-circle moment – being at the helm of an institution on which stage he set foot many years prior,” the statement read.

“His foresight and creative energy injected new life into Naparima Bowl, raising its profile once again as the cultural soul of the South.

“As covid19 restrictions on the cultural sector were being lifted, De Bique revitalised the use of the facility's amphitheatre.”

In 2021, he spearheaded the staging of A Bowl Face Parang, and in April last year, the Naparima Bowl Jazz and Culture Festival with a two-in-one concert titled Fusion IV – The Jazz Experience.

in April, De Bique made his play-directing debut with Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel produced by The UWI Department for Creative and Festival Arts at Queen’s Hall.

“De Bique’s family sincerely thanks the doctors, nurses, staff, and the High Dependency Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital for their dedicated care, treatment, and sensitivity since he was admitted on Friday."