[UPDATED] Arts community mourns Roger Boothman

Songwriter, tutor and artist Roger Boothman has died at the age of 66.

In 2024 he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his service and contribution to culture and the arts.

Boothman began painting in the mid-1960s at Tranquillity Primary School, Port of Spain and went on to Tranquillity Secondary School, where he graduated with a distinction in art in 1975.

He was the first Trinidadian to win the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) award and won both first and second place at the local Commonwealth Song Competition in 1993.

He served in the Artists Coalition of TT from 2009-2014, promoting local artists and musicians.

Boothman was also a nurturer of emerging talent, having tutored artists such as Nadella Benjamin, Jerell Forbes, Roland "Rembunction" Yearwood, Felix Marcano, Shivaughn Simmons and Russel Aching.

A family member said Boothman died peacefully in his sleep.

He was the brother of the equally creative Michael and David Boothman and nephew of the famous Geoffrey and Boscoe Holder.

Newsday spoke to David Boothman, who gave a heartfelt tribute to his late brother.

"Roger was a lover of life. He loved people, he loved TT, he loved the Caribbean. And it shows in his music. If you listen to his songs you will hear the quality of the lyricism he created. He produced a lot of music and he published some, but he didn't pursue it as a money-making venture in terms of sales, it was more played on the radio. And I think now is the time to do that kind of thing, where his work could be chronicled and put back out there.

"His passing was shocking. In his late life he had a lot of challenges and I took care of him the best way I could. Me and my brother Richard were there for him, we were his anchor. He was a special, gifted person.

"He was self-taught in most things, because our household was like an upcoming arts community, so he had all that to influence him. It was just one of those environments where there were a lot of arts conversations and he picked up the necessary substance from that.

"He was a most awesome composer and freeform pianist who could ad-lib anything for hours. He had a unique piano style because he was a solo pianist. His style was very freeform and he would play for hours, in and out of all kinds of different melodies.

"But I think he's most outstanding as a composer and a lyrical songwriter.

"He was also a champion for copyright in TT; it was one of the things he had people pay attention to.

"And he inspired others through teaching art classes, he taught expression and a lot of people came out of those classes doing wonderful cartoons and alll sorts of other things."

Newsday also spoke with Keiba Jacob Mottley, president of the Art Society of TT, which, in an effort to raise funds for his medical expenses, held an exhibition of Boothman’s paintings that ran from October 22-November 2, 2024.

“We found out about Mr Boothman’s passing yesterday, and we were all saddened. He held an exhibition in collaboration with the Art Society and one of our corporate members, the House of Angostura, in November 2024. At that exhibition we had a number of students attending and Mr Boothman performed, because he’s also an excellent musician and so it was really good to have him in the space with his friends and family, as well as members of the Art Society.

“So we were able to spend some time with him quite recently, and we were all very appreciative of that. He even sent New Year's greetings to us last week, so we were still in contact with him.

“We extend condolences to the family on his passing.”

As the news of Boothman's death spread, tributes also poured in on social media.

Music writer and promoter Nigel Campbell took to Facebook to post a tribute.

“One of our finest songwriters passed, quietly in his sleep, as I understand, and his passing continues the decimation of legacy in the arts that showed so much promise during our country's march to Independence...

“If you were close enough or old enough, you would remember that he was the only local songwriter to win three Caribbean Song Festivals and three National Song Festivals...

“Roger was a songwriter, musician, and an artist of worth, displaying that supernormal trait of creative excellence present in those Holder-Boothman genes. As his family and friends reconcile his legacy, noting his more recent struggles, we should look back as we look forward in how we note success or journeyman status in our greatest gift to the world, our words and ultimately our music.

"Sincere condolences to Michael, David and the rest of his siblings and extended family and friends in music. Gone but not forgotten. May he rest in peace and his legacy rise forever.”

This story was originally published with the title "Artist, songwriter Roger Boothman has died" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

NOTABLE songwriter, tutor, and artist Roger Boothman has died.

In 2024 he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his dedicated service and contribution to culture and the arts.

Boothman began painting in the mid-1960s at Tranquility Primary School, Port of Spain and went on to the Tranquility Secondary School, where he graduated with a distinction in art in 1975.

He was the first Trinidadian to win the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) award and won both first and second place at the local Commonwealth Song Competition in 1993.

He served in the Artists Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago from 2009-2014, promoting local artists and musicians. Boothman was also a nurturer of emerging talent having tutored artists such as Nadella Benjamin, Jerell Forbes, Roland "Rembunction" Yearwood, Felix Marcano, Shivaungh Simmons and Russel Aching.

A family member said Boothman died peacefully in his sleep.

He was the brother of Michael, David and Lisa Boothman and nephew of Geoffrey and Boscoe Holder.