Spektakula Promotions delivers unforgettable tribute to Sparrow

UNFORGETTABLE was the word used to describe the tribute concert for the living legend Slinger "Mighty Sparrow" Francisco, the undisputed King of Calypso, in commemoration of his 90th birthday.

It is what Spektakula Promotions promised and delivered at the first of two thank you tributes, held at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on July 26.

It should have been called the "Saltfish Concert" because that was the theme which resonated throughout the three-and-a-half-hour show featuring ten of his protégé who traversed his over six-decade career to reminisce on some of his gems.

A member of the audience, sitting in the front row with two women, neither of whom, they later confessed, were his wife, started the saltfish mischief.

Claiming he, like Sparrow, was its greatest lover, he engaged in picong with hosts Dr Ross and Tommy Joseph as the curtain rose and the singing of the national anthem ended.

He kept the audience laughing loudly with his many saltfish interjections and accepted the invitation from Dr Ross to join him and Joseph on stage, to deliver a commendable performance of the calypso.

As Sparrow "singing students" mounted the San Fernando platform to reminisce and bring to life his more memorable hits, one of them, Luta (Morel Peters) said, “Sparrow is looking on at the show and told me to do this song (Saltfish) for the fella.”

The crowd broke out in an uproar singing line for line with Luta, who also gave memorable performances of Slave and Good Citizen to end the first half of the show.

“This song, Slave, is most appropriate and timely as we celebrate Emancipation, reflecting on the saddest time African people ever experienced,” Luta said.

It was an evening of music par excellence, delivered with gusto by the chosen artistes, reflecting, past, present and future generations, to cram decades of history into one show.

Opening the show was young Zachary Ransome who showed no nerves as the opening. Instead, he claimed the stage, exuding confidence as he performed the appropriate, Education, the first of three selections.

Dressed in a graduation gown which declared he was a graduate of the class of 2025, he executed a laudable performance of Capitalism gone Mad. He showed prowess when one of his hands holding the mike, got caught in his jacket sleeve as he attempted to take it off before performing Ten to One.

As the band played on, he began waving the hand stuck in the jacket until it came off and he burst into his tune.

He was commended by Joseph who is recovering from a stroke.

“When you see young people performing like that you must appreciate them, because too many young people are going the wrong way,” Joseph said.

Seasoned performer Pink Panter (Eric Taylor) also used the platform to put to an end to questions about his selection to pay tribute to the "Birdie." as he was a Kitchener (Aldyn Roberts) supporter.

“All who want to create division and split among the bards, Kitch and Sparrow were always close, and it is a privilege to be representing Kitch to pay tribute to Sparrow the supreme King of Calypso.”

His selections were Memories, in which he included lines to remember Black Stalin and Ken “Professor” Philmore who would have died long after the calypso was recorded. He also did Obeah Wedding and No Money, No Love.

Mr Walker and All Dem Tobago Guyl were chosen by Oscar B to celebrate the icon who has won many calypso and road march crowns.

Singer Sascha showed the versatility of the calypsonian as she performed El Reloj, which Sparrow said was taught to him by Lucho Gatica from Brazil. Sascha, like Sparrow, performed it in both Spanish and English.

Using his deep, sexy voice, KV Charles showed the romantic side of the Birdie with Only a Fool Breaks his own Heart, as well as Mae Mae, mimicking the antics of the Birdie.

Devon Seales with his golden voice brought some sanity to the stage as he belted out another gem, Model Nation, but then the ‘bacchanalist’ in him emerged with an energetic performance of Both Ah Dem, including two dancers who battled for his attention.

Royalty paying tribute to royalty was what Terri Lyons, a queen in her own rights, apart from being the daughter of a king, did. Bringing her own brand of excitement, Lyons lit up the stage with Bang Bang Lulu and Jane.

Chuck Gordon continued the excitement with Federation and Lying Excuses, which he owned and imprinted his own brand. He also delivered an unforgettable performance of Phillip My Dear, showing the mastery of the Birdie who immortalised the incident in which Michael Fagan broke into Buckingham Palace in the royal bedroom of the late Queen Elizabeth while Prince Phillip was absent.

“Sparrow is the greatest calypsonian of all times. He could stand up to the likes of Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley,” Gordon boasted.

Ronnie Mc Intosh encountered some challenges with the band and abruptly ended his set after performing Congo Man and Drunk and Disorderly.

Bringing the curtains down on a fantastic show was College Boy Jesse who ended with Margarita, Marajhin and Jean and Dinah.

The second show takes place on July 31 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port of Spain.