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Mighty Sparrow Speaks ,
And it ’ s Music to Our Ears by Gemma Raeburn-Baynes
The Spice Island Cultural Festival in Montreal is back in July with another virtual edition that is sure to delight your ears and taste buds alike . Until then , music lovers can whet their appetites with a preview of things to come : Grenadian musical legend and “ Calypso King of the World ”, The Mighty Sparrow !
In conversation with Festival President Byron “ Doggie ” Cameron , himself a renowned calypso musician , Slinger Francisco , The Mighty Sparrow – who turns 86 on July 9 , spoke of his deep connection to Grenada and Grenadians , who proudly consider him one of their own .
Grenada is where the Supreme serenaded calypso king of the world was born ,” he said , speaking from his home . “ And each time I tell you this , you know it ’ s true . Because the Mighty Sparrow is the king .”
The king , as it were , hails from the city of Grand Roy , where no one dares make trouble . Why , you ask ? “ Because the Mighty Sparrow will be there , blocking you .” Grand Roy is where he calls home , and it ’ s a point of pride for people like Cameron , who have always claimed him as their own .
Although Sparrow has lived in Trinidad since a young boy , Grenadians will always claim him as their own , and rightfully so because there is only one . There are many imitators , but only one man ( or Sparrow , for that matter ) can wear the crown . The question , who inspired and influenced this living legend who helped define the calypso sound ?
“ Lord Invader , Lord Kitchener , Mighty Spoiler , Lord Christo … but there are so many more .” Which of course begs the question : did the Sparrow stand toe-to-toe with those who came before him ?
“ Of course ! I had to beat them before I could win my crown . In 1956 I became the supreme calypso king of the world !” Sparrow is known for his many great hits such as Jean & Dinah , Ten to One is Murder , Drunk and Disorderly and Saltfish . One special song which came to Cameron was “ The Slave ”, which Sparrow went on to reminisce about .
The Spice Island Cultural Day Festival is Quebec ’ s official celebration of Grenada , Carriacou and Petite Martinique . Now in its fourth year , the multi-disciplinary event offers a dizzying array of talented chefs , spectacular fashion shows , visual artists , legendary musicians and more .
The entire interview of the Mighty Sparrow can be viewed at the Spice Island Cultural Festival YouTube Channel . Tune in on July 10 at the Spice Island Cultural Festival to see a part of the interview with the Birdie , as he is affectionally called .