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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.