T&T mourns death of Mighty Duke

Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the death of the The Mighty Duke. The veteran calypsonian yesterday died at the Ellerslie Private Hospital in St Clair Wednesday afternoon. He was 76. He had been suffering from myelofibrosis, an incurable disease that prevents the body from producing new blood cells.

Kelvin Pope was born in St. Vincent in 1932 and settled in Point Fortin when he first came to Trinidad.

Caplypso was his one great love and he began his career while working at the Shell Oil Company. He told his family he would sing full time and give up his well-paying job in the oilfield, a move that led to the breakup of his marriage.

But he was determined to make the cultural breakthrough. He did more than that. He not only made his dream a reality, be went on to become one of the most versatile calypsonians ever, holding the record of winning the National Calypso Monarch title four years in a row.

Like many of his peers, Duke's work explored social issues, black pride, political issues, humour and romance. But he also responded to the "jump and wine" music for the steel pan. And he also composed hit songs for others.

He left his hometown in the 1950s and joined the Southern Brigade Calypso Tent in San Fernando where he made a name for himself before moving to Port of Spain in 1964 to sing with the Original Young Brigade, challenging even the legendary Sparrow.

His first national title came in 1968, winning the National Calypso Monarch title with "What Is Calypso" and "Social Bacchanal". There was no turning back. Duke did it again for the next three years with such memorable hits as "Black Is Beautiful" and "Brotherhood of Man".

He became the National Road March king with with "Thunder" in 1967. Three years later the nation honoured him with the Hummingbird Medal Silver for his contribution to calypso.

Culture icon, Calypsonian Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool was emotional. “At this time words fail me," he told the Trinidad Guardian, "but I was happy to say a prayer at his bedside with his son Constable Wendell Pope and his wife Rebecca, while he was going.

“There are very few people in the entertainment world who have scaled the towers of composing and singing calypsoes like Duke...Every one of his calypsoes was a gem and I easily remember the album Harps of Gold,” Chalkdust added.

Chairman of Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (Tuco) Eric Taylor said he was "very, very, distressed" with the death of Duke. The Pink Panther told the Guardian, “We have lost another jewel in the crown of calypso...We at TUCO join with the rest of the nation in mourning Duke’s passing."

And Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow was in shock. "I never knew him to be so sick to leave us this way. Wow, another champion has gone.... c’est la vie...I guess he did it his way, and remember he is the only one to win four times in a row.”

The United National Congress has extended its condolences to Duke's family.

A news release from the opposition leader's office says the calypsonian's contribution to the development and growth of the indigenous art form is priceless, adding that he rose to the pinnacle of his field by exploring new styles and genres, exploring them to the fullest and mastering them.

"Not only has he redefined our culture but through his music he immortalized people and events and provided commentary for nation building," the party said, noting that his achievements are even larger that the distinction of four consecutive Monarchs and Road march.

The party said perhaps the most valuable lesson from Duke's life is "that those who seek immortality in culture must broaden their base and aim for excellence."