Calypsonian Brother Valentino has died at 85. He was known as the People’s Calypsonian for his social commentary.
Brother Valentino, the Grenada-born calypsonian whose songs argued for equality, Black identity and the concerns of ordinary people, has died. He was 85.
Born Emrold Anthony Phillip in Cherry Hill, Grenada, on July 7, 1941, he died Tuesday, according to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) confirmed his death Wednesday. The cause of death and funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Valentino moved to Trinidad as a young child and grew up in St. James. His father’s death interrupted his schooling, and he worked as a printer, electrician, mechanic and tailor before turning to music. He later recalled that listening to calypso on the radio in a tailor shop helped turn his interest into a calling. Inspired by the Mighty Sparrow, he began performing in the early 1960s. He joined Lord Kitchener’s tent, where he took the name Valentino. During the Black Power movement of the 1970s he became Brother Valentino. The late Black Stalin called him “the People’s Calypsonian,” according to the Trinidad Express.
His songs addressed racial inequality, poverty, political authority and the search for dignity. “No Revolution” brought him wider notice as a voice for Black consciousness in 1971. His other defining works included “Life Is a Stage,” “Barking Dogs” and “Dis Place Nice.” His 1979 anti-apartheid anthem “Stay Up Zimbabwe” carried his message across the Caribbean, and he followed it with “Ah Wo (Brand New Revolution)” in 1980. His 1975 solo production “Poet and Prophet” sold out eight shows. He toured and performed in the United States, appeared with Black Stalin in “Blood Brothers” and was a founding member of Kaiso House.
Valentino won the Veterans Calypso Monarch title in 2005 with “Where Kaiso Went.” His honors included a Sunshine Award, recognition for 50 years as a performing artist and the Hummingbird Medal, Gold. He never won the national Calypso Monarch crown, but he regarded his title “The People’s Calypsonian” as a greater honor. He urged young people to learn calypso’s history and said the art form should keep its power to tell people’s stories.
TUCO said the calypso fraternity mourned his passing and that his fearless voice and powerful social commentary expressed the struggles, hopes and experiences of generations. It extended condolences to his family, loved ones, fellow artists and all who were touched by his music. Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin described him as a voice for the voiceless and a conscience for the nation, according to the Rio Times. His death comes weeks after that of the Mighty Sparrow, whose funeral was held in Port of Spain on Oct. 16.