Kevan Calliste shares ‘Echoes of Black Stalin’

Resilience, revolution and love. These are the qualities that best capture the spirit of the late music icon Black Stalin (Dr Leroy Calliste), according to his grandson, calypsonian Kevan Calliste. “When I think of my grandfather, the images and words that come to mind are resilience, revolutionary spirit, and a deep love for the people of the Caribbean,” Calliste said via WhatsApp.

“His music was rich with messages of empowerment, unity, and justice and he often used his platform to uplift and educate through song.” Black Stalin passed away on December 28, 2022, at the age of 81, after suffering a debilitating stroke eight years earlier. Known as the people’s calypsonian, he delivered socio-political gems like “Caribbean Man” (1979), “Wait Dorothy Wait” (1986) and “We Can Make It” (1989).

In 1991, he cemented his legacy in T&T cultural history with the timeless national party anthem “Black man) Feeling to Party”. “In terms of wisdom his lyrics frequently encouraged standing tall against oppression and injustice, while promoting Caribbean pride and solidarity, Calliste noted. “I hear his voice and the power of his messages echoing in my mind, especially when making music and song writing.

” An all-star affair On October 4, Young Calliste will join a stellar cast of performers and musicians in paying tribute to his legendary grandfather at the “Echoes of the Black Stalin” classic concert, at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA).