Previous Story
Kamla pays tribute to Winston Bailey, Calypsonian “Mighty Shadow”
Posted On 23 Oct 2018
Trinidad and Tobago has lost a gifted songwriter and storyteller, Winston Bailey, known to all as Mighty Shadow.
Winston made an indelible contribution to our music and culture and had a distinct style of his own. He was born in Belmont, Trinidad, but grew up in Les Coteaux, Tobago, and began creating music from an early age. He is quoted as saying, “I was born with a lot of music in me,” and worked throughout his career to bring this music to life.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of this creative spirit and humble soul, just a few weeks after he marked his 77th birthday.
Shadow won Road March titles in 1974 (Bassman) and 2001 (Stranger) and the Calypso Monarch title in 2000 with “What’s Wrong With Me” and “Scratch Meh Back.” He also won the International Soca Monarch title with “Stranger” in 2001. Bailey was also awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) in 2003 for his contribution to culture.
Shadow’s calypsoes continue to resonate many years after they were written – songs such as “Poverty is Hell” which captured the reality of life in Trinidad and Tobago for many citizens.
Our musicians, artists, writers must be honoured and treasured, and I continue to urge our young people to examine and seek inspiration from the works of our incredibly talented creatives.
As we reflect on the life of this remarkable cultural icon, I leave you with the lyrics of one of his popular calypsoes, “Dingolay”:
“The one who invented music is got to be to terrific, got to be the one who created the sun and the trees, rivers and seas.
Music fills the world with happiness, plenty sweetness and togetherness, music have no friends or enemies.
Everybody could dingolay”
Indeed, Shadow, your music has filled our world with happiness, plenty sweetness and togetherness, and for this, we thank you.
On behalf of the Opposition and on my own behalf, I offer condolences to his family, friends and fans worldwide.
May his soul rest in peace.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition
