Opposition Leader pays tribute to Brother Resistance
I was met with great sadness when I learned of the passing of cultural icon Lutalo Masimba (Roy Lewis), better known as Brother Resistance.
I came to know Brother Resistance over the years and particularly during my term as Prime Minister. He was a warm, humble and kind person.
Brother Resistance was a true artist and innovator, pioneering the emergence of Rapso music in the 1970s.
Among his many hits, one, in particular, stands out as a real masterpiece – “Mother Earth”. Initially chosen as the theme song for World Environment Day in the Caribbean, “Mother Earth” quickly became the anthem for environmentalists across the region.
In his song “Cyar Take That” a lamentation as to the inequalities in society he warns those in authority, “Life under poverty, is endless agony”. His was a life that stood true to his sobriquet: a man for the masses, a Brother, who will stand and resist oppression.
Brother Resistance represented the very best of Trinidad and Tobago. His genius will live on through his music which will continue to inspire generations to come.
Even as our country mourns the loss of this great talent, we celebrate his legacy. I offer my sincere condolences to his friends, colleagues, fellow artists, and family at this time.
As Brother Resistance would say “Rapso artists don’t die-they multiply.”
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition