The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) confirmed the sudden passing of SOCA artist Hilton “Ghetto Flex” Dalzell on June 20 in St. Vincent. He was 51.
Founder of Imij and Company Joey Ng Wai confirmed that he died of a heart attack at a hospital.
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National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters expressed shockand sadness at the news when contacted by local media. He said, “I have known him since he was a child; I know his father very well. If that is so, I want to express my condolences to his family. He was a very nice young man.”
His music catalog featured popular tracks such as “Rock Your Body” with Denise Belfon, “Soca Daddy,” and “Wine and Bend Over,” also featuring Belfon, and he was the front line vocalist for Second Imij from 1989 to 1997 and then the front line vocalist for Imij and Company from 2000 to 2013. He reunited with the band in 2023.
The announcement of his passing led to an outpouring of condolences from fellow artists, Denise Belfon and Bunji Garlin, with whom he had collaborated.
On his Instagram page, Bunji Garlin wrote, “This individual is a legend! Rest in peace, brother Ghetto Flex. Your musical impact continues to resonate with us today and will influence future generations. He never hesitated to give me and others the spotlight on stage, and his collaboration with musical partner Char Su revolutionized the soca genre, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for a long time. Thank you for your mentorship, for treating many of us like family, and for always supporting us behind the scenes, even when you couldn’t be there.”
Belfon wrote in an Instagram post: “How do I start? I believe is a book I need to do in dedication to you…yuh transitioned today and I am heart brokennnnnn my friend, my brother, my best friend since we 17 years old.”
