On the evening of July 26, the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando was transformed into a vibrant epicenter of music, culture, and reverence as Trinidad and Tobago—and the wider Caribbean—paid tribute to a towering figure in calypso: The Mighty Sparrow, Slinger Francisco ORTT. The occasion, titled Thank You, Sparrow, was a spectacular, star-studded homage to the legendary artist, who turned 90 on July 9.
Produced by Spektakula Promotions, the event celebrated the life and legacy of the “Calypso King of the World” with a musical journey through Sparrow’s unparalleled discography. A sold-out audience filled the concert hall, echoing with applause, laughter, and the unmistakable rhythms of calypso, as a multigenerational lineup of performers reimagined Sparrow’s classics with heartfelt flair.
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A Journey Through Legacy
The evening opened on a triumphant note with 11-year-old Zachary Ransome, who delivered a spirited medley of Education, Capitalism Gone Mad, and Ten to One. With confidence and charisma well beyond his years, Ransome’s performance drew rousing applause and set a celebratory tone for the night.
Veteran calypsonian Luta followed, delivering evocative renditions of Slave, Saltfish, and Good Citizens, skillfully balancing sharp social commentary with humor. Pink Panther kept the energy high with theatrical and witty interpretations of Memories, Obeah Wedding, and No Money, No Love.
The program flowed seamlessly, with each artist adding their own voice to the Sparrow legacy. Oscar B lit up the room with crowd favorites Mr Walker and All Dem Tobago Gyul, while Sascha seduced the audience with a sultry take on El Reloj. KV Charles brought soulful depth to Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart and Mae Mae, capturing the emotional resonance of Sparrow’s ballads.
Devon Seales commanded the stage with spirited performances of Model Nation and Both Ah Dem, showcasing the lyrical sharpness and stagecraft that defined Sparrow’s political calypsos. Terri Lyons infused the night with playful energy in her renditions of Bang Bang Lulu and Jane, eliciting broad smiles and cheers from the audience.
The patriotic fervor surged as Chuck Gordon presented powerful interpretations of Federation, Lying Excuses, and Phillip My Dear—songs that once served as lyrical soundtracks to Caribbean nation-building and political discourse.
Then came a burst of soca-driven joy as Ronnie McIntosh had the crowd on its feet with Carnival anthems like Congo Man and Drunk and Disorderly, bridging Sparrow’s calypso roots with the high-octane pulse of modern soca.
A Fitting Finale
The night reached its exuberant crescendo with College Boy Jesse, whose electrifying renditions of Margarita, Marajhin, and the timeless Jean and Dinah brought the audience to its feet. His dynamic stage presence and vibrant delivery served as a fitting tribute to a man whose music has captivated generations.
From sharp satire to tender ballads, from rousing anthems to Carnival revelry, Thank You, Sparrow was more than a concert—it was a cultural reckoning, a musical memoir, and a love letter to one of the Caribbean’s most enduring voices.
As the final note faded and the crowd offered a standing ovation, it was clear: The Mighty Sparrow’s reign as Calypso King remains unchallenged, his music a living monument to the spirit, soul, and wit of the Caribbean people.
