National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago remembers icon Slinger Francisco ahead of his birthday

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: The National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago has remembered the renowned calypsonian and Caribbean icon, Slinger Francisco, who is fondly known as the Mighty Sparrow. The legend was remembered on the occasion of his 88th birthday.

While remembering the legend, the organisation mentioned, “This week, the world-renowned calypsonian and Caribbean icon, Slinger Francisco, aka the Mighty Sparrow, celebrates his 88th birthday!”

“We at the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago wish him a very Happy Birthday!” it stated while extending heartfelt congratulations towards the veteran singer.

As per the update shared by the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago, Sparrow was born on July 9th 1935, in Grand Roi Village, Grenada and rose to calypso stardom in Trinidad during the 1950s. Since his calypso debut at the Old Brigade Tent in South Quay in 1955, Sparrow’s music has changed the lives of listeners around the world.

It further praised the legend by counting his work, which has attracted the general public towards him. The Mighty Sparrow, who was crowned Calypso King twice, is an eight-time Calypso Monarch and Road March winner. He has performed across the Caribbean, Africa, the United States, Canada, and Europe and has been celebrated in each of these regions.

“#DidYouKnow in 1977, the Government of Nigeria honoured him with Chieftaincy status?” it added.

National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago further outlined that Sparrow has also received accolades in the United States, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Barbados, Jamaica, and, of course, in Trinidad and Tobago, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of the West Indies in 1987, and the Chaconia Medal (Gold) by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 1993.

More recently, in 2001, Sparrow was presented with the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) Award by CARICOM, who described him as “the Caribbean’s most celebrated and renowned entertainer, social commentator and ambassador extraordinaire.”

In addition to this, it shared a photo of the Mighty Sparrow, which is courtesy of the magazine, “1972 Calypsoes: With Notes For Tourists.” This magazine is part of the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival Magazine Collection.