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A November to Remember…The Mighty Sparrow promises an Unforgettable Evening
By Kiana Wilburg
Even at age 79, the Mighty Sparrow proved at a press briefing yesterday that the appendages of old age have had no effect on the still intoxicating nuances that are distinctive to the voice of the undisputed “King of Calypso of the World.”
The Mighty Sparrow
The press briefing was held at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown which is Guyana’s premier Entertainment Spot.
Former Minister of Tourism and Chairman of Palm Court, Manniram Prashad told the media that he is pleased to have the Calypso King once again in Guyana. And after the official greetings and remarks were done for the celebrated calypsonian, the floor was finally left open for the Mighty Sparrow.
Sparrow expressed much joy to be back in Guyana to perform and reflected on his fondest memories since his first trip to Guyana in the 1950s. He spoke about his undying love for Guyanese cuisine and even remarked that his favourite alcoholic beverage remains, “a cold Banks beer.”
Even after suffering a stroke last year which landed him in a coma, news of his consciousness had lifted spirits of fans all across the world. And the Mighty Sparrow has been recovering well and continues to deliver moving performances.
Slinger Francisco is expected to provide his audience with a repertoire of his greatest hits and he even treated media operatives to a mini performance which included classics like—The Congo Man, Witch Doctor and Lying Excuses.
While promoters revealed that a classy one-hour performance is scheduled for tonight, knowing the crowd-pleasing Sparrow, it is highly likely that the show can go longer.
The Mighty Sparrow has enjoyed a successful career that spans over 40 years. The music of the Caribbean Icon is celebrated throughout the world and he has been an inspiration to many aspiring calypsonians. Asked yesterday for the secret to maintaining such a vibrant and flourishing career, Francisco said, “Humility, Hard work and some pleasures here and there. Don’t try to rush this life. Take it easy. Take time to meet and greet people and connect with the ordinary people. It is so many things that contribute to a successful career but what has worked for me over the years is always being true to oneself and don’t try too hard to impress.”
The Mighty Sparrow said that patrons can certainly look forward to an entertaining evening and he promises to make sure it’s unforgettable.
Many local aspiring calypsonians have professed their love for the Calypso King. Based on the music he has been listening to from some locals over the years, The Mighty Sparrow asserted that Guyana is indeed flooded with much talent. His message to the local calypsonians is, “Always try to be creative. Be funny. Be different. But important as well is to find your own style and develop it. If you look at my good friend, Lord Canary, that man is a star, a stalwart in his own right, you know. He developed his own style. People know a Lord Canary style when they hear it or a Lord Nelson or a Lord Kitchener. Don’t be a reminder of anybody. That’s the hard part, but with hard work you can do it. Calypso is a beautiful genre. But you have to take your time with it. Don’t rush it. Write your lyrics, put it down for a few days and go back to it. Good calypso is like good wine; it matures and tastes better with time.”
Additionally, the Mighty Sparrow also stated that he would welcome a tribute by one of his biggest Guyanese fans, a Calypsonian known as John Mighty Blue Flame. The 67-year-old told Kaieteur News yesterday that he wrote a song for the King of Calypso since 2013 and it would be “a dream come true” if promoters would give him the opportunity to perform the song for his childhood idol.
For those who have not been able to secure a ticket for the night of cultural flavor and sophistication tonight, a limited stock will be available at Palm Court.
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