Hundreds bid farewell to Calypso icon ‘Mighty Rebel’

Jun 11, 2018 News

Hundreds, including senior Government officials, yesterday attended the home-going celebrations for popular calypsonian, ‘Mighty Rebel’, who entertained crowds for decades with stinging social commentary through his music.

The late Geofrey Phillips aka ‘Mighty Rebel’

Rebel, whose real name was Geofrey Phillips, was entombed in his former home village of Good Intent, West Bank Demerara following a motorcade from the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
His casket was emblazoned with the songs that earned him six national calypso titles, which made him the most decorated Guyanese performer in the history of the art form.
The songs were ‘Second Hand Man’ (1977); ‘Dessy Yo Wrong (1993); ‘Political Lies’ (1997); ‘Ask the President (2001); ‘Is We Put You Deh’ (2007); ‘All ah we Know de Man’ (2010).
A microphone and the words ‘Mighty Rebel’ also featured on the casket.
The funeral service at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall attracted glowing tributes from fellow Calypsonians and persons who shared fond memories of the ‘short man’, who brought melody to many of the political wrongs facing Guyana, regardless of the Government in power.
He wrote more than 700 songs and performed more than 5,000 times around the world. His singing ability was personally acknowledged by the State of California, as well as the then Mayor of Ottawa, Marian Dewar, in 1981.
Those who have had the pleasure of meeting him can attest to his unassuming, friendly personality and quick-witted nature.
Rebel was featured as a Kaieteur News Special Person in 2009 and shared his secret to success.
“Don’t enter the arena for money since there is none to be gained. You have to love it with a passion,” Rebel stated during that interview.
The Mighty Rebel was born in Evans Street, Charlestown, but later moved to Good Intent.
He died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on May 31. He was 72.