‘He Was Our Voice’: Makhoul Pays Tribute to the Mighty Sparrow

Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, has paid tribute to the Mighty Sparrow, describing the late calypso legend as a storyteller and cultural compass whose influence reached across the Caribbean.

Sparrow, born Slinger Francisco, died at age 91. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully in New York after a brief illness. apnews.com
In a statement extending condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda and the Festivals Commission, Makhoul said his death represented a loss for the entire region.

“The Mighty Sparrow was more than a legendary calypsonian. He was our voice, our storyteller, our teacher, and our cultural compass,” she said.

Makhoul said his music reflected the laughter, resilience, struggles and triumphs of Caribbean people, helping generations understand and celebrate their identity.

Although born in Grenada and closely associated with Trinidad and Tobago, she said Sparrow’s cultural significance extended beyond national borders.

“Every Caribbean nation saw itself in his music. We embraced him as our own because he spoke to our experiences, our culture, and our identity,” she said.

The Commission chairperson described his contribution to calypso and Caribbean music as immeasurable, saying his influence could be seen in generations of performers and songwriters who use music to tell the region’s stories.

“He did not just sing calypso. He transformed it. He elevated the artform. He carried it beyond our shores and onto the world stage,” Makhoul said.

She extended condolences to Sparrow’s family, friends, fellow artists and the people of Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, expressing gratitude for his contribution to Caribbean culture.

Makhoul also urged the public to preserve his legacy by continuing to play his music, study his craft and honour his role in shaping Caribbean identity.

“Legends do not die when their voices fall silent. They live on in every stage they inspired, every song they shaped and every heart they touched,” she said.