The Mighty Sparrow - Calypsonian of the Century

Profiles of Caribbean Artistry

Calypsonian of the Century

The Mighty Sparrow

In the realm of calypso, a kingdom rich in kings, princes and other nobles, it is difficult to isolate an absolute monarch. The citizens of this calypso kingdom are fiercely supportive of their chosen royalties, as the ongoing debate stirred up by Keith Smith has once again demonstrated. In the responses to Keith's invitation to choose the king of the century, two names have been steadily presented: the Lord Kitchener and the Mighty Sparrow. These two have contributed enormously to the art of calypso, and to bow to the practice of selecting just one required the establishment of a fine line encircling certain criteria, particularly the global impact the calypsonian has had, and the influence on the conditions and structure of calypso. Into that circle then, steps the Mighty Sparrow, Slinger Francisco, replete with all the regalia of a king of calypso.