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A major musical tribute featuring leading Trinidad and Tobago entertainers is set to headline the national farewell for calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow on Friday, October 16, bringing together performers, cultural figures and regional representatives to celebrate the life and influence of Slinger Francisco. The ceremony at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain will include performances by soca stars Machel Montano and Destra Garcia, alongside SuperBlue, Shurwayne Winchester, Aaron Duncan, Chuck Gordon, Kurt Allen and Crazy, whose given name is Edwin Ayoung. Steel orchestras, Moko Jumbies and traditional mas are also expected to contribute to the programme. Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin told the Trinidad Express that seating at NAPA is limited. She invited members of the public to line Frederick Street or gather at the Grand Stand of the Queen's Park Savannah to view the funeral. The ceremony is also scheduled to be broadcast live on TTT and WACK TV, with updates available through the ministry's social media channels. The procession is scheduled to leave Independence Square at 10 a.m. and proceed along Frederick Street to NAPA. The programme will begin with the national anthem, performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago. Hosts Rhea Roopchansingh and Mark Anthony are expected to deliver the welcome and opening remarks, followed by a prayer and blessing from Monsignor Martin Sirju. Family members will play a prominent role in the ceremony. Sparrow's daughter, Michelle Francisco, is scheduled to deliver the eulogy, while his granddaughter, Ashley Hutchinson, will present a poem in his honour. A video presentation titled “The Mighty Sparrow and His Legacy” will reflect on his life, career and achievements. The musical reflections are expected to begin with Karen Francisco performing “My Way”, followed by “Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart”, performed by Francisco and Samuel Thomas Jr. Destra Garcia is scheduled to perform “Eye on the Sparrow” before the Prime Minister's tribute. Other listed performances include SuperBlue singing “Joy in My Soul”, Crazy performing “Memories”, and Sheldon Reid delivering Sparrow's classic “Slave”. Benjamin said Sparrow's family had shaped the programme and that arrangements had proceeded with its blessing. She described the farewell as a national responsibility, emphasising that the singer's contribution extended beyond Trinidad and Tobago to the wider Caribbean and the world. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to deliver a special tribute and outline plans for preserving Sparrow's legacy for future generations. The event is also expected to attract Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, representatives from other Caribbean countries, members of the diplomatic corps, government ministers, cultural figures and former national leaders. Sparrow, who died aged 91 on September 27, was celebrated for a career spanning more than six decades and for songs that combined humour, social commentary and political satire. The farewell's extensive musical programme reflects the central place his work occupies in Trinidad and Tobago's cultural history. With family tributes, performances and national participation at its centre, the ceremony is intended to honour both the individual behind the music and the lasting influence of his catalogue on Caribbean identity.
A major musical tribute featuring leading Trinidad and Tobago entertainers is set to headline the national farewell for calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow on Friday, October 16, bringing together performers, cultural figures and regional representatives to celebrate the life and influence of Slinger Francisco.
The ceremony at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain will include performances by soca stars Machel Montano and Destra Garcia, alongside SuperBlue, Shurwayne Winchester, Aaron Duncan, Chuck Gordon, Kurt Allen and Crazy, whose given name is Edwin Ayoung. Steel orchestras, Moko Jumbies and traditional mas are also expected to contribute to the programme.
Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin told the Trinidad Express that seating at NAPA is limited. She invited members of the public to line Frederick Street or gather at the Grand Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah to view the funeral. The ceremony is also scheduled to be broadcast live on TTT and WACK TV, with updates available through the ministry’s social media channels.
The procession is scheduled to leave Independence Square at 10 a.m. and proceed along Frederick Street to NAPA. The programme will begin with the national anthem, performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago. Hosts Rhea Roopchansingh and Mark Anthony are expected to deliver the welcome and opening remarks, followed by a prayer and blessing from Monsignor Martin Sirju.
Family members will play a prominent role in the ceremony. Sparrow’s daughter, Michelle Francisco, is scheduled to deliver the eulogy, while his granddaughter, Ashley Hutchinson, will present a poem in his honour. A video presentation titled “The Mighty Sparrow and His Legacy” will reflect on his life, career and achievements.
The musical reflections are expected to begin with Karen Francisco performing “My Way”, followed by “Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart”, performed by Francisco and Samuel Thomas Jr. Destra Garcia is scheduled to perform “Eye on the Sparrow” before the Prime Minister’s tribute. Other listed performances include SuperBlue singing “Joy in My Soul”, Crazy performing “Memories”, and Sheldon Reid delivering Sparrow’s classic “Slave”.
Benjamin said Sparrow’s family had shaped the programme and that arrangements had proceeded with its blessing. She described the farewell as a national responsibility, emphasising that the singer’s contribution extended beyond Trinidad and Tobago to the wider Caribbean and the world.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to deliver a special tribute and outline plans for preserving Sparrow’s legacy for future generations. The event is also expected to attract Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, representatives from other Caribbean countries, members of the diplomatic corps, government ministers, cultural figures and former national leaders.
Sparrow, who died aged 91 on September 27, was celebrated for a career spanning more than six decades and for songs that combined humour, social commentary and political satire. The farewell’s extensive musical programme reflects the central place his work occupies in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural history.
With family tributes, performances and national participation at its centre, the ceremony is intended to honour both the individual behind the music and the lasting influence of his catalogue on Caribbean identity.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
