15 July 2000
For Immediate Release
SUNSHINE Awards®
Pay Tribute To Ras Shorty I
Teaneck, New Jersey, USA …………… The SUNSHINE Awards™ organization
today released the following statement on the occasion of the death of Ras
Shorty I (Garfield Blackman).
The SUNSHINE Awards™ joins the people and Government of Trinidad and Tobago
in mourning the passing of one of our most distinguished performing artistes and
musicians, Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman). A wonderful singer and songwriter,
his career was marked with excellence and great creative achievement. The world
of music has truly lost a remarkable talent.
While he leaves behind a rich musical legacy, one filled with inspired and
meaningful lyrics and excellent music, Shorty will probably be best remembered
as the "Father of Soca". It was due to his inspired musical genius
that Soca was born. His commitment and belief in his musical vision, which saw
the possibilities of blending two diverse musical sounds, resulted in the
explosion on the music scene of the new and dynamic beat of Soca. His creation
of this new sound brought about a positive change to calypso and helped to
revitalize and internationalize the music. Today Soca is enjoyed by music lovers
throughout the world.
Shorty will be remembered for having lived his life firmly committed to his
spiritual beliefs. His music, over the years, evolved and reflected this new
dimension to his life. We shall miss his inspiring and soulful lyrics, as well
as the sound of his rich and beautiful voice. I shall personally miss a
performing artiste whom I also considered a friend, one whose musical
craftsmanship was, for me, a source of inspiration. He was a kind and generous
man, who served as a mentor to many aspiring musicians. An excellent performer,
Shorty enjoyed great popularity and was a recipient of a SUNSHINE Award, as well
as a special award from the 1st Indo-Caribbean Music Awards. He has secured for
himself a permanent place of honour in Caribbean musical history.
It is, therefore, with much sadness that, on behalf of the SUNSHINE Awards™,
I offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ras Shorty I and to the
people and Government of Trinidad & Tobago, as we mourn the loss of this
unique and remarkable man. To this I add my own personal expression of sympathy
at this time of mourning.
Gilman T. Figaro, Sr.
Founder/Chairman of the
SUNSHINE Awards™
