Date: 12 September 2001
Contact: Kanchan Paser
Tel: 212-963-0343
Fax: 212-963-1395
e-mail: kanchan@sunshineawards.com
For Immediate Release
SUNSHINE AWARDS® EXPRESSES SORROW
AT DEATH OF WAYNE RODRIGUEZ
Teaneck, New Jersey, 12 September, 2001…………… The SUNSHINE Awards®
organization today released the following statement:
It is with much sorrow that the SUNSHINE Awards® has learned of the sudden
and unexpected death of calypsonian Wayne Rodriguez. Wayne was a talented
performer, and his death has brought to an abrupt end a bright and promising
career. The SUNSHINE Awards® shares the deep sorrow, which is felt by the
Government and people of Trinidad & Tobago at his tragic passing.
Wayne's professional career started with the band Xtatic in 1990. In 1998 he
branched out as a solo performer. He quickly established himself on the music
scene as a performer of great promise. He will be remembered for songs such as
"Calypso Nice", "Answering the Wind", "I Remember
Africa" and "Set My Music Free". In 1997 he got to the
semi-finals of the Calypso Monarch competition and in 1998 he won the Trinidad
& Tobago road march with "Footsteps". In that same year he was 3rd
in the Soca National Monarch competition. He was crowned "Young King"
in 1999.
Wayne added to these accomplishments when he received the 1999 SUNSHINE Award
for Best Party Calypso with the very popular song, "Footsteps". This
year he won Canada's Caribana with "Raindrop on my Pan". His Manager,
Alvin Daniels, recalls, "Wayne was a disciplined and meticulous musician,
who always strove for perfection." He also describes him as a quiet and
respectful young man, who was very committed to his family and three young
children.
Gilman Figaro, Sr., Founder and Chairman of the SUNSHINE Awards®, commented,
"It is always a tragedy when we lose someone at such a young age. It is
particularly tragic when it is someone who seems to be on the way to a wonderful
and promising future. Young people are our future and young musicians are the
future of of our musical culture. I feel very saddened that this talented young
artiste is no longer with us. On behalf of the SUNSHINE Awards®, I extend
condolences and sympathy to the members of Wayne's family and to his many
friends. We all mourn his untimely passing."
