Date: 26 January 2002
Contact: Kanchan Paser
Tel: 212-963-0343
Fax: 212-963-1395
e-mail: kanchan@sunshineawards.com
For Immediate Release
SUNSHINE AWARDS'
FAREWELL TO PRETENDER
Teaneck, New Jersey, 26 January, 2002…………… The SUNSHINE Awards®
organization today released the following statement on the occasion of the death
of Alric Farrell "Pretender"
The SUNSHINE Awards™ is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of
Trinidad & Tobago's finest calypsonians, Alric Farrell,
"Pretender" who left us at age 84. With a career spanning over 70
years, his is perhaps one of the longest careers in the calypso world. He leaves
behind a very impressive legacy, one that would certainly be very difficult for
anyone to duplicate.
Pretender was a true calypsonian, one who, throughout his long career,
remained faithful to the traditional structure and style of calypso. Unlike many
of his peers, who borrowed the structure and style from different music genres,
Pretender remained constant in his use of the traditional eight-line verse,
four-line chorus or eight-line verse and chorus of calypso. By keeping alive
this important aspect of the art form, he has passed on to the younger
generation the historical integrity of the music. This is, perhaps, his greatest
contribution to the art form.
This illustrious calypsonian will be remembered as being among the first to
use calypso to lament the injustices done against minorities. Although he was
known as a social commentator par excellence, his songs in fact covered a range
of topics. He was a master of words, using similes, metaphors, hyperboles and
personifications to shroud attacks or defamatory statements in his songs. As an
extemporaneous singer, Pretender was unrivalled. He was an expert at changing
lyrics on stage, singing about members of the audience or spontaneously
commenting on events of the day.
Pretender leaves behind songs such as "Move your foot leh me pass,"
"Never ever worry" and "Lock and Key." His career is
remarkable for its length but more so for the high standard of excellence
maintained throughout those many years. He was twice honored by the Government
of Trinidad & Tobago, with the National Medal of Merit in 1972 and the
Hummingbird Gold Medal in 1994. In 1989 Pretender was recognized for his
outstanding contribution to the music and culture of the Caribbean by being
inducted into the SUNSHINE Awards Hall of Fame.
Gil Figaro, Sr., founder and chairman of the SUNSHINE Awards commented,
"During the past two years, the world of calypso has lost a number of its
premier calypsonians. Pretender now joins that long list of elder statesmen of
calypso who have passed on, those who survived the many evolutionary stages of
the music and helped to preserve the richness and integrity of this unique art
form. The SUNSHINE Awards extends deepest condolence to his family and friends
and joins the Government and people of Trinidad & Tobago in mourning his
loss."
