Date: 22 January 2001
Contact: Kanchan Paser
Tel: 212-963-0343
Fax: 212-963-1395
For Immediate Release
THE SUNSHINE AWARDS™ CONGRATULATES
THE MIGHTY SPARROW
ON CARICOM AWARD AND TUCO TRIBUTE
Teaneck, New Jersey, USA, 22 January 2001….The SUNSHINE Awards™
organization today issued the following statement made by Gil Figaro, Sr.,
Founder and Chairman of the SUNSHINE Awards™:
For over four decades the Mighty Sparrow has remained at the forefront of
calypso. He has entertained, admonished, amused and enlightened us with his
remarkable talent, his irrepressible humor and sharp wit. Undoubtedly the most
popular calypsonian of all times, he continues to entertain and thrill
audiences, young and old, with his inimitable style, showmanship and melodious
voice. It is, therefore, no surprise that he continues to be honoured with
prestigious awards such as the CARICOM award and the TUCO tribute in recognition
of his exceptional accomplishments and his contribution to calypso and
calypsonians.
The SUNSHINE Awards™ takes this opportunity to once again salute this
stellar performer, whose contribution to the art form of calypso and steel band
music is immeasurable. The Mighty Sparrow fought for and brought about radical
changes and improvements for calypsonians and steel band men. He helped to bring
dignity and acceptance to an art form that was once scorned by society. Today,
thanks in part to the global appeal of his own music, calypso is accepted and
loved in all parts of the world.
The SUNSHINE Awards™ has twice recognized the Mighty Sparrow for his
outstanding accomplishments. He is one of only two calypsonians who have been
awarded the SUNSHINE Awards™ Lifetime Achievement Award. The other recipient
was the late Lord Kitchener. The Mighty Sparrow was also inducted in the
SUNSHINE Awards™ Hall of Fame in 1990.
On behalf of the SUNSHINE Awards™, I am, therefore, particularly pleased to
offer our warm congratulations to our good friend, the King of Calypso, Slinger
Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow on being a recipient of the 2001 CARICOM Award and
the TUCO tribute.
