Passing of Mr Leroy ‘Black Stalin’ Calliste: Loss of a “Caribbean Man”

Calypsonian, Mr Leroy Calliste, Black Stalin delivers his conferral address at The UWI St. Augustine Graduation ceremonies in 2008.

The University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus, is saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Leroy Calliste, also known as Black Stalin. He was conferred a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) at The UWI’s graduation ceremonies in 2008.

There is no question that the passing of this intrinsic “Caribbean Man” is a tremendous loss – not just to Trinidad and Tobago but to the Caribbean and the Diaspora. Calliste, who was considered one of the major practitioners of traditional Calypso, provided insightful social and political commentary in his compositions.

In 2015, The UWI hosted, in collaboration with Media 21, a successful Benefit Concert in his honour featuring his longtime friend, Roy Cape, and a stellar lineup of his fellow calypsonians.

The UWI extends condolences to his family, friends, and the Calypso fraternity.