‘Untimely’ death of soca singer <PERSON> leaves Trinidad & Tobago in mourning · Global Voices
Screenshot of Trinbagonian soca performer <PERSON> taken from a YouTube lyrics video for his song ‘Remove Yuhself.’
With the passing of <PERSON> on March 28, Trinidad and Tobago has lost another soca music talent. <PERSON> had been warded in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Arima hospital in east Trinidad, where he died from complications related to COVID-19. He was 59 years old.
SIP your cultural icon #blaxx pic.twitter.com/cd3hJzIqWS
— <PERSON> (@jones_ebo) March 28, 2022
<PERSON>'s unique brand of soca music was widely appreciated by his fans and followers, and he gained a reputation for putting out tunes of a consistently high standard every Carnival season. His songs were melodic, danceable and uplifting. Never shying away from being himself, <PERSON>'s offerings were often quirky and always authentic as he managed to tap into the psyche behind Trinidad and Tobago's jubilant Carnival spirit year after year.
🇹🇹🕊 Our beloved Soca musician <PERSON> has passed away.
“Spread your hands and let go” dear <PERSON> and watch over Trinidad & Tobago and our carnival from the other side!
Ancestors surround us 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹 pic.twitter.com/PpBZCXGaoY
— Trinidad and Tobago Carnival (@carnival_tt) March 28, 2022
As the lead singer of the popular soca band Roy Cape All Stars, <PERSON> performed countless favourites, including 2013's “Leh Go,” which has since become a timeless selection:
One of his biggest hits was 2018's unexpectedly inspirational “Hulk,” which “mashed up” the fete circuit that season:
With lyrics like “What don't kill you should make you stronger,” the song spoke of overcoming obstacles and rising to your full potential. Having paid his dues trying to make it in the soca music arena — he was told he was “too black,” “too fat” and “not marketable” — and having struggled with serious health issues himself, Blaxx was speaking from experience. His authenticity shone through, connecting time and again with his audience.
In October 2020, when he was hospitalised with respiratory issues, a Go Fund Me page was set up on his behalf. 264
As news of his death broke, condolences poured in on various social media channels.
On Twitter, journalist <PERSON> said:
I can't think of a single Blaxx tune I didn't like yuh know.
— <PERSON> (@KejanHaynes) March 28, 2022
On Facebook, <PERSON> said he was one of her favourite soca performers, calling him “upbeat, energetic and joyful […] creating the most incredible vibe and memories”:
A few weeks ago, I [hoped] to see him perform and was saddened that he wasn't able to make it. I wanted to hear him live this carnival season.
This is a truly sad day for the music industry not just in Trinidad & Tobago but the entire Caribbean & diaspora.
May you rest in deep peace, your joyful Soca music made an indelible mark on all of us and made us all ‘feel like hulk'🙏🏾.
Comedian <PERSON> thought that his talent was “seriously underrated”:
Man was a boss vocalist and not just soca. Ah time <PERSON> sang some of those old romantic R&B chunes at an event and the voice… My pores raise and tears start to form.
In extending his sympathy on Facebook, rapso music artiste <PERSON> said:
One thing is for certain: <PERSON> Voice is indelibly etched into our consciousness and our soul.
Others remembered him for his passion and honesty, positivity and optimism, while <PERSON> noted that “Blaxx was an artist who delivered any time and anywhere”:
Fronting what is arguably the hardest working band in soca anywhere on the planet, he was a regular voice in every fete. He had hits and road march contenders. A guaranteed Soca Monarch finalist, he could perform and entertain with the best of them. This is a loss. He performed up until near the end. I hope his legacy and catalogue of songs are recognised and collected for the future. 357