Up-and-Coming Trinidadian Soca Singer <PERSON>’ Journey Comes to an End · Global Voices
Screenshot taken from a YouTube video of <PERSON> cover of <PERSON> “Jesus is Love”.
This is the time of year that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival masquerade bands typically introduce their costume designs for the upcoming season to the thousands of people who participate in what has come to be known as “the greatest show on earth”. The events are usually lavish affairs, with models parading in extravagant costumes and performances by top-level soca music artists.
However, a time to celebrate quickly turned into a time to mourn the sudden passing of Trinidadian soca singer, <PERSON>, who collapsed after performing at Tribe Carnival‘s band launch. The 36-year-old was rushed to the St. Clair Medical Centre, where he could not be saved.
Tribe Carnival's Facebook page called him “a strong, versatile talent whose star was on the rise”. <PERSON> had been performing for over a decade and placed third at the 2017 International Soca Monarch Competition with his hit song, “D Journey”, featuring <PERSON>.
Thank You <PERSON>. 264
May you rest in peace our brother. pic.twitter.com/Ubdc9QCH4B
— TRIBE Carnival (@CarnivalTRIBE) July 16, 2017
As friends and fans mourned their loss, a self-identified “close friend” of the singer, who preferred to remain anonymous, did an interview with the Trinidad Guardian in which he suggested that diet pills may have contributed to <PERSON>’ death. At the time of the interview, an autopsy had not yet been performed. By the time the autopsy report revealed that <PERSON> had died of a heart attack on June 16, 2017, both the interview and the “friend” were already being bashed on social media.
Radio station owner and soca promoter <PERSON> observed:
To write an article based on an anonymous friend and suggest that <PERSON> died from a diet pill , WITHOUT AN AUTOPSY ,,,,I do not comment on the work of media colleagues but this is wrong on several levels , Trinidad Guardian please think about what you achieved with this one
Facebook user <PERSON> added:
The Guardian Newspaper should apologize to <PERSON>'s family […] the reporter & the editor who allowed this ‘speculation’ to make news needs to take an unpaid vacation.
I mean, seriously? […]
Sorry, I maybe [sic] 61 & a little old fashioned, but I find this unacceptable. […]
RIP <PERSON>.
The Red 96.7 FM DJ's radio station family expressed their grief. <PERSON>’ unexpected death also met with an outpouring of heartfelt messages from fans.
<PERSON> posted this video with the caption “RIP,” on her Facebook page:
Radio host <PERSON>, meanwhile, remembered that “We always ended our all conversations with ‘let's make it happen'”, calling <PERSON> “a brother, friend and a positive soul who really defines humility, love and persistence in character”.
On Twitter, some used the hashtag #nokilljoy — one of <PERSON>’ popular sayings — in reactions to his death:
RIP <PERSON> till we meet again.
#NoKillJoy the nation is in mourning pic.twitter.com/I1pxh8pxQt
— RedFMBlazers 96.7 (@redfmblazers) July 16, 2017
Until we meet again my friend safe travels ?? R.I.P <PERSON> #bigbrotherdev#nokilljoy… https://t.co/3yx6MTLLRt
— <PERSON> (@hypahoppa) July 16, 2017
Others were simply stunned:
This one real hurting me… ? RIP <PERSON> ?
— <PERSON> ?? (@AaronFingal) July 16, 2017
“Always ask <PERSON> for d guidance and protection u need against all evil” everytime <PERSON> coming off air he used to say dis ? sigh
— ● NubianPrincess ® (@5starSlim) July 16, 2017
Even though the online community could hardly believe he was gone, they had faith that <PERSON>’ musical legacy would live on, with one Twitter user quoting a line from his 2017 Carnival hit:
If the rumors are true, RIP <PERSON>. 357