Trinidad and Tobago and the entertainment fraternity in the Caribbean will certainly miss Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore. The Ace Pannist, composer and arranger died on Sunday morning at 9:30am, having been hospitalized after a vehicular accident on Republic Day in Trinidad.

Ken Professor Philmore was a gem to Trinidad and Tobago

Philmore’s name is revered on the entertainment landscape in Trinidad and Tobago and his sudden passing at the age of 53 has certainly left a void that could never be filled. In a press statement, Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Communications, Stuart Young said, ” Through this music, he did this country proud wherever he played, bringing recognition not only to our country, but to our beloved national instrument, the steel pan. He showed us that through dedication and love for the art form, it was possible to become one of the best.”

On social media, entertainment professionals have been expressing their grief. Production house, MasterMind Productions posted, “Today we lost a true cultural icon. Rest in Peace Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the magic.”

New York city Soca DJ, DJ Spice said this one certainly struck home, meanwhile female musical duo, Xavier Strings also expressed sadness, saying:

“We mourn….such a beautiful soul gone too soon…his smile lit a room. Never have we experienced a more humble, talented, buoyant spirit.”