Benjai ‘Pulls Up’ on Radio Stations As Black Stalin’s Passing Triggers Emotions.

At around 9:45am on Wednesday, December 28th, Dr. Leroy Calliste, best known in the entertainment world as The Back Stalin, took his final breath. He had been ailing, following a stroke suffered in 2014. Cared for by his wife and children, Stalin always appeared to be in the best of spirits when interviewed between that time and now. His passing this morning has however been met with tremendous sadness across the Calypso and Soca fraternity, as he was certainly revered as a wonderful spirit, a dedicated family man, a cultural gate keeper and a patriot.

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Calypsonians Association, in its message on his passing, said, “He was known for his militant Rastafarian and black nationalist lyrics,” noting that he had won the Calypso Monarch competition for the first time in 1979 (with “Caribbean Man” and “Play One”) and went on to win it again in 1985, 1987, 1991 and 1995. He also won the Calypso King of the World title in 1999.

In an immediate social media LIVE expression on the passing of Stalin, well known Soca artist, Benjai, known for his authentic calypso-styled delivery, lamented that Stalin’s music would only now be played by radio stations. “Don’t wait until an icon pass away and then play the icon music,” he argued, calling on other artistes to stand in solidarity to ensure that other icons of Calypso are treated with the respect that they truly deserve.

Benjai has unleashed new music ahead of Carnival 2023. As he’s always managed to do, Benjai maintains a strong calypso sound in his delivery, putting his money where his mouth is and maintaining authenticity when it comes to his craft.