On the heels of his passing, the Caribbean community immediately drew for the memories of his heyday, but for those who knew him best, moments shared intimately with The Mighty Sparrow through musical interaction and opportunities presented, will continue to be a solemn reminder of the human being that he was.

Soca King, Machel Montano recalls the opportunities given to him by the legendary entertainer. Sparrow’s timeless hits will live on and for Machel and many other artistes, his death at the age of 91, is a very real reminder of life’s impermanence. “I am flooded with emotions of every kind but most of all, I am filled with joyful memories of moments I’ve shared, lessons I’ve learnt, and music that shaped my very being,” said Montano. In 2008, the pair had collaborated to re-create Sparrow’s classic hit, ‘Congo Man.’ It was certainly a collaboration that will live in Machel’s heart forever.

More than seven decades of service to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, The Mighty Sparrow’s legacy includes honors received from the country he was adopted by from a very young age. He had been awarded the Hummingbird Medal Silver in 1969, the Chaconia Medal Gold in 1993 and the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2014, for his inimitable contribution to one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most enduring musical art forms, Calypso.

Shurwayne Winchester, in paying tribute to the icon, said, “In every lifetime, your presence would be needed, your music would be essential, your wit and personality required, because you, Mighty, Mighty Sparrow, were a gift to us all.” Shurwayne was one of the last artistes to collaborate with the legendary Calypsonian. The song is called, “My Island Girl,” released in 2023.

Mentored and loved by the Mighty Sparrow throughout her career, Natasha Wilson shared that her heart is saddened and announced that he had taken his last breath at 2:22pm on September 27th. “Dr. Slinger Francisco, the Calypso King of the World has passed,” she said in a Facebook live video. She asked for time on behalf of the family, to process the death of the man many considered the greatest Calypsonian who ever lived.

The Mighty Sparrow was born in Grand Roy, Grenada in 1935. His family migrated to Trinidad and Tobago less than two years later. In 1956, his career started with the hit single, ‘Jean and Dinah.’ It may have been his most famous song, but it would be only one of many, many incredibly well-constructed Calypso singles. Kees Dieffenthaller, in paying tribute, said The Mighty Sparrow was “the blueprint.” Internationally acclaimed songwriter and vocalist, Angela Hunte also shared, “My Sundays will always be filled with your voice in my house.”

From Barbados to Jamaica, his birthplace, Grenada, Guyana, the United States, the UK and at home in Trinidad and Tobago, the loss of Slinger Francisco – The Mighty Sparrow, is felt. Guyana’s President, Irfan Ali said, “He brought recognition to our Caribbean civilization. His melodies and lyrics sailed far beyond the region’s shores,” adding, “Sparrow lifted calypso from mere entertainment into an art form.” The Honorable, Mia Mottley also shared sentiments of deep appreciation and adoration for the Birdie, as he was fondly called, writing, “Calypso gave the ordinary Calypsonian a voice. Sparrow carried it to the world with incomparable genius. Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad, he belonged to all of us.” She called on Caribbean adults to, “let our children hear him. Let them know that this brilliance came from among us.”

The stage is being prepared for what is ultimately the most anticipated staging of the Caribbean Music Awards on September 19^th, 2026. For the very first time since its inception three years ago, the event moves from New York, to Trinidad and Tobago where superstars from across the Caribbean region and internationally, will gather. It’s a meaningful moment for many people, but one person in particular, feels immensely excited and proud to be at the centre of it all. 

Aisha Manrique is the voice of the Caribbean Music Awards. Her tone, expression, sound and articulation, which has narrated the entire show for the past three years, aligns seamlessly with brand Caribbean along with the overall delivery of this powerful celebration of Caribbean creativity and beauty. “I am extremely excited that the Caribbean Music Awards is being held at home in Trinidad and Tobago this year,” said the South, Trinidad native. 

Three years ago, Aisha landed the opportunity of a lifetime to become the Voice of God for the Caribbean Music Awards. The former Marketing Officer was essentially screened after a series of meetings and panel interviews, The Caribbean Music Awards would eventually agree to welcoming Trinidad born, Aisha Manrique into the organization. Added to that, the team, after doing their research on Manrique, offered her the opportunity to be the Head Writer for the production. Now in its fourth year, Aisha is the person who writes and narrates the entire production for show night, inclusive of nomination packages, host and presenter scripts and all else. “It’s a lot of work but I am tremendously grateful to be doing what I love,” she expressed. 

The 2026 staging of the CMA’S in T&T is a welcomed experience for Aisha. “Having my team with me to be able to prepare in terms of making this moment at home, memorable, is something I’m looking forward to. Every year despite efforts to glam up and be a part of the show with makeup and everything else, I would announce behind the scenes in sneakers and jeans because of the rush as a result of the rigorous production schedule in addition to the intense traffic amid the excitement of Labour Day weekend.” 

Manrique says this year she’s looking forward to wearing a gown and getting some photos taken while doing the work that she has dedicatedly done for the past three years, behind the scenes. “I can at least be a part of the glamorous side of things this year,” she laughed.

From San Fernando to the world, Aisha’s journey has been one filled with lessons and testimonies. An entrepreneur now, having answered her life’s calling a few years ago, Aisha says her mother’s insistence on key things, has shaped her path. “As a young child I would envision myself standing in front of thousands and thousands of people and using my voice. My first audience was made up of my uncles and grandmother. I remember my mother waking me up at 5am every morning to work on pronunciation, breathing and posture. Of course, as a child I wasn’t happy about that but now, I appreciate it so much.” 

Her mother has since passed away, however Aisha Manrique is inspiring many these days, having been taught the principles of life, focus and dedication, by the woman who was her tower of strength throughout her life. 

A Communications and Confidence Strategist, Public Speaking Coach, Copywriter, International Voiceover Talent and Live Announcer, Vocal Health Instructor, Master Storyteller, Aisha Manrique is moving onward with a distinct level of pride in how she serves. Her company, Voicey Versa Productions Ltd. is a Caribbean-based production and training company transforming how individuals and organizations use their voice, communication and stories to make an impact. She trains and coaches professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, public figures, and performers to express and create compelling messages that resonate, convert, and inspire, equipping them with the skills to speak with confidence, clarity and authority. Her mother would be proud. 

“My plan for my business is to better position the company as a safe space for persons to use their voices. If there’s someone who just wants to preach a sermon with a message, or if a person wants to post a video on social media and they need more confidence to engage broader audiences, Voicey Versa will be that safe space to learn,” she said, adding, “There are many people walking around with struggles internally and they are being silenced because of self-sabotage, imposter syndrome and negative thinking. I know what that feels like,” she noted.  

Crediting several experiences throughout her life for her present success, Aisha says there is immense power in pushing past fear. At 15-years-old she attended the Rotary Leadership Awards Conference, where Secondary schools from across the Caribbean were represented by students. It was during that experience that her fear would be counteracted, having stood up when others did not, having been called upon to respond by one of the event’s sponsors, Percy Parker Williams. “He gave me a challenge to come up with a concept for an ad- a men’s cologne. He said he would give me 15 minutes. I said I just needed 1 minute and the whole auditorium erupted,” she recalls. “I created an ad and delivered in a seductive, female voice right there on the spot. The crowd cheered me on and Mr. Parker said I had something special. He awarded me a scholarship to pursue broadcasting and I’ve never looked back,” said Aisha. 

There are many testimonies of her journey’s alignment to her gift and natural calling, but for Aisha Manrique, her life’s work is enshrined in God’s grace, having continued to use her gift to the service of others in her life. On September 19^th, as Caribbean artistes and other creatives enjoy the fruit of their hard work and creativity in Port-of-Spain, her voice will tell the world at large, just how special they are.