Queen Singing Francine Has Earned Her Wings.

There is news today that veteran female Calypsonian, Singing Francine has passed away. She was 79-years- old.

Barbados born, Francine Edwards was best known by the sobriquet, Singing Francine. She began singing calypso music as a child and was admired for her skillful musical delivery. She was named Calypso Queen of the World five times and was considered to be one of the foremost ambassadors of calypso. She was crowned National Calypso Queen in 1972, 1973, 1981 and 1983.

Beyond the Calypso genre, Francine was also known for her amazing body of work in the parang music genre. Two of her more popular parang songs are, “Hooray, Hurrah” and “Parang Parang.”

On social media, tributes have begun pouring in for an artist whose music also stood in defense of women through time. Calypsonian, Duane O’Connor wrote, “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of a lady who I know as a mother and Queen of calypso Francine Edwards “Singing Francine. Still in shock may she RIP…”

Retired entertainment news reporter, Joan Rampersad also shared her condolences on social media, writing, “ RIP Singing Francine. You were a voice for the voiceless in many of your compositions. You will be sorely missed. Wished you could have been around for your 80th birthday next February.”