TRIBUTES continued to pour in yesterday for legendary calypsonian, Mighty Duke (Kelvin Pope).

A legend in his own right, the contributions made by the 76-year-old singer/songwriter and cultural medium who died on Wednesday of myelofibrosis at the Ellerslie Private Hospital in St Clair, remains unsurpassed.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture

and Gender Affairs

The Mighty Duke accomplished a feat that may never be repeated in calypso history. He earned the moniker ’a pope, a duke and a king’ when he set a record as the quadruple winner of the crown, calypso King of the World, at four consecutive Dimanche Gras shows from 1968-1971. Duke was regarded by many as being on par with Calypso stalwarts like Aldwin ’Kitchener’ Roberts, who also died during a Carnival season. The career of this national calypso icon spanned over four decades during which he made an invaluable contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso heritage. The national community will miss not only his gentlemanly demeanour but also his unique sartorial elegance.

The United National Congress

The Mighty Duke’s contribution to the development and growth of the indigenous art form was priceless. In his 50-year career, he is credited with broadening the horizon of the calypso art form by creating new styles and genres, exploring them to the fullest. His memory will live on in his wide ranging music, and perhaps this is the most valuable lesson from his existence, that those who seek immortality in culture must broaden their base and aim for excellence.

The National Action

Cultural Committee

The NACC has enjoyed a long association with the most complete and accomplished calypsonians of the modern era, because he has composed exquisite calypsos in every genre of the art. In consideration of his contribution to the performing arts in Trinidad and Tobago, the NACC calls on the Government to offer Kelvin Pope a State funeral as our nation’s final tribute to his career.

The Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad

and Tobago

Condolences to the family of the late Kelvin Pope, the Mighty Duke. A true musical icon has been lost to our nation and the indigenous music fraternity. A four-time consecutive Calypso Monarch and fashion trendsetter, the Mighty Duke will be sorely missed because his departure was a great loss to the music of the world and not only calypso. President of COTT and a close friend of the Duke, Lutalo Masimba (Brother Resistance) said he was a strong supporter of the work of the Network Riddum Band and he would always underline his support of the People’s Mall.

The Congress of the People

Condolences to his wife Rebecca John-Pope, his son, Wendell and the members of the extended calypso fraternity on the demise of the towering, regal Pied Piper. The late Mighty Duke exuded an unbridled confidence in the development of the early calypso art form, having abandoned a lucrative career in the oil industry to pursue his passion for lyrical poetry. He wore his royal robes with dignity and gave a huge lift to the wider acceptance of the calypso, as a legitimate cultural medium of social commentary, picong and musical delight. The COP calls upon the government to appropriately honour him and suggests among other things, that a suitable cultural hall be established in his name.

The Downtown Owners

and Merchants Association

The Mighty Duke was a good friend to downtown Port of Spain, gracing our sidewalks with his handsome presence and his irresistible and vivacious smile. He never failed to attract attention because of his charisma and because he always had a moment to say hello graciously and with great charm. In many senses, the Mighty Duke was the perfect description of a ’beautiful person’ and combined his incredible creative talent with a grace and dignity which is needed more than ever in our beloved country. We mourn his passing and we offer condolences to his family, may he rest in peace along with the other great contributors to our nation’s art form.