The calypso fraternity was mourning the death of Fred Mitchell, the fourth calypsonian to have died within the past month.
“Mighty Composer”
Mitchell, 83, better known as “Mighty Composer,” died at the Mount Hope Medical Complex Wednesday where he had been hospitalized for the past two weeks with a heart condition and other health issues.
President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organization (TUCO) Lutalo Masimba and TUCO welfare officer Carlton Kerr had called on Trinidad and Tobago to “lift Composer up in prayer”.
“We need to pray for him. We want him to recover quickly. I know a number of artistes have visited him,” Kerr said.
Composer was a popular singer in the 1960s and 70s with hits such as “Workers’ Lament”, “Supposing”, “True or Lie”, “Black Fallacy” and “Child Training”. He was also a master of ceremonies, comedian, impresario and tent manager.
He was also a foundation member of the first Calypsonians’ Association in Trinidad and Tobago and served on the executive for many years.
In July, the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) dedicated a concert titled “Shikamoo – Ancestral Rhythm” to Composer for his contribution to the art form and ESC said that the Swahili word Shikamoo means “I respect you”.
Over the past four weeks, Trinidad and Tobago cultural sector has lost pannist Ken “Professor Philmore, calypsonians Winston Bailey, the Mighty Shadow, Winston Scarborough De Original de Fosto and Andrew Marcano, Lord Superior.
