The funeral service for veteran calypsonian Brother Valentino will take place on Thursday, October 29, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain.
The service is scheduled to begin at 10 am, according to an announcement issued following the death of the celebrated singer, whose music championed equality, Black identity and social justice.
Valentino, whose birth name was Emrold Anthony Phillip, died on Thursday at the age of 85.
Born in Cherry Hill, Grenada, on July 7, 1941, he moved to Trinidad and Tobago as a young man and became one of the country’s most respected social commentators through calypso.
His music addressed racial inequality, poverty, political authority and the struggles of ordinary people. His 1971 song “No Revolution” established him as a prominent voice of the Black Power era, while other notable works included “Life Is a Stage”, “Barking Dogs” and “Dis Place Nice”.
His 1979 anti-apartheid anthem “Stay Up Zimbabwe” carried his message of resistance and solidarity across the Caribbean.
Despite never winning Trinidad and Tobago’s national Calypso Monarch title, Valentino earned the enduring distinction of being called “The People’s Calypsonian”.
His achievements included the 2005 Veterans Calypso Monarch title for “Where Kaiso Went”, a Sunshine Award and the Hummingbird Medal, Gold.
The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO), in a statement following his death, said the calypso fraternity was mourning the loss of a fearless voice whose powerful social commentary reflected generations of struggles, hopes and experiences.
The organisation extended condolences to his family, loved ones, fellow artistes and all those touched by his music, noting that his contribution would remain part of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural legacy.
