This post was originally published on Sokah2Soca and has been repurposed here for Kaiso Dial. The music is truly exceptional, and the band delivers a heartfelt performance that beautifully honors the legacy and music of Black Stalin. 🎶
Today, while listening to Mr. Desmond and Kenny Phillips on WACK Visual Radio, a caller asked about a Black Stalin tribute melody that had recently been played on the station. Mr. Desmond mentioned that the melody was done by Nicholas Brancker—referring to The Nicholas Brancker Band. Curious to hear it again, I did my due diligence and located the tribute video online. That discovery became the inspiration for this feature.
This post honors the late Dr. Leroy Caliste, better known to the world as Black Stalin, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most powerful and influential calypsonians. Born in September 1941 and passing on December 28, 2022, Black Stalin left behind a legacy of music that championed Caribbean unity, social justice, and cultural pride.
The Black Stalin Tribute by The Nicholas Brancker Band of Barbados is a stunning homage to the legendary Trinidadian artist. The presentation is a masterpiece of Caribbean musicianship, featuring powerful vocals, intricate instrumentals, and soulful rhythms that capture the spirit of Black Stalin’s music. The arrangements transport listeners straight to the heart of Trinidad’s vibrant calypso tradition.
Each piece selected for the medley is expertly crafted, showcasing not only the incredible talent of The Nicholas Brancker Band but also their deep appreciation for Black Stalin’s artistry and message. The band manages to balance respect for the original works while presenting them with fresh musical energy.
I have to admit that the vocalist, Adrian, was exceptional. His delivery was remarkable and at times sounded strikingly similar to the late maestro himself. His performance adds emotional depth to the tribute and helps bring the spirit of Black Stalin vividly to life.
This tribute is, without question, one of the finest musical homages to Black Stalin that I have seen online. For lovers of Caribbean music—or anyone interested in the rich musical traditions of Trinidad and Tobago—this is essential listening. It stands as a fitting tribute to one of calypso’s greatest voices and a testament to the enduring power of his music.
Notes from Nicholas Brancker:
“This was the final rehearsal before our first performance after Black Stalin’s passing. We had just finished a workshop at UWI for students and decided to document and share this medley with you. This is a tribute to a humble, joyful, and committed Caribbean son. Live on, Brother!”
Kudos to The Nicholas Brancker Band for such a heartfelt and masterfully executed tribute.
Songs Featured:
- Suffers
- Bun Dem
- We Could Make It If We Try
- The Caribbean Man
- This Party Cyar Done
- Black Man Feeling to Party
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Title: Black Stalin Tribute (Footage from Final Day Rehearsal for Naniki Music Fest )
Musical Arrangement by: Nicholas Brancker
Vocals by - Adrian Clarke
Band: Nicholas Brancker Band
Bass: Nicholas Brancker
Drums - Melvin Alick
Keys - Darien Bailey
Keys - Andre Daniel
Trombone - Jomo Slusher
Saxes - Romaro Greaves
Trumpet - Kevyn Lynch
Guitar - Tristan Haynes
Pan & Percussion - Andre Forde
Background Vocals - Israel Allen & Casheda Dotten
Origin: Barbados
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
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