Black Stalin

The story so far.

Black Stalin was the stage name of the Trinidadian calypsonian Leroy Calliste, whose death at his San Fernando home, at 81, was reported by the Trinidad Guardian in December 2022. The University of the West Indies describes his work as traditional calypso carrying social and political commentary, recognizing that contribution with an honorary Doctor of Letters on October 31, 2008. The university’s announcement also records his 1987 Hummingbird Medal in Silver. His repertoire later became the focus of The Caribbean Man tribute concert, staged on February 22, 2015 by UWI, Media 21 and Roy Cape. Performers presented Stalin’s songs alongside their own material, with backing from Roy Cape and the All Stars, and UWI reported that a CD had been produced from the event. That tribute shows how other musicians engaged with his work; it should be distinguished from recordings on which Stalin himself sings.