Interview with the Mighty Sparrow by Ital-K 2001

The Mighty Sparrow needs no introduction. He is also a member of the Afiwi Caribbean Hall of fame: Mighty Sparrow's profile

afiwi Sparrow; first question. When were you born?
Sparrow: 9th of July 1935

afiwi Where?

Sparrow: Grand Roi, Grenada

afiwi Any brothers or sisters?

Sparrow: One brother (deceased), and one sister-living

afiwi Who inspired you when you were a youngster (small) to sing and play Mento and
Calypso?

Sparrow: Well, I'd have to say my mother. She was on the church choir, and that's
where I learned the skill of voice training. We went to St. Patrick's
Church in Newtown. It was here at St. Patrick's Church where I learned
to speak many languages: Latin, Hindi, Spanish, French, Patois, Dutch,
Taki-Taki, Paramaribo, and Chinese. You'll notice that I speak in many
languages in my songs because I want to appeal and sing to everyone.

afiwi Yes, that's true. I have noticed your linguistic versatility on several of your songs

Sparrow: Yes man! You see, music speaks to everyone in many languages. I make
my music to reach and please all of my fans. I write and sing songs that
everyone can relate to

afiwi I regard you as one the pioneering founders of our music along with people like
Lord Invader and Lord Kitchener. Was there any controversy between two of the
major players in the development & progression of mento, Kitch and yourself?

Sparrow: Well there was always some back and forth between Kitchener and myself
in those days. I sang a song about him, and he sang one about me; in
competition style. There was some differences between Kitchener and
myself. Kitchener sang in one tone and style. I used languages in mine,
I'd sing many verses in Latin.(he improvises in Latin).I'd sing songs
in Spanish..(he improvises in Spanish, patois, then in Taki-Taki).
That's how people could tell the difference between Kitchener and me. We
had a little competition going, making funny lyrics about each other; and
then eventually became good friends until Kitchener passed away.
Many people didn't know that Kitchener had been living in England for
32 years.

afiwi Really?

Sparrow: Yeah man. He was recording with Emile Straker (from Straker Records)
on Melodisc Records in England. He eventually settled in Manchester. I
had to go to Manchester to find Kitchener after all that time away from
Trinidad, and persuade him to go back home. (just before he died). We
had drifted apart over the years, but became good friends prior to his
death in Trinidad.

afiwi Sounds like you've really traveled the world

Sparrow: Yes, I've been to many countries. I bet you didn't know that I'm an
African Chief? In 1977 at the Festac Arts Festival at the University of
Nigeria in Lagos, I was made an Honourary Chief of Nigeria. I was given
the title: Chief Omowale (oh-mo-wah-lay) of Ikoyi (ee-coy-yee). This
means returning son, like the prodigal son.
I was also given the title of "Cultural Ambassador of Grenada", where
you have to call and address me by my official title: "Your Excellency,
The Honourable Doctor Slinger Francisco OCC HBM DLITT etc.
I was given an Honourary doctorate from UWI (University of the West
Indies) and was awarded the title of: Order Of Caribbean
Communication "OCC".

afiwi So if I'm to approach and address you formerly by your official title, it would be
Your Excellency, The Honourable Doctor Slinger Francisco OCC, HBM, DLITT
Etc

Sparrow: Your Excellency, The Honourable Doctor Slinger Francisco, OCC, HBM,
DLITT etc. Going back to what you asked me before about my songs.
You remember my song about President Bill Clinton's impeachment "No
Touch Me President"?

afiwi Yes I sure do. That was a very popular song with our audience at that time. It was
so popular that we asked our listeners to get a copy of your single to Mr Clinton
and Hillary at the White House. And you know what Sparrow; your single made
it's way to the White House right into the BOTH Bill's & Hillary's hands!


Sparrow: (laughs). Yes I know. Both Hillary and Bill listened to it and enjoyed it
very much. I'm gratified to know that they enjoyed my work.
You know; it's a shame to see what they tried to do to that man. It was a
trap that they set for him. He didn't do what they accused him of. Their
story was based on bribery, treachery, entrapment with the dress and
stain, and then impeachment. Some call it laziness, or not being
discrete. Henry Hide calls it "youthful discretion". (laughs).
Colin Powell (from Jamaica) the current Secretary of State mentioned me
and my music in his memoires. I admire him.

Sparrow: Yeah man, Henry Hide and his "youthful discretion". You see, I sing
songs that affect everyone; songs that people can relate to everyday.
Remember the song "This Is Madness"?(sings a few verses)..and
"Democracy For Haiti"?..(sings some new verses). You know,
traditionally Calypsonians will sing about events that happened from 1604
up until now, in creole. There's a saying that "Whatever happens to you,
happens all around you. If it's good you do, then it's good you'll see, just
like MLK (Martin Luther King Jr's) dream of unity and of the
Presidency.
Things were not always easy for me. Between 1959 & 1960; Lord Melody
and myself came to New York City looking for some $$ from Harry
Belafonte, who was the cream-of-the-crop artist at that time for
Caribbean music. I was just looking for Harry to open some doors for me,
I wasn't looking for money; just for him to open those special doors to the
who's who of the music business so that I can rub shoulders with the
important decision makers at that time. Belafonte observed that in me
also, and referred to me as being "smart"; even though he liked Lord
Melody more than myself. When nothing happened for me, I went back to
England and continued on with my career.

afiwi Have you ever duo'd with any other Calypsonian? The person who comes to
mind is Minister Louis Farrakhan, The Charmer.

Sparrow: No. I've never sung duo/duet with another Calypsonian, but I was there in
the audience at the minister's birthday one day. I was in the audience, and
the minister told the crowd that he was a fan of mine and sung many of
my songs. Farrakhan was singing one of my songs when I walked out of
the crowd towards him on the stage, where we started going back-and-
forth with each other. Yeah man, the "Prince Charmer". Many people
don't know and/or realize that Minister Louis Farrakhan grew up in the
church, and got his roots in the church, like me.
But for the record, Lord Robert Nelson was the first Calypsonian who
sang my songs inside of Park Place. I sang on stage with him before the
traditional Labour Day Parade in Harlem, NY, before it was moved to
Brooklyn. There's a little history for you.

afiwi Definitely!

Sparrow: You know, as you've got me talking right now, and your English accent is
bringing back all of those early days in England. And those "Teddy
Boys". You remember them?

afiwi Of course I do! They always used to be fighting and causing trouble in the 60's &
70's. I remember many Saturday afternoons during football season running from
them when I was younger. Even when Wolverhampton had racial riots and was
burning down they didn't mess with ANY Black Youth!

Sparrow: They thought that they were it until they met the Jamaicans..(laughs &
sighs). Boy let me tell you, not even the Police could handle the "Teddy
Boys" (trouble-making young white youths with the Elvis Presley hair-
styles of the volatile 60's). It was only the Jamaicans who cooled down the
Teddy Boys. You noticed that you never heard nothing about them after
they messed with the Jamaicans? The Jamaicans cooled them RIGHT
DOWN!

afiwi That's one of many reasons why I hold my Caribbean elders in such high esteem.
Not only for the things they've done, the many obstacles they faced &
endured, the paths they've created for us younger ones, as well as the history that
they've made leaving the Caribbean to settle down in England. In my opinion,
Caribbean music wouldn't have enjoyed the success it had in the 50's 60's 70's
& 80's if it wasn't for these elders like yourself. They've sacrificed a whole lot,
made new lives, and created families in England. They have traveled far and
brought their culture with them to England. My parents are included in this group
of Afro-Caribbean pioneers.

afiwi Tell me Sparrow; what are you upto right now. Your current plans, projects, new
albums. Anything like that in the works?

Sparrow: Right now, I'm into "Gospel-lypso". I've been in this a very long time,
and it's all about giving God thanks. I've come a long long way; just like
you mentioned before about sacrifice. I was part of that revolutionary era
that overcame colonialism, many of life's obstacles, friends, detractors,
and back-stabbers; and I'm still here. So I'm giving God thanks.

afiwi Irie man. Definitely; we MUST give God thanks everytime. One question I must
ask; how many albums have you recorded and where can your fans find your
music?

Sparrow: Right now, I have over 40-CD's on individual albums; one of which is
"The Anthology of Sparrow". Some of the universities and libraries have
brought some already. You can find it in Brooklyn, at VP Records in
Queens, as well as Tower Records in Manhattan. My friend Ital, I have
another appointment. I have to go now, but we'll talk again.

afiwi Much respect & honour is due unto you "Chief Omowale of Ikoyi". Thanks for
your time, memory, inspiration, and desire to take our music further onto higher
heights. You've definitely inspired a young man like me. Thank you from my
heart, I ask that Jah continues to bless you continually. For me, this was a
lifetime honour.

Sparrow: Thanks again Ital, we'll talk again soon

Obviously copied and posted from other sites. Sorry for some funny characters.

-justin!


Big Bamboo


I asked my woman what must I do, what must I do
To make her honest and keep love too, and keep love too
She said Sparrow all I want from you, I want from you
Is a little little piece baby, just a little little piece of the big bamboo

Well shes ready for, bamboo, grows out from the ground, bamboo
Its so big and strong, bamboo stand up straight and tall, bamboo
Please its what I want bamboo, tadadada bamboo lalalala bamboo laladedada bamboo tadadada
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars

I gave my woman a coconut , a coconut
She told me she thought, it was ok but, it is ok but
To my surprise she gave it back to me, right back to me
What good is the nut baby, tell me what good is the nut without the tree

Well shes ready for, bamboo, grows out from the ground, bamboo
Its so big and strong, bamboo, stand up straight and tall, bamboo
Please its what I want, bamboo, tadadada bamboo lalalala bamboo laladedada bamboo
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars

I gave my woman a sugarcane, a sugarcane
Very very sweet, I must explain, I must explain
And she gave it back much to my surprise, to my surprise
I love this flavour I really,really love this flavour but not the size

Well shes ready for, bamboo, grows out from the ground, bamboo
Its so big and strong, bamboo, stand up straight and tall, bamboo
Please its what I want, bamboo, tadadada bamboo lalalala bamboo laladedada bamboo dubydubydubydoo
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars

Now ever since the world began, the world began
Woman was always fooling man, fooling man
And, but they found out women were always true, always true
To the man then, who would jam them,when they really really would jam them
With the big bamboo

Well theyre ready for, bamboo, grows out from the ground, bamboo
Its so big and strong, bamboo, stands up straight and tall, bamboo
Please its what I want bamboo, tadadada bamboo lalalala bamboo laladedada bamboo dubydubydubydoo
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars

A Japanese came to America, to America
For a woman he brought out Rockefeller Plaza, Rockefeller Plaza
She said Hai Hai Hai no more Ari Ka Toh, Ari Ka Toh
You show up me with your bridges,
When I only want a few inches at the big bamboo

Well shes ready for, bamboo, grows out from the ground, bamboo
Its so big and strong, bamboo, stands up straight and tall, bamboo
Please its what I want bamboo, tadadada bamboo lalalala bamboo laladeda bamboo tadadada
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars
The big big bamboo bamboo lalalala lalalala lalala
Working for the yankee dollars


Drunk and Disorderly

Drink and drunk yes that's me name,
Always make me family shame
Like Mary-Anne all day all night,
I start whoring high like a Kite
It's Christmas everyday is Christmas,
I could drink me rum trust,
Even in the Mass, I Love to be

Drunk and disorderly
Always in custody
Me friends and me family
All man fed up with me, cause I
Drunk and disorderly
Every weedend I in the jail
Drunk and disorderly, nobody to stand me bail

I can't stop Lord and I won't try,
I feel so good when I high
So bring wine, bring beer, bring gin,
Bring champagne, ink anyting
Night time, better in the sunshine,
Anytime is right time,
To drink me high wine, until I get

Drunk and disorderly
Always in custody
Me friends and me family
All man fed up with me, cause I
Drunk and disorderly
Every weedend I in the jail
Drunk and disorderly, nobody to stand me bail

They never teach me rum control,
So put as long me glass could whole
They say a hungry man's a angry man,
Well a drunkin' man's a happy man
Good Friday, could fall on Ash Wednesday,
As long as it's rum-day, I ain't goin nowhere, until I get

Drunk and disorderly
Always in custody
Me friends and me family
All man fed up with me, cause I
Drunk and disorderly
Every weedend I in the jail
Drunk and disorderly, nobody to stand me bail

If it's good rum for Christmas it's waste,
let's to open it now, and take a taste
I say break the seal don't waste me time,
And bring it with a willing mind
You feel good, you stay in a happy mood,
Rum give you your vitamin and nourishment and food, it's nice to be

Drunk and disorderly
Always in custody
Me friends and me family
All man fed up with me, cause I
Drunk and disorderly
Every weedend I in the jail
Drunk and disorderly, nobody to stand bail


No Money, No Love

Ivy pack up she clothes to leave
Because John was down and out
All alone he was left to grieve
She had a next man in South
She said openly
I really love you Johnny
But you ain't have no money
So what will my future be
Even though you love me?

We can't love without money
We can't make love on hungry belly
Johhny you'll be the only one I'm dreaming of
You're my turtle dove
But no money no love

If you hear how he plead with she to get she to understand
Listen, mister, she tell Johnny
Leggo me blasted hand
And make up your mind
We got to break up this lime
She said poverty is a crime
You got no money
Still you tanglin' me all the blinkin' time

Gentleman let me tell you plain
She say I don't want to make a scene
But if you only touch me again
The police will intervene
You ain't got a cent
I couldn't even pay me rent
I had to give up me appartment
You give me nothing to eat
Now you want me to sleep on the pavement?

Johhny nearly killed she with blows
Poor Ivy bawl like a cow
Rip up she wig and he tear down she clothes
The South man ain't want she now
Oh, Lord, what a fight
They roll until broad daylight
Charlotte street was hot that night
She get some good lick but she let go kick and some bite

Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow, affectionately dubbed, The Birdie is the unrivaled Calypso King of the World, with a career that spans over 40 years and counting. This artist par excellence has earned his rightful place as "King of the Calypso World" by defeating every other competitor/pretender to his throne. He has entertained audiences across the globe, including, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, to name but a few. Sparrow's roots are in Gran Roi, a rural fishing village in Grenada. He was born to a poor working class family. They migrated to his adopted homeland, Trinidad, when he was just one year old. He attended the New Town Boys School where he was selected to sing in the boys. choir of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. This was his initial involvement in music. The harmonics of the Gregorian Chants and the Plainsongs of the church that were embedded in him would later affect the depth and intensity of his compositions. His vocal abilities also reflect his childhood role as the head choirboy who sang baritone and tenor in Latin in the church. Other influences included listening to American street quartets, pop tunes by Nat King Cole and Frankie Laine, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstein, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald with their jazz contributions, and the early calypsoes of Lord Melody, Lord Kitchener, Lord Christo, Lord Invader (of Rum and Coca Cola fame) and the Mighty Spoiler, to name a few. At the tender age of 20, Sparrow emerged, as the leading Calypsonian with his record-breaking hit, Jean and Dinah. (Yankees Gone, 1956 covered by Harry Belafonte). Throughout the years he managed to showcase his diversity each year with the release of at least one album dating from the catchy Jean and Dinah. in 1956 to Carnival Boycott (1957, a song responsible for the many changes and improvement for mass men, calypsonians and steelband men). This song was eventually responsible for the formation of the Carnival Development Committee. An organization to assist calypsonians, steelband men and mas men. This committee was fully endorsed by the Founding Father of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams. In 1958 he became the only calypsonian to have had a triple win, in the same year, in the Road March Competition. The calypsoes were P.A.Y.E. (Pay As You Earn, a song that enabled the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, to understand the importance of paying taxes). Russian Satellite (a song reflecting on the act of cruelty to animals) and Theresa (a number where, for the first time in his career, he utilized other languages). In an unprecedented move, he was awarded a cash prize by the Carnival Development Committee, for winning the Road March Competition that year. In 1959 he released Federation, (a song that reflected his disappointment over the breaking up of the proposed Caribbean Federation). In 1960 his career continued to soar with the melodious May May and Leave the damn Doctor, Royal Jail and Ten to one is Murder followed in 1961. In 1962 he presented us with Sparrow Come Back Home and Model Nation. Dan is the Man in the Van came in 1963 and the Village Ram in 1964. In 1965 we experienced Congo Man. In that same year Sparrow proved himself a balladeer with his remake of Arthur Prysock's original, Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart accompanied by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. This rendition won him a Gold Record in Holland. He also recorded Frank Sinatra's My Way and Lucho Gatica's "El Reloj". In 1966, He won the Road March Competition again with Melda and 1967 he advised the youth on the importance of Education. Mr. Walker was his hit in 1968, he won the Road March Competition again in 1969 with Sa Sa Yea and in 1970 he appealed to the people of this world to Love one Another and Lend A Hand. These songs appealed to the country for unity "Unity somehow if Trinidad ever needed you is now". In 1971 Good Citizen followed and in 1972 he won the Calypso Monarch and Road March Competitions with Drunk and Disorderly. No Kind of Man at all was released in 1973 and We Pass That Stage (a strong social commentary in 1974. In 1975 he gave us a psychological analysis, showing where the rich is envious of the poor with Neurosis of the Rich. The Mayor of Detroit, Coleman Young, also presented him with the keys to the city. In 1976 we got the humorous Salt Fish, and in 1977 he lead the Caribbean with a tribute to Hasley Crawford, the Olympic Gold Medallist. In the same year, during FESTAC, in Nigeria, Sparrow received the honorary title of Chief of the Yorubas, (which is Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi). In 1978 he paid tribute to Penny Commissiong (the first black Miss Universe) with The First Black Miss Universe, and chided Idi Amin Dada, tyrant in Africa. Kerry Packer (a song about the cricket revolution) followed in 1979 and in 1980 the Shah of Iran (Wanted Dead or Alive ). This number was covered by the popular American group, Manhattan Transfer. Sparrow continued to climb the ladder of success while becoming the most popular caypsonian of all time. He demonstrated year after year, with his social commentaries that the calypsonian is really the eyes and ears of the people. In 1981 he registered his social/political Commentaries. We Like It So and his first chutney contribution Sexy Marajhin another liguistic inclusion. In 1982 he gave us Human Rights and in 1983 another powerful, State of the Union address Capitalism Gone Mad. He added another Road March title to his record in 1984 with Doh Back Back and in 1985 he demonstrated to the youth in the business that he can step up to another level when necessary with Soca Pressure. Around this same time, Mayor Ed Koch of New York proclaimed March 18th, The Mighty Sparrow Day. He dealt with another evil of society in 1986 advising the vulnerable that Coke Is Not It. In 1987 he thrilled the world with another classic, the humorous Lying Excuses. He made another appearance in Nigeria, this time as Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi, during his National Tour of Afirca and upon his return he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Letters, from the University of the West Indies. Hence, the reason for Dr. Bird his chronicling of the event at the University of the West Indies, (using humor again as he always does She had a headache and this Dr. Bird performed a myomectamy on her) in 1988. Manjhay, and Dutch Romance (which gave us a touch of French and Dutch languages) in 1989. In 1990 he gave us Let the Music Play and was inducted into the SUNSHINE Awards Calypso and Steelband Music Hall of Fame on June 24th. That same day the Brooklyn Borough President, Howard Golder proclaimed the day The Mighty Sparrow Day. Another strong social commentary, We Could Make It Easy If We Try and Precious a dedication to his daughter followed in 1991. Sparrow continued to define the true meaning of "The Calypso King of the World. In 1992 with Both of Them, Crown Heights Justice and Man will Survive. All making a big impact in the Caribbean and the United States. In 1993 he sang Put On Your Dancing Shoes and More the Merrier and in 1994 told the youth on his heels that Age Is Just A Number and Salvation, underscoring his roots as a choirboy in the church. In 1995 he gave us a course in history where once again he kept the linguistic involvement Democracy In Haiti (Liberte) and a keen sense of observation with the social situation at home This Is Madness, ("Why have we cast aside intelligence and abandon common sense with unprecedented violence for which there is no known defense"). Incidentally these gems earned him third place in the Calypso Monarch Competition. He gave us OJ (the juice is loose) and the Royal Divorce in 1996 and an assortment of Soca Ballads in 1997. This illustrious lyricist/composer/singer/comedian/entertainer is an 11 time Calypso Monarch. This includes winning the King of Kings Competition (where every monarch in the calypso world is invited to compete against the Mighty Sparrow, each time suffering total defeat at his hands) in Trinidad. He also won the Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Road March Competition eight (8) times, second only to the Lord Kitchener, (his songs were selected and played most often by the bands in this category). Sparrow received many other University citations and awards from Governments and organizations too numerous to mention. Now in 1998, The Mighty Sparrow, continues to rule the Calypso/Soca world with his voice, lyrics and melodies. He is demonstrating once more that he is the King. His new release, The Supreme Serenader is full of dance, humor and facts. The first track Paramaribo is not only a beautiful rendition of how he was captivated by the girls in Surinam but it also demonstrates the depth of his thoughts and his gratitude for a land of style and grace. Santo Domingo is a track full of dance and proof positive that the King is truly global with his music. He will be embraced by the Latino communities around the world for this one. Racism is a very powerful social commentary, both lyrically and musically. In this song, Sparrow once again deals with an issue of international concern while at the same time reflecting on those who have been in the forefront of the struggle. Willie Dead is a humorously and classically executed double entendre, so convincing that you will mourn for Willie. Another powerful and appealing social commentary is Raperman. The King assumes the role of messenger and protector of women and underscores his position with the following tracks, Born To Love, and Don't Give It Up. The Mighty Sparrow has proved himself as the Quintessential Calypsonian, par excellence, with over seventy (70) albums to his credit. He is richly endowed with many gifts. He possesses an amazing ability not only to put into works and tempo the exploits of society, but to crown it all with showmanship and appeal. His great contribution to the artform and our lives has unraveled the mysteries of Caribbean life, leaving the professionally trained sociologist and economist befuddled. A combination of talent, hard work and opportunity enabled Sparrow's ascendance to Calypso King of the World. He brought honor, glory and dignity to an indigenous art form that was once scorned upon by the elite of Caribbean society. He is one extraordinary entertainer who utilizes the medium he masters not just to entertain but also to edify, enlighten, and educate. The King is currently preparing for the new millennium when he will re-enter the World Monarch and Road March Competitions for a cataclysmic encounter with his competitors. Without doubt, as The Mighty Sparrow, The King of Kings, is the real Supreme Serenader.