Patrick Pemberton, Kelly Williams, Ossie Lewis, Mico Williams & Mighty Sparrow inducted into Dominica Kaiso Hall of Fame

Four Dominicans and one Trinidadian were inducted into Dominica’s Calypso ‘Kaiso’ Hall of Fame for their contribution to the art form. Chief Calypso judge Patrick ‘Pembo’ Pemberton, calypsonian Kelly ‘Ras Kelly’ Williams, calypso commentator Osborne ‘Ossie’ Lewis, veteran calypsonians Roosevelt ‘Mico’ Williams and Slinger Francisco aka ‘The Mighty Sparrow’ were inducted into the Hall of Fame on 29th January 2016, at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau.
 
In her keynote speech, Ms Kimone Joseph, Officer in Charge of the University of the West Indies Open Campus Dominica, complimented the inductees for their contribution to the promotion and preservation of the art form. “You have all made significant contributions to the art form in a variety of ways; that includes writing, performance, judging, management and commentary and most of all, you are lovers of calypso who have a deep appreciation for its past, while you anticipate its positive future,” Ms Joseph said.
 
Alex Bruno Founder of the Dominica Kaiso Hall of Fame, commended the inductees. “I am elated and deeply moved to be in your esteemed presence…I believe very profoundly in the work that you have done,”
 
Osborne ‘Ossie’ Lewis was inducted for his formidable presence in calypso, from his mastery of calypso commentary, promoter, advisor, analyst, presenter, critic, historian and Kaiso lover.
 
Patrick “Pembo” Pemberton was recognized for his work at preserving the integrity of Calypso as a Calypso Industries Creator, a pioneering and accomplished musician, a long serving and credible judge. Pemberton has been a judge for over thirty years, ten of which were spent as chief calypso judge.
Kelly “Ras Kelly” Williams, who is the longest serving head of the Dominica Calypso Association, was honored for his relentless effort at supporting, packaging, practicing, promoting and managing calypso for over four decades plus.
 
Roosevelt “Mico” Williams, who holds the record for the highest number of calypso titles in the history of Dominica calypso, was inducted for his unwavering commitment, discipline, dedication, incomparable valour and contribution to calypso. Mico was said to have walked the walk and talked the talk of calypso.
 
Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who is the only non-Dominica to be inducted so far into the Hall of Fame, was recognized for his dedication to the art form. Sparrow is and will always be considered as the undisputed Supreme Calypso Monarch of the world.
 
These five inductees join Norman “Ency” Cyrille; Roland “spider” James; Hayden “Tokyo” Desire; Ulrick “Idol” Jackson; Melvin “Solo” Constant; Cleveland “Hurricane” Jean-Jacques; Gregg “Breaker” Bannis; Pat “Musician” Aaron; Vaughn “Shakey” James, and The Swingin’ Stars Orchestra, who were previously inducted into the ‘Kaiso’ Hall of Fame.