Black Stalin

Leroy Calliste (24 September 1941 – 28 December 2022), better known as Black Stalin, was a leading calypsonian from Trinidad and Tobago known for his lyrics against European colonial oppression. He won the Calypso Monarch competition on five occasions and the Calypso King of the World title in 1999.

Biography/Life story Born and raised on Coffee Street in San Fernando to George and Elcina Calliste, he is one of four children. He attended San Fernando Boys' R.C. School. He worked as a limbo dancer before taking up singing calypso in 1959 when he made his debut at the Good Shepherd Hall in St. Madeleine, but did not join a calypso tent until 1962 when he joined the Southern Brigade. He was given the nickname "Black Stalin" by fellow calypsonian Blakie in the mid-1960s.

In 1979 he moved over to the Mighty Shadow's King of the Wizards Tent and recorded his first album, To the Caribbean Man. That year he walked away with his first Calypso Monarch crown for his two compositions, "Caribbean Unity" and "Play One".

In 1985 he won the crown again with "Ism Schism" and "Wait Dorothy", and again in 1987 with a tribute to steelband entitled "Mr. Panmaker" and "Bun 'Dem", a song calling for St. Peter to cast the likes of Christopher Columbus, Cecil Rhodes, Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan into Hell.

In 1987 he was also awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contribution to Trinidad and Tobago culture.

In 1991 the usually dread and critical Stalin took a winning turn and walked away with the Calypso Monarch crown again, with "Look on the Bright Side" and "Black man Feelin' to Party".

In 1994 he signed with Eddy Grant's Ice Records label, releasing the Rebellion album that year and Message to Sundar in 1995.

Personal life and death On 22 September 2014, he was hospitalised after suffering a stroke a few hours after performing at a charity show in south Trinidad. Relatives said that Stalin, 73, was rushed to the San Fernando Hospital after he started experiencing severe pain to his back on returning home from performing at the inclusive fundraiser hosted by the St. Andrew Anglican Church in aid of its building fund.

Black Stalin died on 28 December 2022, at the age of 81.

Discography Albums To the Caribbean Man (1979), Makossa International This is It (1980), Makossa International In Ah Earlier Time (1981), Makossa International You Ask For It (1984), Charlie's Wait Dorothy Wait (1985), Charlie's I Time (1986), B's We Can Make It (1988) To De Master (1989), WB The Bright Side (1991), Straker's Cry of the Caribbean (1992), Straker's Help (1993), Straker's Rebellion (1994), Ice Message to Sundar (1995), Ice Just For You (2009), Charlie's/VP

Live Live! Collector's Edition (2009), JW

Compilations Roots Rock Soca (1991), Rounder Best of Black Stalin (1997), Musicrama

Singles, EPs "Man Is Man" (1977), Semp Nah Ease Up EP (1990), Carotte