Brother Resistance

Lutalo Masimba (24 October 1954 – 13 July 2021), born Roy Lewis and known professionally as Brother Resistance, was a rhythm poet and musician from Trinidad and Tobago. He died on 13 July 2021, after being diagnosed with cancer.

Background and career Born in 1954 as Roy Lewis in East Dry River, Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago, he began writing poetry in primary school, and went on to study at Queen's Royal College. He was influenced by Trinidad's 1970 Black Power movement to become conscious of his African identity, and he would eventually change his name to Lutalo Masimba in 1982, in order to better reflect his heritage. He assumed the soubriquet "Brother Resistance" when he began performing and chanting his poetry at school.

Brother Resistance became, together with Brother Shortman, the lead singer of the Network Riddim Band, a Trinidadian ensemble, in 1979. They developed a hybrid of soca and rap that they called "rapso", a genre for which they credited Lancelot Layne as originator.

The band was considered subversive by the authorities, and their rehearsal space and offices were destroyed by the police in June 1983.

In 1992, Brother Resistance was honoured with a national award, the Hummingbird Medal.

He died aged 66 on 13 July 2021, at the West Shore Medical Private Hospital, Western Main Road, Cocorite, Trinidad and Tobago.

Solo discography Albums Touch De Earth with Rapso (1991) Heart of the Rapso Nation (1992) De Power of Resistance (1996), Rituals Let Us Rejoice (2001) When De Riddum Explode (2001)

Singles "Tonite Is De Nite" (1987), Riddum Distribution Network "Jah Never Fail Me" (2001), Blue Flame