By Nelson A. King
NEW YORK, October 5, CMC – Caribbean community members in New York Sunday paid their last respects to the Grenadian-born entertainer, Slinger Francisco, Mighty Sparrow, who died in Queens on September 27 at the age of 91.
Sparrow was baptised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith on September 12, 2022 and the Trinidad and Tobago government said last week that it will assist Sparrow’s family in providing an “official state funeral” in the twin-island republic.
The rainy and dreary weather on Sunday did not prevent hundreds of Caribbean nationals from joining dignitaries, elected officials and members of the clergy in paying homage to the world-renowned calypsonian in the three-hour-long service.
“Family, be blessed …knowing that our singer turned a new faith in his faith,” said Pastor Elis Joseph in leading the procession of clergy and family members during the funeral service at Linden Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Laurelton section of Queens.
Dr. Timothy Nixon, the church’s senior pastor, recalled, in his opening remarks, that it was Exalus, who said: “Death of one of the greatest tests of our faith.
“Death is the reality of life. The Bible calls it the last economy,” said Dr. Nixon, noting also that the “greatest day was when Slinger Francisco surrendered his life (to Christ).”
In his homily, Dr. Cory Marshall, Sparrow’s grandnephew, said: “To the world, the Mighty Sparrow was an icon; he was an activist.
“The question is: What do you give to someone who has everything? The answer is to give him prayers. Prayers are what he (Sparrow) needed in the latter part of his life to be connected to the King of Kings.
“Since Uncle Slinger believed in Jesus, he’ll be part of the resurrection when God comes,” Dr. Marshall added.
Brother Dan Enoch Mohammed – an assistant to Minister Louis Farrakhan, the American religious leader who has been the head of the Nation of Islam since 1981, played a recording of a conversation between Sparrow and Farrakhan in which Sparrow had promised to sing a song that Farrakhan would write.
Mohammed said the title of the song, “We’re fighting for Islam”, would be dedicated to Sparrow.
Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Neil Parsan, told mourners: “We got to honour the voice that gave the voice of a people.
“Whenever he (Sparrow) went, he carried the wit and imagination. They gave the people life and rhythm. Yet, his achievements were never about fame. Our nation recognizes that recognition.
“The Mighty Sparrow has left the stage, but his music remains. Sparrow told us song after song, don’t just cry: celebrate. Rest now, Birdie. May we all be worthy of the celebrity he left behind” the Trinidad and Tobago diplomat added.
Acting Trinidad and Tobago Consul General in New York, Mary A. Tang Yew said the death of the Mighty Sparrow is “a tremendous loss to Trinidad and Tobago and the world.
“The government has announced its contribution by a state funeral and national contribution. May we remember the Mighty Sparrow for the joy he brought.”
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, described the Mighty Sparrow as “a giant”.
“Growing up, the name Mighty Sparrow was mighty,” said Williams before presenting Sparrow family members with a citation. “I just want to thank him.
“We cannot overstate how proud and joy (to have had the Mighty Sparrow. I appreciate the artistry and comfort to Caribbean people.”
Flanked by her 91-year-old Jamaican-born mother Dr. Una S.T. Clarke – the first Caribbean-born woman to be elected to New York City Council – US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke recalled that Sparrow sang her mother “into office.”
“His music travelled throughout the world,” said the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.
“He truly earned the title of Calypso King of the World. His music is broken into the fabric of who we are. His voice must have left this earthly stage, but his memory will live on for generations.
“We were truly, truly blessed to have the Mighty Sparrow in our lives,” Clarke added.
New York State Senator Kevin Parker, representative for the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn, said he first met the Mighty Sparrow during Dr. Clarke’s first campaign.
“He never missed a moment to make me special. This man is a legend. His voice, his music will continue to be part of his legacy. And his family will be part of that legacy.
“We’ll be looking for an opportunity in the Senate to acknowledge him,” Parker said, while
Andrew Maloney, the Vincentian-born chairman of the Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the largest Caribbean Carnival parade in North America, said WIADCA is “tremendously grateful” to Sparrow, starting that “often times, he would come (perform) for next to nothing.
“What Sparrow did for us, it was immeasurable. We appreciate the sacrifice each of you made. We’re grateful for Sparrow.”
Yves Joseph, a member of the renowned Haitian band, Tabou Combo, said: “It’s an honor to celebrate the Mighty Sparrow, one of the greatest calypso singers of the world.
“Tabou Combo was a great friend of the Mighty Sparrow, and vice versa. We carry one large thing – from Africa. We shared the same culture; we shared the same food. Though he may gone, but (he will ) never be forgotten.”
Keet “Designer” Styla said he “had the pleasure of working with the Mighty Sparrow for many years.
“He was a very meticulous man,” said Designer before singing “Born Free.”
Mervyn “Dr. Witty” Carter also sang Sparrow’s “Federation” after recalling that Sparrow penned and sang the song after the proposed West Indies Federation officially dissolved on May 31, 1962.
Sparrow’s eldest daughter, Gina Francisco, said her dad “meant so much to so many.
“He loved family; that’s one thing he loved, and he was praying regularly. Because of our father, we are one.”
Another daughter, Michelle Francisco, said her father’s music “went beyond home.
“His voice may be silent, but his legacy, his music, will live on,” she said.
CMC/nk/ir/2026