Tributes for Brigo

In a statement, the Mayor’‘s office said the council arranged to have a public viewing of his body at the Arima Town Hall, yesterday.

Morris-Julian said Abraham’s death has deeply hurt the borough since he was a resident of Sherwood Park in Arima and an early member of the Arima Angel Harps.

She stated that during his time as a performer, he has always paid homage to other icons of Arima such as Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts.

The mayor and council remember his contribution with gratitude and they further wish to extend condolences to the Abraham family, the statement said.

Also extending condolences was the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC).

“Brigo was certainly a National Treasure and his passing will be a huge loss to the Calypso fraternity and the nation. Singing since 1960, Brigo has taken Calypso throughout the world. He was especially known for his dramatic interpretations with just the use of various parts of his body. Significantly, he paid special attention to topics related to family and community life, as he shared his experience and wisdom with very relevant and interesting advice,” a statement from the NACC said.

“His first and only major title was won in 1989, when he was crowned one of the four “Uncrowned Kings” of Calypso. The “Uncrowned Kings” was a calypso competition that was organised by the NACC in May 1989. According to a publication then, “The Uncrowned Kings programme is an event which seeks to honour those calypsonians who have been pillars of the Art for the last two decades and more.” In later years he also became a participant in the NACC’s ‘Veterans Honours List,’” the statement added.

The NACC said Abraham was able to transfer the many adversities and challenges of life into a creative expression that brought joy and laughter to so many. “His pain became his motivation and his motivation became his commitment to Calypso and the Arts.” Abraham’s funeral takes place today at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain.

Special tributes begin promptly at 10.30 am, and the official service begins at noon. He will then be laid to rest at the D’Abadie public cemetery.

Abraham died at 1 pm at the Mt Hope General Hospital on May 16.