Velodrome send-off for Matthews

Shortly after 1 pm, pall-bearers brought Matthew’s casket to the top of the stage facing the stands.

One of Matthews’ relatives explained that it was one of his wishes that they try to create a festive atmosphere as a tribute to his life as an entertainer.

Javi Monsegue, Matthews’ long-time friend and business partner delivered an emotional address in which he recalled Matthews’ journey from a makeshift stage at his home in Santa Rosa Heights to the international stage.

Monsegue said that he was deeply shaken by his friend’s passing.

“He was my brother, my boy and my partner.

As strange or morbid as it might sound, Devon and I would at length talk about each other’s funerals and what arrangements we should make in the event one passed before the other.

“Devon would always tell me, ‘don’t dress like you’re coming to a funeral, dress like you’re coming to fete and have a good time.’ He wanted performances from his friends and he also wanted us to sell tickets. He didn’t want us to mourn his death. He wanted us to celebrate his life. Devon if you can hear me...you have packed the Velodrome.” Matthews’ colleagues and mentors Jason Williams and Ancil ‘Blaze’ Isaac Jr echoed Monsegue’s sentiments and said Matthews’ passing was a tremendous loss to the entertainment community.

Matthews’ idol, soca superstar Machel Montano, during his address, said he was deeply saddened by his passing.

“The last time I saw Devon was at the video shoot for ‘Buss Head’ with Bunji Garlin.

He was always very supportive of me and I knew I could always expect a call from him around Carnival time telling me how much he loved my new tracks.

In those last days, I remember telling him how proud I was that he had found his own way...

not Machel Montano’s way, but his own.

I was always thoroughly impressed with his work and I’m sad to see him gone.” Matthews’ body was later taken to Allen’s Funeral home in Arima for private cremation.

Matthews died of a heart attack after a performance at St Mary’s College grounds, two Sundays ago. His last track, ‘I’m Free’ was released posthumously.