Stalin to attend birthday concert in his honour today

The “Caribbean Man’s” grandsons Keegan and Keevan Calliste will also be among the performers.

“Diamond at 75” is a tribute to Black Stalin who has been confined indoors and unable to perform since suffering a stroke two years ago. Among his many classics are “Dorothy” and “Black Man Feeling to Party.” His wife, Patsy Calliste, told Newsday yesterday, “Stalin will be 75 not out tomorrow (Saturday) and he is going good.” Patsy, in conjunction with her husband’s best friend, saxophonist Roy Cape and calypsonian Brian London and his management team are promoters of tonight’s show. Working with different promoters, the show was scheduled to come off last year but fell through, she revealed.

Patsy added, “It took us less than one month and here we are. I am really happy about this show and I have really enjoyed myself being around and working with Brian London and others.” But while Stalin will not be performing, Patsy said there is a surprise in store for patrons from Stalin himself.

The couple’s eldest grandson, Keegan, will open the show with his rendition of the National Anthem on the steelpan while his brother, Keevan, will perform one of his grandfather’s favourite calypsoes. She said the outpouring of love for Black Stalin has been phenomenal with several artistes coming forward to be part of the cast including, David Rudder.

“There are so many artistes on this show that they can only sing one song.” Having been behind the calypso scene for as long as her husband has been a calypsonian, she told Newsday it is her first time working as a promoter and she has enjoyed the experience.

Other artistes on the show include Karene Asche, Explainer, Helon Francis, Singing Sandra, Cro Cro, Ras Kommanda, Pink Panther, Mister Shak and many more. The show begins at 6.30 pm.