T&T..Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts, Turns 104
April 18 will mark the 104th birth anniversary of the late Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts, and commemorating the grand legacy he left behind will be the tribute concert, The Kitchener Legacy, set for 6 pm at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain. The event is being produced by his son, Kernal Roberts. Also known as the Grand Master, the iconic calypsonian set a benchmark with 11 Road March titles—a record that stood for decades until it was broken this year by Machel Montano.
Kitchener is widely regarded as a pioneer in crafting music ideally suited to the steelpan. He remains the only calypsonian whose compositions have so significantly shaped the success of leading National Panorama large band champions BP Renegades, contributing seven of their 13 titles. He is also the only calypsonian whose tune secured a joint National Panorama championship—achieved in 1985 by the Desperadoes and the Renegades. Of Desperadoes’ 12 titles, four are based on his music. Kitchener’s compositions helped shape the golden era of calypso and defined T&T’s musical identity on the world stage. From witty social commentary to infectious melodies and unforgettable storytelling, his work remains timeless and deeply relevant.
The concert will celebrate his life, music, and cultural impact in full. His classic compositions will be reimagined with respect, authenticity, and heartfelt reverence. Each performance will aim not only to honour the songs but also the man who mentored generations of calypsonians and elevated the art form through discipline, excellence, and innovation. The indelible legacy of the calypso great—one of the nation’s most influential cultural icons—will be brought to life through performances by several of his protégés and musical descendants, including Anslem Douglas, Chuck Gordon, reigning Calypso Monarch Terri Lyons, MOBO Awards 2026 nominee Yung Bredda, College Boy Jesse, Pink Panther, Winston “Gypsy” Peters, and Kernal Roberts. Special guests include the Lydian Singers and Dane Gulston.
“This concert will be more than a performance,” Roberts said.