Elaborate send-off for Mighty Sparrow in PoS
The life, career and legacy of calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco was yesterday celebrated true to the larger-than-life persona he crafted in charming generations of music lovers over decades. But while Francisco made a career from his sharp wit and baritone voice, his family said their patriarch was much more than an entertainer, as they shared their cherished memories of his role as a doting father at his state-assisted funeral at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain.
During her eulogy, one of Francisco’s daughters, Michelle Francisco, fondly recalled her early childhood memories with the man many affectionately referred to as ‘The Birdie,’ saying that while he frequently travelled as part of his schedule as an entertainer, he always found time to speak with her, even if they were hundreds of miles apart.
“Whenever I was sick, whenever I was upset, whenever I was fed up with my lovely siblings, it didn’t matter what part of the world Daddy was in, wherever he was, what the time difference was, my mom had to find him,” she told the audience. “I would not rest until she found him and I can still hear his deep voice asking, ‘Miche ... what’s wrong?’ Those words always made me feel that no matter how far away he was, my dad was always there for me.”
Following the ceremony, Francisco’s body was taken to an undisclosed location. He is expected to be buried at a date which the family did not immediately disclose publicly.