Sparrow's roots are in Gran Roi, a rural fishing village in Grenada. He was born to a poor working class family. They migrated to his adopted homeland, Trinidad, when he was just one year old. He attended the New Town Boys School where he was selected to sing in the boys. choir of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. This was his initial involvement in music. The harmonics of the Gregorian Chants and the Plainsongs of the church that were embedded in him would later affect the depth and intensity of his compositions. His vocal abilities also reflect his childhood role as the head choirboy who sang baritone and tenor in Latin in the church.
Other influences included listening to American street quartets, pop tunes by Nat King Cole and Frankie Laine, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstein, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald with their jazz contributions, and the early calypsoes of Lord Melody, Lord Kitchener, Lord Christo, Lord Invader (of Rum and Coca Cola fame) and the Mighty Spoiler, to name a few.
At the tender age of 20, Sparrow emerged, as the leading Calypsonian with his record-breaking hit, Jean and Dinah. (Yankees Gone, 1956 covered by Harry Belafonte). Throughout the years he managed to showcase his diversity each year with the release of at least one album dating from the catchy Jean and Dinah. in 1956 to Carnival Boycott (1957, a song responsible for the many changes and improvement for mass men, calypsonians and steelband men). This song was eventually responsible for the formation of the Carnival Development Committee. An organization to assist calypsonians, steelband men and mas men. This committee was fully endorsed by the Founding Father of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams.
In 1958 he became the only calypsonian to have had a triple win, in the same year, in the Road March Competition. The calypsoes were P.A.Y.E. (Pay As You Earn, a song that enabled the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, to understand the importance of paying taxes). Russian Satellite (a song reflecting on the act of cruelty to animals) and Theresa (a number where, for the first time in his career, he utilized other languages). In an unprecedented move, he was awarded a cash prize by the Carnival Development Committee, for winning the Road March Competition that year.
In 1959 he released Federation, (a song that reflected his disappointment over the breaking up of the proposed Caribbean Federation). In 1960 his career continued to soar with the melodious May May and Leave the damn Doctor, Royal Jail and Ten to one is Murder followed in 1961. In 1962 he presented us with Sparrow Come Back Home and Model Nation. Dan is the Man in the Van came in 1963 and the Village Ram in 1964.
In 1965 we experienced Congo Man. In that same year Sparrow proved himself a balladeer with his remake of Arthur Prysock's original, Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart accompanied by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. This rendition won him a Gold Record in Holland. He also recorded Frank Sinatra's My Way and Lucho Gatica's "El Reloj".
In 1966, He won the Road March Competition again with Melda and 1967 he advised the youth on the importance of Education. Mr. Walker was his hit in 1968, he won the Road March Competition again in 1969 with Sa Sa Yea and in 1970 he appealed to the people of this world to Love one Another and Lend A Hand. These songs appealed to the country for unity "Unity somehow if Trinidad ever needed you is now".
In 1971 Good Citizen followed and in 1972 he won the Calypso Monarch and Road March Competitions with Drunk and Disorderly. No Kind of Man at all was released in 1973 and We Pass That Stage (a strong social commentary in 1974. In 1975 he gave us a psychological analysis, showing where the rich is envious of the poor with Neurosis of the Rich. The Mayor of Detroit, Coleman Young, also presented him with the keys to the city.
In 1976 we got the humorous Salt Fish, and in 1977 he lead the Caribbean with a tribute to Hasley Crawford, the Olympic Gold Medallist. In the same year, during FESTAC, in Nigeria, Sparrow received the honorary title of Chief of the Yorubas, (which is Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi).
In 1978 he paid tribute to Penny Commissiong (the first black Miss Universe) with The First Black Miss Universe, and chided Idi Amin Dada, tyrant in Africa. Kerry Packer (a song about the cricket revolution) followed in 1979 and in 1980 the Shah of Iran (Wanted Dead or Alive ). This number was covered by the popular American group, Manhattan Transfer.
Sparrow continued to climb the ladder of success while becoming the most popular caypsonian of all time. He demonstrated year after year, with his social commentaries that the calypsonian is really the eyes and ears of the people. In 1981 he registered his social/political Commentaries. We Like It So and his first chutney contribution Sexy Marajhin another liguistic inclusion. In 1982 he gave us Human Rights and in 1983 another powerful, State of the Union address Capitalism Gone Mad. He added another Road March title to his record in 1984 with Doh Back Back and in 1985 he demonstrated to the youth in the business that he can step up to another level when necessary with Soca Pressure.
Around this same time, Mayor Ed Koch of New York proclaimed March 18th, The Mighty Sparrow Day. He dealt with another evil of society in 1986 advising the vulnerable that Coke Is Not It. In 1987 he thrilled the world with another classic, the humorous Lying Excuses. He made another appearance in Nigeria, this time as Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi, during his National Tour of Afirca and upon his return he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Letters, from the University of the West Indies. Hence, the reason for Dr. Bird his chronicling of the event at the University of the West Indies, (using humor again as he always does She had a headache and this Dr. Bird performed a myomectamy on her) in 1988.
Manjhay, and Dutch Romance (which gave us a touch of French and Dutch languages) in 1989. In 1990 he gave us Let the Music Play and was inducted into the SUNSHINE Awards Calypso and Steelband Music Hall of Fame on June 24th. That same day the Brooklyn Borough President, Howard Golder proclaimed the day The Mighty Sparrow Day. Another strong social commentary, We Could Make It Easy If We Try and Precious a dedication to his daughter followed in 1991.
Sparrow continued to define the true meaning of "The Calypso King of the World. In 1992 with Both of Them, Crown Heights Justice and Man will Survive. All making a big impact in the Caribbean and the United States.
In 1993 he sang Put On Your Dancing Shoes and More the Merrier and in 1994 told the youth on his heels that Age Is Just A Number and Salvation, underscoring his roots as a choirboy in the church. In 1995 he gave us a course in history where once again he kept the linguistic involvement Democracy In Haiti (Liberte) and a keen sense of observation with the social situation at home This Is Madness, ("Why have we cast aside intelligence and abandon common sense with unprecedented violence for which there is no known defense"). Incidentally these gems earned him third place in the Calypso Monarch Competition. He gave us OJ (the juice is loose) and the Royal Divorce in 1996 and an assortment of Soca Ballads in 1997.
This illustrious lyricist/composer/singer/comedian/entertainer is an 11 time Calypso Monarch. This includes winning the King of Kings Competition (where every monarch in the calypso world is invited to compete against the Mighty Sparrow, each time suffering total defeat at his hands) in Trinidad. He also won the Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Road March Competition eight (8) times, second only to the Lord Kitchener, (his songs were selected and played most often by the bands in this category). Sparrow received many other University citations and awards from Governments and organizations too numerous to mention.
Now in 1998, The Mighty Sparrow, continues to rule the Calypso/Soca world with his voice, lyrics and melodies. He is demonstrating once more that he is the King. His new release, The Supreme Serenader is full of dance, humor and facts. The first track Paramaribo is not only a beautiful rendition of how he was captivated by the girls in Surinam but it also demonstrates the depth of his thoughts and his gratitude for a land of style and grace.
Santo Domingo is a track full of dance and proof positive that the King is truly global with his music. He will be embraced by the Latino communities around the world for this one. Racism is a very powerful social commentary, both lyrically and musically. In this song, Sparrow once again deals with an issue of international concern while at the same time reflecting on those who have been in the forefront of the struggle.
Willie Dead is a humorously and classically executed double entendre, so convincing that you will mourn for Willie. Another powerful and appealing social commentary is Raperman. The King assumes the role of messenger and protector of women and underscores his position with the following tracks, Born To Love, and Don't Give It Up.
The Mighty Sparrow has proved himself as the Quintessential Calypsonian, par excellence, with over seventy (70) albums to his credit. He is richly endowed with many gifts. He possesses an amazing ability not only to put into works and tempo the exploits of society, but to crown it all with showmanship and appeal. His great contribution to the artform and our lives has unraveled the mysteries of Caribbean life, leaving the professionally trained sociologist and economist befuddled.
A combination of talent, hard work and opportunity enabled Sparrow's ascendance to Calypso King of the World. He brought honor, glory and dignity to an indigenous art form that was once scorned upon by the elite of Caribbean society. He is one extraordinary entertainer who utilizes the medium he masters not just to entertain but also to edify, enlighten, and educate.
The King is currently preparing for the new millennium when he will re-enter the World Monarch and Road March Competitions for a cataclysmic encounter with his competitors.
Without doubt, as The Mighty Sparrow, The King of Kings, is the real Supreme Serenader.
Congo Man
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two white women traveling through Africa (Africa),
Find themselves in de hands of a cannibal headhunter (headhunter)
He cook up one and he eat one raw,
Dey taste so good he wanted more, more!
He want more!
Aye yi yah, I envy de Congo-man,
He eat until he stomach upset and I... I never eat ah white meat yet,
(Tribal sounds)
Peeping thru' de bushes to see what's takin' place (taking place),
There I saw de Congo going to take a taste (take a taste),
He open he eye - he start to grin rubbin' he belly mumbling,
(Tribal sounds)
I envy de Congo-man,
He better than me
I wish I could'a go and shake he hand,
If you know how much trouble I get until I sweat
but I never eat ah white meat yet,
He ties dem' up and he put dem' to lay down on de ground (on the ground),
Lit up de fire and he started dancing round and round (round and round),
One of de women started to beg - he bites on she chest he bites on she leg (tribal sounds)
He eats she raw!
Aye yi yah! I envy de Congo-man,
He better than me -I wish I could'a go shake he hand,
You know he eat until he stomach upset,
You know- you know me I never catch... catch
The next one started screamin' wit' all de voice got (voice she got),
He lifts she up and he puts she inside a big big pot (big big pot),
De water was warm she started to wiggle - de Congo started to laugh and giggle
(Tribal sounds)
Aye yi yah! I envy de Congo-man,
I wish I could'a go and shake he hand,
He eat until he stomach upset and I - I never catch ah white yet,
I never eat a white meat yetx9
I never eat a white beef yet!
Who lie who lie? Who're you callin' liar!
Congo-man
Mighty Sparrow.
The song "Congo Man" by Mighty Sparrow describes the story of two white women who were traveling through Africa and fell into the hands of a cannibal headhunter. The headhunter, who had a taste for human flesh, cooked one of them, and ate the other one raw. He enjoyed the taste of their flesh so much that he wanted more. While observing the scene, the singer admits that he envies the Congo man and wishes he could shake his hand. The singer confesses that he has never tasted white meat before, and thus, he never ate human flesh.
The lyrics of the song show how the singer idolizes the Congo man's ability to eat human flesh without feeling guilty or disgusted. The song reveals the common stereotype that people from Africa are cannibals, which has contributed to their historical discrimination and misrepresentation. The lyrics also depict the cannibal headhunter as having animal-like qualities, as he dances around the fire while cooking his victims.
The song "Congo Man" became a popular hit in the Caribbean and West Africa. It was also featured in the film "The Harder They Come" in 1972, which helped to increase its popularity. The lyrics of the song have been interpreted in various ways, with some people viewing it as a satire and others as an affirmation of stereotypes. Nevertheless, the song remains a classic in the calypso music genre, and it continues to be celebrated for its infectious beat and catchy melody.
Line by Line Meaning
Tribal sounds,
Introducing the setting of the song with sounds of Africa.
Two white women traveling through Africa (Africa),
Two white women are on a trip through Africa.
Find themselves in de hands of a cannibal headhunter (headhunter)
They are captured by a cannibal headhunter.
He cook up one and he eat one raw,
The headhunter cooks one woman and eats the other one raw.
Dey taste so good he wanted more, more!
The headhunter likes the taste of the white women and wants more.
He want more!
He wants to eat more white women.
Aye yi yah, I envy de Congo-man,
The singer admires the Congo man for his ability to eat white meat.
I wish I could'a go and shake he hand,
The artist wants to meet the Congo man.
He eat until he stomach upset and I... I never eat ah white meat yet,
The Congo man can eat so much white meat while the artist has never eaten any.
(Tribal sounds)
Background sounds of Africa continue.
Peeping thru' de bushes to see what's takin' place (taking place),
The singer is spying on the Congo man.
There I saw de Congo going to take a taste (take a taste),
The Congo man is about to eat another white woman.
He open he eye - he start to grin rubbin' he belly mumbling,
The Congo man is enjoying the thought of eating another white woman.
(Tribal sounds)
Background sounds of Africa continue.
I envy de Congo-man,
The singer admires the Congo man again.
He better than me
The Congo man is better than the artist when it comes to eating white meat.
If you know how much trouble I get until I sweat
The artist has trouble eating white meat.
but I never eat ah white meat yet,
The singer has never eaten white meat.
He ties dem' up and he put dem' to lay down on de ground (on the ground),
The Congo man captures and restrains the white women on the ground.
Lit up de fire and he started dancing round and round (round and round),
The Congo man starts a fire and dances around it.
One of de women started to beg - he bites on she chest he bites on she leg (tribal sounds)
One of the women begs for mercy but the Congo man still bites her chest and leg.
He eats she raw!
The Congo man eats the woman raw.
Aye yi yah! I envy de Congo-man,
The singer admires the Congo man again.
He better than me -I wish I could'a go shake he hand,
The artist still wants to meet the Congo man.
You know he eat until he stomach upset,
The Congo man eats so much that his stomach gets upset.
You know- you know me I never catch... catch
The singer has never even tried to catch any white meat.
The next one started screamin' wit' all de voice got (voice she got),
The second woman screams at the Congo man as loud as she can.
He lifts she up and he puts she inside a big big pot (big big pot),
The Congo man puts the second woman into a big pot.
De water was warm she started to wiggle - de Congo started to laugh and giggle
The water in the pot is warm and the woman wiggles while the Congo man laughs.
(Tribal sounds)
Background sounds of Africa continue.
I envy de Congo-man,
The singer admires the Congo man again.
I wish I could'a go and shake he hand,
The artist still wants to meet the Congo man.
He eat until he stomach upset and I - I never catch ah white yet,
The Congo man can eat so much white meat while the artist has never even caught any.
I never eat a white meat yetx9
The artist has never eaten any white meat.
Who lie who lie? Who're you callin' liar!
The singer challenges anyone who would call him a liar.
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
IslandGirlCurls
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Spoken:
Dis is a story ladies and gentlemen about two lovely white women
Travelling all de way to Africa
Found themselves deep in the heart of the Baluba
In de congo
In de hands of my big brother Umba
and if is me ah woulda taken dem back to dey husband
But brother was hungry, hungry, hungry!
Sung:
Two white women travelling through Africa
Find themselves in de hands of a cannibal headhunter
He cook up one, he eat one raw
Dey taste so good he wanted more, more!
He want more!
Aye yi yay
I envy de Congo man
I wish it was me ah want to shake he hand
He eat until he stomach upset and I...
Never eat ah white meat yet
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Whoday Whoday oh oh
(Tribal sounds)
Peeping through the bushes to see what's taking place
There I saw de Congoman goin' to tek a little taste
He open he eye and he start to grin, rubbing he belly and he mumbling...
Aye yi yay
I envy de Congo man
I wish it was me ah want to shake he hand
He eat until he stomach upset what about you Rico?..never eat ah white meat yet
yuh lie!
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Yabba dabba dabba do ya
Yabba dabba dabba do ya
(Tribal sounds)
Tie dem up and he put dem to lay down on de ground
Light de fire and he started dancing round and round
One of de women started to beg
He bit she on she chest and den he.. on she leg...
He eat she raw
Aye yi yay
I envy de Congo man
I wish it was me ah want to shake he hand
He eat until he stomach upset, what about you?(never eat ah white meat yet)
(Tribal sounds)
Credit to http://lyricalypso.blogspot.com/
Summer
(Tribal sounds)
Two white women traveling through Africa (Africa),
Find themselves in de hands of a cannibal headhunter (headhunter)
He cook up one and he eat one raw,
Dey taste so good he wanted more, more!
He want more!
Aye yi yah, I envy de Congo-man,
I wish I could'a go and shake he hand,
He eat until he stomach upset and I... I never eat ah white meat yet,
(Tribal sounds)
Peeping thru' de bushes to see what's takin' place (taking place),
There I saw de Congo going to take a taste (take a taste),
He open he eye - he start to grin rubbin' he belly mumbling,
(Tribal sounds)
I envy de Congo-man,
He better than me
I wish I could'a go and shake he hand,
If you know how much trouble I get until I sweat
but I never eat ah white meat yet,
He ties dem' up and he put dem' to lay down on de ground (on the ground),
Lit up de fire and he started dancing round and round (round and round),
One of de women started to beg - he bites on she chest he bites on she leg (tribal sounds)
He eats she raw!
Aye yi yah! I envy de Congo-man,
He better than me -I wish I could'a go shake he hand,
You know he eat until he stomach upset,
You know- you know me I never catch... catch
The next one started screamin' wit' all de voice got (voice she got),
He lifts she up and he puts she inside a big big pot (big big pot),
De water was warm she started to wiggle - de Congo started to laugh and giggle
(Tribal sounds)
Aye yi yah! I envy de Congo-man,
I wish I could'a go and shake he hand,
He eat until he stomach upset and I - I never catch ah white yet,
I never eat a white meat yetx9
I never eat a white beef yet!
Who lie who lie? Who're you callin' liar!
Congo-man
Mighty Sparrow.
IslandGirlCurls
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Spoken:
Dis is a story ladies and gentlemen about two lovely white women
Travelling all de way to Africa
Found themselves deep in the heart of the Baluba
In de congo
In de hands of my big brother Umba
and if is me ah woulda taken dem back to dey husband
But brother was hungry, hungry, hungry!
Sung:
Two white women travelling through Africa
Find themselves in de hands of a cannibal headhunter
He cook up one, he eat one raw
Dey taste so good he wanted more, more!
He want more!
Aye yi yay
I envy de Congo man
I wish it was me ah want to shake he hand
He eat until he stomach upset and I...
Never eat ah white meat yet
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Whoday Whoday oh oh
(Tribal sounds)
Peeping through the bushes to see what's taking place
There I saw de Congoman goin' to tek a little taste
He open he eye and he start to grin, rubbing he belly and he mumbling...
Aye yi yay
I envy de Congo man
I wish it was me ah want to shake he hand
He eat until he stomach upset what about you Rico?..never eat ah white meat yet
yuh lie!
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Whoday Whoday oh oh
Yabba dabba dabba do ya
Yabba dabba dabba do ya
(Tribal sounds)
Tie dem up and he put dem to lay down on de ground
Light de fire and he started dancing round and round
One of de women started to beg
He bit she on she chest and den he.. on she leg...
He eat she raw
Aye yi yay
I envy de Congo man
I wish it was me ah want to shake he hand
He eat until he stomach upset, what about you?(never eat ah white meat yet)
(Tribal sounds)
Credit to http://lyricalypso.blogspot.com/
candy8998
Thanks!
IslandGirlCurls
@candy8998 You're welcome!!
Victoria Decoteau
This is what grew up with the Mighty Sparrow
yeah
Ty lol
Elon Imran
i guess Im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account?
I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!
Nicholas Moolchan
Can't believe people put thumbs down !!!! This is the greatest thing ever to leave the shores of Trinidad !!!!
Allison Clarke
Bim
Shweety Pumpkin
canisha horsford he was born in Grenada but spent his life in Trini from a baby. This song was made in Trini. A lot of Trinis are descedants of Grenadians. We are mostly descendants of west Africans. Stop dividing y'all selves.
Seeta Bissessar
@Shweety Pumpkin weather sparrow is grenadian u cannot change that nothing in this life says u can