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.
Shango Man
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So miserable, mocking Shango people
Well, a woman slap me with a broom
Meh head start to spin
On meh forehead she brand me with a spoon
And she start to sing, oh oh!
Ojo Romey O!
You should see me dance the Shango
Ah could feel the rhythm roll
Deep down in meh soul
Ho-sign Jahwayla
Ah beat the drum to bar Lucifer
Alar garda fee-leh fu-osho
Ojo Romey O!
Rolling on the ground, people dancing 'round
Then they lift me up, spin me like a top
Well they cut off the goat head in the mud
Lord! Meh belly boil!
And then they make me drink up the goat blood
Mixed with olive oil, singing:
Ojo Romey O!
You should see me dance the Shango
Ah could feel the rhythm roll
Deep down in meh soul
Ho-sign Jahwayla
Ah beat the drum to bar Lucifer
Alar garda fee-leh fu-osho
Ojo Romey O!
When the spirit catch you, nothing you could do
Except dance like hell, try to break the spell
Well everybody tell me I was great
They say I'm a boss
Under the spirit ah was dancing ah jarjar
And riding ah horse and singing:
Ojo Romey O!
You should see me dance the Shango
Ah could feel the rhythm roll
Deep down in meh soul
Ho-sign Jahwayla
Ah beat the drum to bar Lucifer
Alar garda fee-leh fu-osho
Ojo Romey O!
Ever since that day I can't keep away
I must be on spot every feast they got
Now I am a proper Shango Man
That does beat the drum
So if you want to join the Shango band
Follow me and come, come on
Ojo Romey O!
Come see the Sparrow dance the Shango
Feel the rhythm roll
Deep down in your soul
Ho-sign Jahwayla
Beat the drum to bar Lucifer
Alar garda fee-leh fu-osho
Ojo Romey O!
Shango!
Shango!
The song "Shango Man" by Mighty Sparrow is about the experience of the singer playing the role of a Shango Man in Pari Land. Shango is the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning, and his followers are known for their elaborate ceremonial dances that involve possession by spiritual entities. The singer initially mocks the Shango people, but after being slapped with a broom by a woman, he is initiated into the Shango tradition and becomes a devotee. The song describes his experience of being possessed by a spirit and dancing the Shango, feeling the rhythm deep in his soul.
The lyrics of the song show the transformative power of tradition and spirituality. The singer starts off as an outsider, mocking the Shango people, but through his initiation, he becomes a member of the community and a proper Shango Man. The possession by the spiritual entities is portrayed as a positive experience, and the singer feels a connection to something greater than himself. The song also contains elements of humor, with the description of the woman hitting him with a broom and the cutting off of a goat's head.
Line by Line Meaning
Playing Shango Man up in Pari Land
Performing as a Shango Man in Pari Land
So miserable, mocking Shango people
Feeling unhappy while mocking the Shango people
Well, a woman slap me with a broom
Getting hit by a broom from a woman
Meh head start to spin
Feeling dizzy
On meh forehead she brand me with a spoon
Having a spoon mark on forehead
And she start to sing, oh oh!
The woman starts singing
Ojo Romey O!
A phrase used to start a Shango dance
You should see me dance the Shango
Watch me perform the Shango dance
Ah could feel the rhythm roll
Feeling the beat of the music
Deep down in meh soul
Feeling the rhythm in the soul
Ho-sign Jahwayla
A phrase used in Shango dance
Ah beat the drum to bar Lucifer
Playing the drum to prevent evil spirits
Alar garda fee-leh fu-osho
Another phrase used in Shango dance
Rolling on the ground, people dancing 'round
Rolling on the ground while people dance around
Then they lift me up, spin me like a top
Getting lifted up and spun around
Well they cut off the goat head in the mud
Cutting off a goat head in the mud
Lord! Meh belly boil!
Feeling excitement and enthusiasm
And then they make me drink up the goat blood
Drinking a mixture of goat blood and olive oil
Mixed with olive oil, singing:
Singing while drinking a mixture of goat blood and olive oil
When the spirit catch you, nothing you could do
Feeling possessed and unable to resist the spirit
Except dance like hell, try to break the spell
Dancing intensely in an effort to break the possession
Well everybody tell me I was great
Receiving compliments for the performance
They say I'm a boss
Being praised and admired
Under the spirit ah was dancing ah jarjar
Dancing uncontrollably under the possession
And riding ah horse and singing:
Imagining to be riding a horse and singing
Ever since that day I can't keep away
Being unable to stop performing Shango dance
I must be on spot every feast they got
Attending every feast to perform Shango dance
Now I am a proper Shango Man
Becoming a genuine Shango performer
That does beat the drum
Playing the drum as a Shango performer
So if you want to join the Shango band
Inviting others to join the Shango dance
Follow me and come, come on
Asking others to follow and join
Shango!
A call to celebrate the African deity, Shango
Contributed by Samantha S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Miles Walcott
Mighty Sparrow has fantastic vocals
iayyam
This is one of my all time favorite Sparrow kaiso. I've been looking for it for years. I'm in tears right now. Yoruba man here. TnT forever.
ROY BROWN
there will never be another mighty sparrow,what a voice,he could sing any songs that he wanted to sing,to bad those days are gone,but we do have those songs will last as long as man is on this earth for generations to come.
A Rouse
Mom used to play this when I was young. Sweet memories!
Alma Gluck
That's a nice memory! Thanks for sharing!
iayyam
I love this song too bad....
Kerry Rochford
Masterpiece
Sean Smith
Nice to see this album on here.
Jim Brown
The Supreme Calypso King Of The World Di Mighty Sparrow... There's hasn't made a language Sparrow can't sing in...
Yvette Johnson
King Sparrow in his element - Shango people!