RECIPIENT of the 2026 National Award for the Development of Women (Gold) soca star Destra Garcia will sing iconic gospel hymn “His Eye is on the Sparrow” at the opening of the celebration for the life of the late calypso icon Slinger Francisco (The Mighty Sparrow) at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on Friday.
Soca superstar Machel Montano will also deliver a special tribute, and gospel singer Sean Daniell is scheduled to perform.
The performers were confirmed by ace arranger Carl “Beaver” Henderson during an interview with the Express yesterday.
He reported that calypso icon David Rudder, however, had to cancel and return to Canada because an aunt died suddenly and Henderson extended condolences to him.
The tributes will include Sparrow’s hits such as “Education,” “Federation,” and “Memories”.
Henderson said he was impressed at the tremendous support from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, the Franciscos and the complement of performers and artistes.
“It’s a big machine. It’s coming all the way down from the PM. I guess she was one of Sparrow’s fans, too. She’s going all out to ensure he has a grand send-off.”
“I have been working with NAPA team and chairman Kenny Phillips and TTT,” he added.
Henderson said they are all “singing from the same hymn book” which is, “This one is for Sparrow.”
On the production for the tribute, he reported the Philharmonic Orchestra, Police Band and D Razor Sharpe Band are scheduled to perform.
“We will be doing some of Sparrow’s tent music. It’s a scratch of a scratch of Sparrow’s extensive repertoire. If we dug into his repertoire, we would be there for hours. We are looking at about two hours. We have begun rehearsals,” he reported.
He said some other artistes are coming as guests.
“Timeline is tight to fit everybody in. They are supporting us in spirit,” he added.
Henderson said the tribute will be closing with a medley with the original police band when Sparrow started.
Sparrow, 91, died on September 27 at his New York home. He is survived by his wife Margaret and children, daughters Michelle and Karen, sons Richard and Sancho, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sparrow’s body will lie in repose for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SAPA tomorrow and NAPA on Wednesday.
At the request of the Francisco family, members of the public are respectfully asked not to take photographs or record videos at the public viewings during the lying in repose.
On Friday, the procession will begin at 10 a.m. at Independence Square, Port of Spain, and proceed along Frederick Street, Port of Spain for a national and then people’s and cultural farewell. The tribute programme will then take place at NAPA from 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Cultural elements will include steel orchestras, moko jumbies, traditional masquerade, various cultural performers and other tribute installations.
Arrangements are being made for members of the public to view the celebration at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. Further logistical details will be subsequently provided, a Culture Ministry release stated.
Trinidad Express
