Famend Trinidad & Tobago saxophonist Roy Francis Cape has handed away on the age of 82. His household confirmed the information on the night of September 5. Cape reportedly died following a stroke that morning.
Cape, a prolific musician, devoted over 50 years to his craft and was featured in quite a few recordings. His illustrious profession included collaborations with legendary artists corresponding to The Mighty Sparrow, the late Lord Kitchener, Black Stalin, and Blaxx.
In 1980, Cape established the Roy Cape All Stars, which was rebranded as D’All Starz in 2017. Following this identify change, Cape retired, acknowledging that this was not the conclusion he had envisioned for his profession.
All through his tenure as bandleader, Cape mentored many notable artists, together with Kurt Allen, Destra Garcia, and Nigel and Marvin Lewis.
Cape revealed in 2017 that he had been recognized with most cancers in 2014, which considerably altered his life. He shifted his focus to the Roy Cape Basis, which goals to develop music teaching programs in at-risk communities all through Trinidad and Tobago and different Caribbean nations. The inspiration was impressed by the tragic killing of two schoolboys in January 2016 and the worsening safety scenario within the Laventille group. Cape expressed his perception that music might fight crime and supply youth a constructive path by schooling.
Born to a Grenadian mom and an American father whom he by no means met, Cape lived on the St. Dominic’s Residence, an orphanage, from 1953 to 1958. His early years have been marked by a ardour for music, typically sneaking away to observe steelbands in Port of Spain regardless of his mom’s disapproval. After her dying, he and his brother lived as runaways till they have been finally despatched to the orphanage, the place Cape first acquired musical coaching.
In recognition of his contributions to Caribbean music, Cape was awarded an honorary Physician of Letters (DLitt) diploma in 2011. He printed his memoir, Roy Cape: A Life on the Calypso and Soca Bandstand, in 2014.
In 2019, Cape was honored with the keys to the town by Port of Spain Mayor Joel Martinez. Through the ceremony, he inspired youngsters to pursue schooling and keep in class. Reflecting on his personal life, Cape spoke of overcoming the challenges of his troubled youth and the significance of schooling in his success.
Cape credited the late calypso legend Leroy Calliste, often called Black Stalin, for a lot of his success. “With out Black Stalin, I’d not be right here immediately,” Cape stated, expressing deep gratitude for Stalin’s position in naming his band and for his ongoing assist all through his profession.
