The soulful sounds of Roy Cape’s saxophone as soon as echoed by the grounds of The College of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus, leaving an indelible impression on many who heard them. That may perpetually be a fond reminiscence because the campus neighborhood mourns the passing of Roy Cape, an iconic musician and beloved Honorary Graduate.
From gracing the stage as a performer to receiving one of many college’s highest honours, his reference to The UWI was a particular one when in 2011, in recognition of his contribution to Caribbean music and tradition, The UWI conferred upon him the diploma of Physician of Letters, honoris causa.
Affectionately referred to as “Doctah Horn,” Roy Cape was an icon of resilience and inventive excellence. Born from humble beginnings, his journey to worldwide acclaim is an inspiration to all. Regardless of early adversities, together with institutionalization on the St. Dominic’s Youngsters’s Residence at a younger age, he discovered solace in music, discovering the clarinet and saxophone, which might go on to outline his famend profession. A person of disarming simplicity and delicate sophistication, his expertise transcended borders, carrying the melodies of the Caribbean to audiences world wide. In 2004, he obtained the Buzzing Chook medal in gold within the nationwide honours listing and quite a few articles within the widespread press have highlighted and paid glowing tributes to his work.
For over 5 many years, Roy Cape’s sound was the heartbeat of Carnival and his contribution to the music trade, notably in calypso and soca, is incomparable. Because the founder and chief of the Roy Cape All Stars, he nurtured and supported numerous artists, considerably shaping the area’s musical identification along with his band being the popular selection for a lot of singers, composers, kaiso and soca artistes, in addition to masqueraders and party-goers. Roy Cape and his band had been distinctive ambassadors for these artwork varieties and efficiently unfold their affect globally.
As a performer, Roy Cape toured extensively, bringing his music to prestigious occasions such because the WOMAD the Portsmouth Competition in England, the Hoogstraten Competition in Belgium, the Helsinki Competition and the 2006 World Cup Soccer Finals in Germany, in addition to performing throughout the Caribbean.
In paying her respects, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Professional Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, provided her condolences:
“Roy Cape’s passing is an amazing loss, not just for the music neighborhood however for The UWI household since as an Honorary Graduate, he’ll all the time be a part of our legacy. His extraordinary contributions to Caribbean music and influence on the Caribbean soundscape will proceed to encourage generations, notably by his unmatched work in brass music. Though his contributions to the steelband motion might have been much less seen, they had been vital as he mentored, related personalities, and constructed relationships that godfathered the pan motion.”
Former Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine, Professor Clement Sankat, additionally mirrored on Roy Cape’s immense contributions:
“Roy Cape was a number one determine in Trinidad and Tobago’s music scene. From Tents to Fetes, together with UWI Carnival fetes, his saxophone introduced candy soca music to the ears of many, accompanying icons like David Rudder, Black Stalin, and Blaxx. The UWI acknowledged his immense expertise with an Honorary Doctorate, celebrating his heat, humility, and generosity. Although he’s gone, his music and legacy will dwell on.”
Sharing sentiments of condolences, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles stated, “As a real cultural and musical icon, Roy Cape’s contributions have been immeasurable. His ardour and abilities had been inimitable. Throughout the college system, The UWI mourns this loss.”
Roy Cape’s unmatched affect was additional celebrated throughout “Pappy: A Tribute to Roy Cape” at The UWI Traditional Live performance in 2016, the place the area’s high performers honoured his life’s work and raised funds for his medical bills.
The UWI extends its deepest condolences to Roy Cape’s household, buddies, and the broader Caribbean music fraternity. His life was a testomony to the ability of perseverance, creativity, and neighborhood. Although he has left us, his music will proceed to nourish our hearts, minds, and souls for generations to return. Could he relaxation in peace.
