A massive cultural procession moved through the streets of San Fernando on Thursday morning in celebration of Dr. Leroy Calliste, the Black Stalin.

The parade, which began along Coffee Street led to the veteran calypsonian’s funeral service held at the SAPA building, with family, friends, fans, and several dignitaries in attendance to pay homage to his indelible contribution to T&T’s culture.  

Security officials at the Southern Academy of the Performing Arts were forced to shut the doors to the facility, so great was the volume of people turning up to show their love for the calypsonian.

His daughter, Keenya Calliste, in delivering the eulogy, gave those gathered a look into the life of Leroy, the family man.

“Dad was known for his cooking skills. He handled his stories in the kitchen. He made numerous vegetarian dishes and even made bread bakes and pastries,” she shared.

“We often grew up on vegetarian meals, however having realized that we also wanted to indulge in meat, he felt that he would no longer impose his Rastafarian beliefs on us and allowed us to cook and eat meat at home. One day we came home and saw a chicken baking in the oven and we asked who was baking that chicken and he replied ‘me, that is for alyuh’. The chicken included all the parts that you would usually discard when cleaning and it was clear he didn’t know what he was doing. That was his first and last attempt at making chicken.” 

Musical giant Anthony Chow Lin On reflected on Black Stalin’s mastery with the pen.

“The scholars and the universities and history will talk about his body of works…how he reminded us of who we are as Caribbean people and our region. As a DJ, anytime I;m having trouble to get the crowd moving in a party, what do I do?  ‘Stop all housework yuh doin’ it so simple. Thank you Stalin,” he reflected.

Brother Valentino, who shared a close relationship with Stalin, sang tribute to him with their hit song “Blood Brothers.”

And living proof that the calypsonian’s bloodline stand ready to continue his legacy was a riveting performance from his grandson, Keevan Calliste.

Other tributes included former President Anthony Carmona, Chucky Gordon, Abeo Jackson, Ras Commander, Lady Adanna, Abebele and his daughter, Keenya Calliste.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who was unable to attend the service as he had to attend a relative’s funeral in Tobago, honored the calypsonian in a tribute posted to his social media. 

“In life Black Stalin was no pedestrian, not one who stood by the wayside, watching on, whining, complaining, and waiting for somebody to run something,” PM Rowley reflected.

He added: “Black Stalin’s fiery nature and assertiveness, I believe, can be traced to the policies of the colonial powers in the 1920s to obliterate African consciousness, with their denials of basic human rights, and the tightening of religious freedoms, cultural choices, and expressions.”

Following Thursday’s service, Black Stalin was later buried at the Paradise Cemetery at Keate Street.