Calypsonian Bongo passes

The calypso fraternity in Barbados is mourning the death of one of its own.

Walter Whitney, who went by the sobriquet Bongo and was best known for the popular 1992 calypso “Take it or Lump It”, passed away on Monday.

Cultural Ambassador the Most Honourable Anthony Gabby Carter, was among those paying tribute as he descri bed Bongo as one of the artform’s most underrated singers and writers. Bongo was also a member of Carter’s Battleground Calypso Tent during the early 1990’s.

Recounting stories of tent life, Carter also praised the calypsonian for his dynamic performance and style.

“The crowds every night would go crazy mainly for four acts, Grynner, Madd, Carew and Bongo. Bongo was very good at performing the calypso. He had a unique style of delivery and we haven’t seen it since then. He and Carew had the Bajan kind of delivery that was different. It was distinctly Bajan in his accent and everything.

“Since Like It or Lump It, he never got the same amount of popularity in his career, but as a human being, he was one of the most pleasant people you could communicate with. He was always friendly with everybody and could give a joke and also take one,” Carter said as he extended condolences to Bongo’s family, friends and fans.

Calypsonian and radio announcer, Ronnie De Announcer Clarke also conveyed his sympathies to Bongo’s family, saying he loved and respected Bongo’s passion for kaiso.

Characterising Bongo’s hit Take It or Lump It as a classic Bajan song, Clarke contended that very few artistes produce a song with such impact as that song had on the entire island when it was released.

“One which has played frequently since 1992. A die-hard member and supporter of the Democratic Labour Party who repped them in song. A real Bajan style of delivery and well received.

In addition, Clarke vouched that Bongo was a very nice person.

“He was good company and one whose memory is worthy of our continued respect,” Clarke maintained.

Music producer Elmore Roach, of Radar Studios, expressed disbelief at his friend’s passing while he recounted what would be their final recording session together.

“He came to me five weeks before the climax of the season and he was telling me he wanted to do this song. I was telling him ‘man Bongo it is too late. By the time we finish it, there would only be about four weeks left and it would be better to bring it out for next year’. “He said ‘No! The message that is in this nobody else has brought it out like this.”  It is a song for the children, with advice to do the right things’.

“He insisted that I do A Song for the Children for this season. I did the song, released it and people started calling me about it. . . .  The song still managed to get on rotation even though it came out late. I would have felt really bad if I did not do that song especially because of the message in it. It is a message that is going to live on and will live past us,” he stressed. (KC)