‘Soca Superman’ Alvin Toppin celebrated for a life of culture and service

In a moving ceremony, family, friends, colleagues and members of the entertainment fraternity came together on Saturday to celebrate the life of Alvin ‘Soca Superman’ Toppin.

The service for the popular DJ, insurance executive, cultural advocate, and rising political figure took place at the St Lucy Parish Church.

Moving tributes from diverse groups demonstrated his profound impact, as those present remembered him for his professional achievements and deep passion for Barbadian culture, particularly soca music and the Crop Over Festival.

“Music was always a big part of his life,” said his cousin Sonji Phillips. She said Toppin never saw a challenge he was unwilling to tackle and “had a plan to use politics to improve the lot of people, particularly—but not exclusively—those of St. Lucy.” Tributes were also paid by Sean Farrell and Bertie Hinds.

As Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts noted, Toppin was more than just a voice on the airwaves.

“He was a steadfast friend to the foundation and an unwavering advocate for the Crop Over festival, Barbadian artistes and the vibrant genre of soca music,” she said in a video message.

Anthony Greene, General Manager of Starcom Network, where Toppin previously worked as an announcer/DJ, spoke of Toppin’s radio legacy.

“He was what we would call in cricket an all-format player,” Greene said. “Alvin’s contribution to broadcasting and soca was significant. It was the kind of impact that goes beyond holding a radio shift.”

In their tribute, international recording artist Rupert ‘Rupee’ Clarke did a special adaptation of the lyrics to I’z a Bajan, while saxophonist Mylon Clarke performed a soulful rendition of Goodness of God.

Political Leader of the Democratic Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition, Ralph Thorne, said the party will miss their comrade terribly and “will bear his political legacy with honour and gratitude”.

“We can assure our departed comrade that posthumously his voice will be heard in our continued agitation, that justice must come and will come to his beloved constituents.”

Immediate past president of the Barbados Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Deon Cummins, reflected on Toppin’s professional integrity.

“From the outset, he distinguished himself with his humility and quiet strength [and] his sharp mental acuity and deep commitment to excellence… Alvin never approached anything casually; he moved with purpose and focus.”

Former classmate Andrew Cave performed a spoken word piece titled Forever Rocking in Our Hearts, describing Toppin as “a class act and an ace of all trades and a master of all accolades.”

Toppin passed away on July 2, around a week after he suffered a stroke. He was 52 years old. (STT)