Black Stalin

Leroy Calliste, who performed as Black Stalin, earned recognition as "one of the kings of soca" for pairing politically charged lyrics with an advanced mix of electric drums, congas, horns, guitar, and bass. He claimed five titles in Trinidad's National Calypso Monarch competition, winning in 1979, 1985, 1987, 1991, and 1995. His songs addressed South Africa's hardships, the drive for worldwide peace, survival tips summed up by the line "stay strong, high and dread," and the making of pan drums. CMJ offered this assessment: "with the spirit of Rastafari, Stalin and his band of horns, guitars, and pans tell it like it is, smilin' all the time." Black Stalin died on December 28, 2022 at the age of 81.