Local music fraternity mourns ‘Pappy the mentor’

As the entire local music fraternity mourns the passing of veteran musician and founder of the Roy Cape All Stars band, Dr Roy Francis Cape, his son is suggesting that he be given a State funeral.

The saxophonist, arranger and band leader, affectionately known in the industry as “Pappy,” died at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) on Thursday. He was 82.

His son Christopher told Guardian Media yesterday that his father was rushed to the hospital via an ambulance after he complained of body pains on Thursday.

He was taken to the Arima General Hospital and later transferred to the EWMSC. He died around 5.30 pm.

Cape’s grieving son said, “I know he will be missed by a lot of people and my heart goes out to all who miss him. One love.”

While funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed, Christopher said his father deserves a state funeral. (See page 12)

Tributes to ‘a legend’

While it was known he had been battling prostate cancer since 2014, many soca artistes and fans said they remained at a loss for words and were saddened by Cape’s passing.

A distraught soca star Destra Garcia told Guardian Media, “I am heartbroken. I knew that this time would come but no matter how much you prepare for something like this, you can never really be ready.

“I have lost a member of my family. Pappy was like a father to me. Coming into this business at such a young age, he truly fathered me as a protector and as a mentor, all through my career.

“Last we spoke, I was in Canada two weeks ago and I told him I’d come see him when I got back. I got a call from Jo-Ann (his daughter who lives abroad), who told me he was in hospital and that I should go see him right away, but even though I went immediately I didn’t get to say goodbye, I was a moment too late. It’s all still fresh. I’m just trying to come to terms with all of it right now.

“But, He was charitable, kind and loved by all, and he definitely made his mark in this world. He will be missed.”

Soca star Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez was also emotional about Cape’s death.

“He was definitely not just a legend, but an icon and like a father figure to many people and we all know that his band played and backed and supported a lot of the musicians, the older ones and some of the newer ones,” she said.

Veteran soca artiste Ronnie McIntosh said his relationship with Cape spanned many decades. He said he holds fond memories of the Roy Cape All Stars band performing during many Soca Monarch competitions in the early 1990s.

“It’s a big one for the industry. Pappy was always supportive in terms of advice and that kind of stuff. Many artistes came through the hands and mind of Roy “Pappy” Cape. He will be missed.”

Asked to describe the music legend in three words, singer College Boy Jesse, who is now part of the reformed All Stars band. said Cape was “originality, legendary and greatness.”

Several entertainers took to social media to express their love for Cape.

Austin “Super Blue” Lyons, whom Cape played background music for and who shared a close friendship with him for decades, said, “When I hear the passing of my great and loving friend Dr Roy Cape this one hit me very hard. Every week we talk and laugh about the old times we had travelling and performing all over the world. May you Rest in Peace. Fly with the Angels above. Until we meet again.”

Soca star Machel Montano said, “Dr Roy Cape, our loving “Pappy”! A gentle, kind, fun and experienced leader, teacher, father, boss, friend, guide and mentor! He taught so many of us and gave us all his unwavering support and countless opportunities! Through generations, his name remained the same and he was always considered the best. He had the best laugh and smile but most importantly he really loved the music and the people he played with and for.”

Antonio “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez said, “Many of us got to tell you thank you many times over while in life, now we say thank you again for your affecting legacy in your passing. May you RIP Mr Roy Cape.”

Many others, like Kurt Allen, Anslem Douglas, Kes Dieffenthaller and Nadia Batson, also paid tribute to the music icon.

Several government ministers, including Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell, also paid tribute.

“Dr Cape was not simply a musical icon in Trinidad and Tobago, he was an Ambassador of all the remarkable things that our country signifies. He represented and showcased the best of our talent, culture and musical offerings on an international scale. With his career and life’s work spanning well over half a century, it can only be described as a labour of love,” Mitchell said.

In an online post, Minister of Youth Development and National Service Foster Cummings said of Cape, “His extraordinary talent as a musician, band leader, and saxophonist touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on calypso and soca music. Beyond his remarkable musical achievements, he was a beloved figure, recognised for his humility and generosity.”

Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said he will always be remembered.

“He was a man who shared wisdom, and I was privileged to be on the receiving end. RIP Dr Roy Cape. Your legacy will never be forgotten.”

Cape leaves behind his wife Cheryl and children Jo-Ann, Julianna and Christopher.

Roy Cape’s journey

Born on 36 Henry Street, Port-of-Spain, Cape moved to nearby communities, including John John and Upper Laventille Hill. He also lived on the streets and was eventually placed in an orphanage, where he was introduced to music. He overcame his hardships using his love of music to become a global musical powerhouse.

He founded the Roy Cape All Stars in 1980.

Cape led the band for over five decades and backed several soca artistes, including Destra Garcia, and Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart and Ricardo Drue, now both deceased.

He toured and recorded with calypso greats such as the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener and Black Stalin, his close friend for many years.

He was one of the musicians accompanying The Mighty Sniper on T&T’s unofficial anthem, Portrait of Trinidad.

Cape also spent over five years in the United States, where he played with several international bands. He subsequently returned to T&T to continue his life’s passion.

He received the Hummingbird (Gold) National Award.

In 2011, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies.

Cape also delved into the literary world, launching his first publication titled Roy Cape: A Life on The Calypso and Soca Bandstand in 2014.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer that same year.

He retired from the band in 2017.

In July 2019, he started the Roy Cape Foundation Music School in Sangre Grande, which focused on developing music programmes in at-risk communities.

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