Mighty Sparrow, the Trinidadian calypso musician renowned for his theatrical style and sharp wit, passed away at the age of 91 in New York, where he lived among members of the Trinidadian diaspora. He was celebrated for developing a unique style within the calypso tradition and was crowned king of Trinidad calypso for eleven consecutive years. Born in a fishing village in Grenada, he moved with his parents to the British colony of Trinidad. His birth name was Slinger Francisco, and he began developing his musical voice as a child in the choir of his Catholic school in the suburb of Port-of-Spain. He became deeply involved in local calypso, a music form rooted in satire and carnival that often addressed the daily struggles of Trinidadians. As a teenager, he joined a steel band composed of neighborhood children and began performing in carnivals at the age of 14. Mighty Sparrow was known for his energetic movements and "jamesbrownienne" gestures, which led to his nickname "Sparrow." He was known for his flamboyant, often exaggerated style, drawing inspiration from British royalty and other grand figures. His 1956 song Jean and Dinah brought him fame, highlighting the plight of female sex workers affected by the closure of an American military base. Over time, he used his music to comment on politics, society, and culture in a bold and humorous way. One of his most famous songs, Congo Man, was a provocative and satirical piece that incorporated animal sounds, exaggerated movements, and tribal themes. He often dressed in elaborate costumes, such as gold rings and a velvet cape, and would fully embody the characters of his songs through his sartorial choices. For instance, in the song Dan Is the Man (in the Vanity), he performed as a schoolboy to mock the colonial education system. Throughout his career, Mighty Sparrow composed over 500 calypsos and produced 70 albums, dominating the genre for more than thirty years. He had a unique way of responding to rumors of his death. In 1959, when he first heard such news, he released the song Funeral Agency, mocking a funeral director he imagined already preparing for his passing. A decade later, after another false report, he released Sparrow Dead, a cheerful song where he portrayed himself as a cancer patient. In 1992, he released Man Will Live, a soca song with a mocking tone, reminding fans that he had already faced many challenges in life. In his later years, his sharp wit and irreverent style softened, and he found a sense of spiritual peace.