Calypso’s Icon ‘Mighty Rebel’ passes away

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DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, May 31, 2018

Guyana has lost yet another icon, with the passing of calypsonian the ‘Mighty Rebel’.

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton, on behalf of the administration, extended condolences to the family, friends and fans of the late Mighty Rebel aka Godfrey Phillips. The 72-year-old renowned calypsonian was visited last week by the minister at his residence, where he was resting after suffering a stroke.

The Mighty Rebel, known for his witty and sometimes controversial lyrics, holds the record as Guyana’s most decorated calypsonian. Crowned Calypso Champion six times, his musical career spanned more than three decades. With hit songs such as ‘Rebel don’t sing bout that’, ‘Desi you wrong’, ‘Ask de President’, ‘Second Hand Man’ and “Little Angie, he was a household name.

As a cultural ambassador for the country, the Mighty Rebel toured the United States on eight separate occasions, performing in New York, Washington, California, Texas, Delaware and Miami. He has also performed in Canada, Belize, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua, French Guiana and Suriname, and several other countries.

The Mighty Rebel’s singing ability was acknowledged by the State of California, as well as the then Mayor of Ottawa, Marian Dewar, in 1981. The Calypsonian’s melodious voice will definitely be missed by Guyanese and those around the world. The Mighty Rebel will always be remembered for his entertaining and satirical work.

By: Isaiah Braithwaite.