Tributes continue to pour in for the late Sir Rupert Philo, known as “The Mighty Swallow” or “King Swallow,” due to the many calypso titles he has earned.
Swallow, 78, died at his Willikies home on Friday evening, September 11, after a prolonged illness. He was reportedly surrounded by family members when he passed peacefully.
Among those paying homage to Swallow is the Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Harold Lovell. In his tribute, Lovell refers to Swallow as “Cuz,” explaining that his mother’s ancestral roots are in Willikies, the village where Swallow grew up.
“My grandmother was a Philo and I am proud to share a blood relationship with Sir Rupert. We shall miss him,” Lovell says.
The UPP Political Leader says Swallow was an icon and a legend in our time, with his greatest hits being echoed from Willikies to Washington,D.C., and from Eastern Antigua to Eastern Parkway, New York. Swallow, who gained considerable popularity in Trinidad, was celebrated for his many hits, including, Fire in the Backseat; Party in Space; Satan Coming Down; Subway Jam; Don’t Stop The Party; andthe soca classic Man to Man.
“As the consummate entertainer, he commanded the stage with amazing presence,” Lovell says. He recalls how Swallow “inspired the nation with Dawn of a New Day,” and sees him as “a game changer with March for Freedom, [who] caused us to question Who Is Your Friend?”
Swallow was also known for his impeccable sense of style, which helped to make his stage performances unforgettable, Lovell recounts. While he and Swallow were on different sides of the political fence, Lovell remembers the entertainer performing at a UPP event on Labour Day, at which he coined the popular phrase “Ah work me ah work.” The Political Leader says he was happy to be a part of the UPP Administration that conferred a knighthood on the internationally recognized calypsonian, an honour he richly deserved.
Swallow copped the Calypso Crown on four occasions, 1973, 1978, 1979 and 1985, and also won the Road March title five times. The Government has announced that the legendary calypsonian will be accorded an official funeral.
