Friends, family and members of the calypso and cultural community came together on Sunday to celebrate the life of Pancruce McGriffin Theodore, also known as “The Mighty Terra”.
Terra, who won the calypso crown in Saint Lucia eight times, including seven consecutive wins, passed away on July 19 at age 86. He began his reign in 1957 with his first win for “Rock and Roll Calypso”.
People remembered Terra not just for his music, but also for his work with the Saint Lucia Arts Guild, his public service and his leadership in both Saint Lucia and Canada, where he spent several years studying, living and working.
Growing up in Vieux Fort, he challenged stereotypes about calypso by performing while still a student at Saint Mary’s College, even against school rules. On Sunday, people talked about his songs like “Ban the Advocate” and “Wabeen Government”.
The “Anko” celebration was organised by the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC) and the Folk Research Centre (FRC), and took place at Castries City Hall.
Claude Paul of the CMMC said calypso has come a long way, thanks in part to Terra and others, who are seen as pioneers of the art form in Saint Lucia.
“He was truly a trailblazer with respect to Calypso and music, and I also learnt he was a member of the Arts Guild,” Paul said. “I am very happy to learn that Terra was part of that movement as well, making Saint Lucia part of the cultural capital of the Caribbean.”
He said that the guild, which put on several plays by the Walcott brothers and others, was a very important movement for Saint Lucia.
“So I am very happy to know that Terra was involved in that cultural renaissance in Saint Lucia,” Paul said.
Cecil Charles, leader of the Take Over Tent, expressed concern on Sunday about the lack of available recordings or documentation of the Mighty Terra’s music.
“All we have right now is a publication,” Charles said, holding up a book published by the FRC. He explained that preserving Terra’s legacy is important, and since there are no recordings of his music, this should be a priority for any group representing calypso.
Other tent leaders, like Sean Marcelin of Fire One Tent, Mervin Wilkinson of South Tent and Kennedy “Boots” Samuel, also paid tribute. TC Brown from the Kaiso Pros Tent honoured Terra’s legacy with the song “Where are they now?” which mentioned the late calypsonian.
Blaze, Haggai and Lord Jackson also performed, with Martin James accompanying them.
Former FRC director Hilary Laforce recalled some of Terra’s performances, including what he said was his last in 1996. “That song was called ‘War’, and he sang it right here,” Laforce said, singing a few lines. He then continued the Saint Lucian wake tradition with some “quick, quack” jokes in Kweyol.
Sunday’s celebration was chaired by Calixte George Junior, Terra’s nephew, and included blessings from Monsignor Patrick Anthony.
Pancruce McGriffin Theodore, known as The Mighty Terra, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, August 11, at the Lady of Our Rosary of Fatima Church in La Clery.
