Stacy Sobers Honors The Late, Great Singing Sandra
Calypsonian Stacey Sobers is set to release new music for 2022. Undaunted by the pandemic and its effects, Trinidad and Tobago’s 2018 NWAC National Calypso Queen will release the song “Legacy Lives” on Monday, January 24th. The calypso track, penned by prolific songwriter Gregory “GB” Ballantyne and produced by renowned local producer Carl “Beaver” Henderson will deliver and be true to the title “Legacy Lives”, paying tribute to the late, Sandra “Singing Sandra” DesVignes Millington.
To Sobers, Singing Sandra was a giant of the Calypso fraternity. She is of the firm belief that Sandra’s work we must never forgotten. The celebrated calypsonian’s contribution to the Calypso genre and cultural landscape includes her powerful contributions “Voices from the Ghetto” and “Die with my Dignity”. Sandra was an elder and maternal figure to many young calypsonians and was known to share her experiences and provide advice to upcoming talent. She won the National Calypso Monarch title on two occasions with “Voices from the Ghetto” and “Song for Healing” in 1999, and again with “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Ancient Rhythm” in 2003.
“As a Caribbean woman, a woman of colour, calypsonian and a storyteller, willing to represent the issues, which women are challenged by, the song, ‘Legacy’ was a necessity. Sandra gave us a voice that transcended class and societal issues and I am here because of her. I hope that the people of Trinidad and Tobago are reminded of her contribution when they listen to this calypso,” said Sobers.
“The song takes the listener through the shades of Singing Sandra whom we all grew to love and at the same time, recognizes her various roles as Calypsonian, Woman and Mother. I am grateful to Singing Sandra and I also want to recognise and thank GB for his words, Carl “Beaver” Henderson for the production support and all the musicians and vocalists who support the completion of this song,” she added.