The Minister of Communications, the Honourable Stuart Young would like to extend condolences to the family of the Winston McGarland Bailey better known as “The Mighty Shadow” or “Shadow”.
Shadow died this morning after ailing for some time.
“He brought something different to the calypso/soca genre; from the way he dressed and danced to the layered lyrics he sang. Shadow’s songs were in many ways a commentary on us as a people but also a rallying call for us to reflect and perhaps change those characteristics he felt didn’t work for us,” said Minister Young.
Shadow’s ability to compose great arrangements which were fun yet thoughtful, is reflected in works such as “Bassman,” “Pay the Devil,” “Poverty is Hell,” “What’s wrong with me” and “You lookin’ for Horn” to name a few.
His contribution to the cultural landscape is remarkable and immeasurable.
“Trinidad and Tobago has lost a unique voice.”
Shadow received the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) in 2003 for his contributions to music in Trinidad and Tobago. He was 77.