Montserrat & the Caribbean mourn the death of a Cultural Icon.
Montserratians both at home and in the diaspora and friends of Montserrat are reflecting on the passing of a cultural icon.
Right Honourable Justin “Hero” Cassell OE passed away in the United Kingdom Monday morning after a period of illness. He was 80 years old.
With an illustrious career spanning decades, Justin “Hero” Cassell held the record for the most Calypso titles in Montserrat. He was also hailed as the OECS Calypso King.In the 1950s, Cassell’s journey in the realm of calypso began, earning his first Calypso Monarch crown in back in 1962. He went on to earn 10 crowns throughout his career.
In 2022, the Montserrat Calypso Monarch competition was renamed to honor this musical maestro, cementing his everlasting impact and legacy.
Cassell’s penmanship was also behind the success of his late brother, Montserrat’s third national hero, Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell.
In paying tribute to the fallen cultural Icon, Director of the Montserrat Arts Council (MAC), Kenneth “Rabo” Silcott, in a statement said that the MAC, its Board of Directors, Office of the Premier and the entire cultural and Calypso fraternity extend their deepest condolences to the family of Justin Hero Cassell.
He emphasized that the island and its people once again mourn the loss of another Cultural and Calypso Icon.
Silcott described Cassell as a methodical genius, and a lyrical Mastermind…..adding that His sweet voice and recordings transcend his years in this earth .
He laments that Cassell has left a tremendous legacy and catalog of musical memories….thanking him for the recollections.
Silcott ended by wishing that Cassell would enjoy peaceful rest citing the refrain that “God knows best.”
And Aruban educator and calypsonian, Brian Spitfire” Stokes, who had a long friendship with the Cassell family, also paid homage to the fallen Icon.
Stokes, who now resides in California, United States of America, called Justin “Hero” Cassell’s demise a great loss.
Aruban educator and calypsonian, Brian Spitfire” Stokes.
Legendary Montserrat Cultural Icon, Right Honourable Justin “Hero” Cassell, dead at the age of 80 years.
..And ZJB News will continue to share reflections on the life and times of the late Justin Hero Cassell in subsequent News casts.