Even if the entire calypso fraternity was not present to bid him “farewell” those who were present at the funeral mass made sure that indeed he was a “Calypso King” and gave him that accolade.
His funeral mass at the St. Gerald’s Chapel on January 30, 2023, saw calypso fans, family, friends, and well wishes who assemble to pay their last respects to him.
Melvin Constant, affectionately known as “Solo”, Lord Solo, and King Solo” was born to his parents Githa Titre and Felix Constant on October 11, 1948. Melvin, being the only child of his mother Githa, was raised in River Street in Roseau by his mother and grandmother Ma Coo Coo. He was the “Apple of his mother’s eye” and everyone who knows the family has heard Ma Githa as his mother is known by all describe him as “her one piece of gold”.
He actually could have been described as an “infirmary baby” spending most of his childhood days in and out of the Old Infirmary by the mouth of the Roseau River from 16 years to her retirement, Ma Githa began working there with her mom who worked at the Infirmary for over 50 years herself.
Melvin, as a young adult, worked in Public Service for many years. To say he loved music was an understatement. He was a singer that showed his skill firstly as a soul singer through a Trio singing group, the Jerries with his lifelong friends Lennox Jeremiah (now deceased) and Clovel (who founded the group). Their shirts for performances were designed at the time of Lorraine Thomas, a friend of the group members. He started his calypso career in the late 1960s and by 1969, was a calypsonian that was a contender to be reckoned with. Melvin was one of only three Dominican calypsonians that can boast of being a “three-peat calypso king”.
Melvin was actually a four-time calypso King winning the crown for the first time in 1973, then again consecutively in 1975, 76, and 77. Some of his noteworthy calypsos include “I pleasing me fans”, “Black Man leads the way”, Advantage, Janie scandal, Symbort for 76 and of course the classic “Mas in the Cemetery.”
Sadly, to the complete dismay of his family and friends, on the 1st day of January (New Year’s Day) 2023, two weeks into his holidays, an unfortunate accident resulted in Melvin’s untimely death. The suddenness of his death was indeed a shock to his family, friends, fans, and all those who loved him.
Melvin will be remembered especially during carnival and certainly whenever one of his calypsos plays. For his wife Shirley, his children, and all who love him, Melvin’s death leaves sadness and endless emptiness.
Though we cannot question God and why he took Melvin so suddenly and unexpectedly, we trust God even as we know our hearts will ache so much whenever we remember him gone from this life forever.
Melvin “Solo” Constant, you will never be forgotten! You will indeed be missed by your wife Shirley and your children, grand and great grand and their spouses, friends like Dan, Clovelle, Alvin “Allo” Bernard, adopted brother Frank and his family, the neighbours, and friends watching out for your mom…
Rest in Eternal Peace, Melvin Constant…Lord Solo…Mighty Solo…King Solo! Hope you get to meet and sing with Cissy Cauderon, Eddy Martin, and all the musicians and characters that you highlighted and brought awareness to in your many calypsos over the years.
May the Angles of God welcome you home, and may you hear the words…well done, faithful servant, as you find Eternal Peace in the arms of the God who blessed you with talent that you used well in your days on earth.
As his body left the St. Gerald’s Chapel to be laid to rest at the Roseau Catholic Cemetery…those present danced to his popular rendition “Mas in the Cemetery.”