Tribute to a Calypso King. Elwin Mc Quilkin , Grenada’s 1994 Calypso Monarch.

By: Helen Grenade

February 28, 2025

Consistent greatness certainly describes the works of Elwin Mc.Quilkin, calypsonian whose sobriquet is “Black Wizard” a legend who created a bit of history in Grenada when he was crowned on three occasions  in August of 1994.

First as 🇬🇩 Grenada’s Soca Monarch, followed by the St. Andrew’s Calypso Monarch title and finally as Grenada’s 1994 Calypso Monarch for the first time since performing relentlessly for a number of years as a brilliant artist. “Every contest, every performance is a challenge,  but at the end of the day,  it leaves me fulfilled “.

Elwin Mc Quilkin popularity derives from not only what he sings, but how he sings and performs it. This Grenadian artist has a way about him that captivates audiences. He is enthusiastically interested in what he sings, what he projects, as he leaves them wanting more.

The Black Wizard has what he calls ” a little more to sing about ” than most of his colleagues.  His 1994 Awards are part of his greatest achievement and accomplishment and are held in the highest esteem,  the year of his crowning achievements of Grenada’s culture.

He is indisputable one of the greatest Grenadian Calypsonian,  part of a group of Universal stars who has molded the Calypso group to it’s ultimate form.

His work is a bridge between Grenada, the Caribbean,  the USA and Europe. He had phenomenal world wide success that is apparent today. His music can be heard at parties,  on radios, on YouTube,  Spotify,  legal places from which to download.

An excellent selection that includes Mister West Indian  1976, Struggle 1980, African Blood 1981, United Nations 1982, Nothing 1983, Oh Grenada 🇬🇩 1984,  My Music 1985, Simple Song 1986, We Ent Going Home 1987, Local Feeling 1988, IMF 1989, Wall 1990, Uncle Sam 1991, Ah Doh Know 1992, New World Order 1993. Pan Man, Tell Stone, Mad Rush to mention a few.

The complexity of the Grenadian Calypso Art Culture when considered as an entity, is the reflection of a people who although sharply different,  are United and strengthened by a common heritage. In today’s shrinking world of mass media,  music and the Art Form is preserved in many ways and serve as a vehicle for disseminating culture beyond the barrier of the spoken word.

The Grenadian born has an enormous deal to be thankful for.  He has been recognized as one of Grenada’s master of calypso.  His recordings has topped sales and popularity polls, and his growing stardom has prompted tours from Grenada to USA, Canada,and Europe.

And although his culture has produced generations of supremely talented Calypsonians, who have won worldwide fame with local and international audiences,  this Grenadian legend is virtually one of the few, when it comes to translating that talent that talent into a commodity eagerly sought by the non Grenadian mainstream audiences in the Diaspora.  A moment to reflect on his extraordinary music journey and it’s fruits is his first priority.

In his highly personalized  observance, Black Wizard says ” Music keeps me in balance,  I thank God for giving me the opportunity to do this,  something that I love and enjoy and I can relate to “

His professional success stems from his style and willingness to investigate and absorb any kind of music. He is a human being, a Calypsonian who sings believes with great simpatico. Today, the Black Wizard radiates inner harmony.  He is motivated, enthusiastic, ambitious Grenadian artist with a fabulous personality.  He continues to probe the vital force of excellent songs, creating works that emphasize beauty and grace.

The legendary artist originality overflows into his  daily life as well. At the core of his artistic soul is a genuine passion for interpreting great music and a single minded dedication to the Calypso cultural traditions,  carefully natured through the years. Black Wizard ssys” My inspiration comes from all over, but true energy has always been here. Dreams announce the possibility of another reality. What it all comes down to is that we are the sum of our efforts to change who we are. Identity is no museum piece sitting stock – still in a display,  but rather the endless astonishing synthesis of the contradictions of everyday life.  I believe in that fugitive faith.

Some of his Awards and Achievements include:

Best Social Commentary  for his song, ” When The Carnival Over – Award Magazine

10th Anniversary Special Award  – Everybody’s Magazine

Nominated for the Caribbean Music Award  1992

Prestigious  SAASS Award for his contribution to the Calypso Art Form

The Maurice Bishop Foundation Award in New York  in1984

The DV Award  for his contribution to  Calypso in 1988

The St. Marten King of Kings Calypso competition  Trophy

Spread the love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *