Veteran saxophonist and band leader Roy Cape, has died at the age of 82.
Cape, who led the Roy Cape All Stars band for over 50 years, had been battling prostate cancer.
Cape’s band was the early home for maany soca stars, among them Destra Garcia, Kurt Allen, Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart and Ricardo Drue, to name a few. He officially retired in 2017.
He received the National Award, the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) in 2004 and in 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from The University of the West Indies (The UWI).
In a social media post, Cape’s daughter Jo-Ann Cape Julien confirmed his passing. The post on Facebook stated, “It was a very difficult time for the family. Please keep us all in your prayers.”
Former Calypso Monarch, Kurt Allen, posted on Facebook, “R.I.E.P KING Roy Cape “Pappy”. We have shared great memories to last lifetimes and I will be forever thankful for the opportunities that you provided since I was the age of 17. Walk Real Good!!!!.”
Austin “Super Blue” Lyons reacted to the news, saying, “This is a very sad night for me. When I hear the passing of my great and loving friend Dr Roy Cape this one hit me every hard. Every week we talk and laugh about the old times, we had travelling and performing all over the world. May you Rest In Peace, Fly with the Angels above. Until we meet again.”
Cape’s daughter said as soon as funeral details are arranged the public will be notfied.