By Sue-Ann Wayow
SOCA star Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart was laid to rest on Wednesday with a grand ceremony in a Carnival like atmosphere with hundreds singing and dancing in celebration of his life.
The celebration went into the heart of the Carnival city of Port of Spain from Frederick Street onto Brian Lara Promenade, with family, fans and supporters following the hearse after a funeral service held at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah.
The mass vaccination site at the Paddock, was closed to host the funeral and will be re-open to the public on Thursday.
His hits including Leh Go, Mash Up, Carnival Jumbie and Tantie Wo blasted from a music truck.
Stewart, 60, died on March 28 from Covid-19.
During the service, the artiste was described by various speakers as an icon, legend, mentor, caring father and soca lover.
There was also the call to honour artistes and entertainers while they were alive.
Musical artistes including Destra, SuperBlue, Voice, Preedy, St Lucia’s Teddyson John paid tribute to Stewart in song.
“Condolences to the family, to the friends of fans of Blaxx. My teacher, my helper, my mentor. The person to give me a chance. I cry so much times and it still hurts. I love yuh,” Voice said.
Roy Cape, Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland, Anthony “Chinese Laundry” Chow Lin On and Stewart’s manager Giselle Gellineau-Penrose spoke about him and his contribution to the nation.
“I know it is sad to lose him physically, but it is only physically. You cannot kill the hulk, that can’t happen, the hulk Blaxx will never die, he lives on through his works and children. He lives on through you,” Scotland told mourners.
The eulogy was delivered by Stewart’s children Mickello, Melicia and Terell delivered the eulogy.
His sister Avelia Stewart also spoke.
Gellineau-Penrose said, “He was a son, a brother, a father, a business partner, a musician, a friend, a mentor and so much more to so many people.”
“Blaxx was more than the music he made. He was an icon of his time, a mentor to many. He was passionate and supportive of developing young talent within the soca industry.”
She thanked Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez for their support during his illness as well as Elizabeth Montano.
After the parade through Port-of-Spain, Stewart was cremated in a brief, private ceremony in Tacarigua.
