By Sue-Ann Wayow
A TRAILBLAZER especially in the field of Rapso was Lutalo Masimba also known as Brother Resistance in the calypso world.
Masimba, 67, who was also the President of the Trinidad Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) passed away on Wednesday morning at around 1am. Details are still forthcoming.
Former parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs and current San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello sent condolences to his family.
He said, “ On behalf of the city of San Fernando, it is with sadness that we extend condolences to the family of Bro Resistance and those in the calypso fraternity. He was a trailblazer specifically with rapso especially at a time when the artform was unpopular.”
In 1970, Masimba who lived in Port-of-Spain, became the lead singer of the Network Riddim Band. He completed studies at the University of the West Indies and continued to write music for the band. In 1981, his debut album, Busting Out, became a major hit, defining the musical genre that would come to be known as rapso.
Regrello told AZPNews.com that Masimba who was also versed in poetry and story- telling had the ability to command attention while on stage being a very charismatic individual and he led TUCO through some very difficult times.
“He is ringing the bell now in the most appropriate place,” Regrello said.
