By Sue-Ann Wayow
LEGENDARY Calypso icon, The Mighty Sparrow, has been baptised.
The 87-year-old singer whose real name is Slinger Francisco was baptised on Saturday at Far Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York.
Sparrow who now resides in Queens, was baptised by Seventh-Day Adventist Pastor, Claudius Morgan also a former calypsonian from St Vincent.
In a video showing the singer’s baptism, Sparrow is dressed in all white being held by several men as he is immersed in the water.
Baptism for the Christian faith represents a giving up of the old self and becoming a new person following Jesus Christ.
Sparrow, before his immersion is seen lifting his hands in praise while he is being put under water, shouts of “Amen” can be heard.
Sparrow has won many awards for his huge collection of songs over the decades.
He has won Carnival Road March competition eight times, Calypso King/Monarch eight times, and has twice won the Calypso King of Kings title.
His hits include: Jean and Dinah’, Congo Man, Saltfish and Dan is the man in the van, just to name a few.
