Legendary music promoter Cyril Shaw passed away today just short of his 90th birthday.
A release from his family said that Shaw has left an indelible contribution to Guyanese cultural life and more importantly, the development of the calypso as a performing art.
“His body of work enriched the arts of publicity and political publications. He established a reputation across Guyana and the Caribbean, receiving several awards for his contribution to the development of the music industry. As an entrepreneur, he promoted the world’s best performers and was an active supporter of Guyanese sports”, the release said.
Among the Guyanese he promoted are the legendary Madam O’Lindy, Lord Canary, King Fighter, Lady Guymine, Lady Nima, Intruder and countless others, his family said.
The Mighty Sparrow heads the list of over 95 stars whom he has promoted, including Louis Armstrong, Johnny Mathis, Sammy Davis Junior, Ernie Smith, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Dave Martins’ Trade Winds, Jimmy Cliff, Percy Sledge, Sam Cooke, Lord Kitchener, Calypso Rose, Denyse Plummer, Boris Gardner, Blues Busters, Johnny Nash, Mariam Makeba, Mahalia Jackson, Baba Olatunji, the Drifters, Small Island Pride and Pluto Shervington. The Mighty Sparrow described this contribution as incomparable in the international music world. “Cyril Shaw is the man!”
His family said that Cyril Shaw was also a quiet activist in Guyana’s anti-colonial struggle and his contribution was through the Arcade Printery. For two decades, from the 1940s to the 1960s, the Arcade printed and published The Thunder for the People Progressive Party.
Later, the family said, he spent over 50 years of his professional life touring the world with his many artistes.
Shaw toured with the Mighty Sparrow from 1954, when Sparrow composed Jean and Dinah, until about 15 years ago when poor health forced Shaw into retirement.
Many Guyanese boxers such as Lennox Beckles participated in international boxing matches in Guyana and the Caribbean that were promoted by Cyril Shaw, the family said in the release.
Shaw has been honoured for his contribution to the development of the arts and more specifically for the development and promotion of Calypso in the Caribbean and beyond, by several islands in the Caribbean, including St. Martin, Aruba, and a few other islands, the release added. He also received awards for his contribution to the music world, among his many rewards was one from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York.
The release said he will always be remembered as being adventurous and for being a pioneer. “He has left a proud legacy which his wife and daughters honour each year with the annual Nrityageet shows”, the release added.
