Condolences continue to overflow as today the calypso and soca community mourn the loss of Roy Lewis, who was well-known, loved and respected by many as Lutalo ”Brother Resistance” Masimba. Considered as one of the pioneers of the Rapso music movement, Brother Resistance was also the President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonian’s Organisation (TUCO).

According to reports, he was ailing for some time now and passed away at the Westshore Medical Private Hospital on Tuesday night. He was 67 years old.

Brother Resistance was born in 1954 and grew up in East Dry River, Port of Spain. He attended the Queen’s Royal College and was later inducted into the school’s ‘Hall of Honour’ in 2017. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Economics and History at the University of the West Indies. In the 1970’s he co-founded and became the lead singer of the Network Riddim Band. The band sang and popularised rapso music, originated by the late Lancelot Layne. Some of their well-known songs include ‘Mother Earth’, ‘Ring the Bell’ and Cyah Take Dat’.

The outpouring of memories, love and heartfelt condolences continues to overflow across social media throughout the calypso and soca industry:

Destra Garcia: RIP 🕊 Lutalo Masimba aka Brother Resistance 😢

As I heard this news on waking up this morning, a rush of childhood memories came flooding back to my heart.
You see this man, this cultural Ambassador is the father of my very good friend and classmate in secondary school. She was one of my original backup singers for years when I participated in the various junior calypso competitions. Brother Resistance would sometimes accompany us and put his famous ‘Rapso Necklace’ around my neck for good luck or just to calm my nerves.

However, I had met him the year before while I was still at Primary school…..I remember my first Interschool calypso competition where Brother Resistance and Karega Mandela were the judges, this was my first ever stage performance or competition, and immediately got addicted to the stage after I ended up winning.

Anyway, That competition influenced my career because that was the day I knew I wanted to be an artist. Thank you Brother Resistance for all that you’ve done for our culture, and for being an influencer in my career. Condolences to Niambi, Nalo and their entire family this morning, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Trinidad and Tobago have lost another Icon. Rest In Peace Uncle Roy. 😢

Bunji Garlin: While I celebrate life today I must pay respects to a life gone on this day as well. RIP Brother Resistance. Man stood firm at the forefront of a culture and a movement unapologetically and made way for more to trod. Glad to have experienced your music and magic as a kid and meet you as a fellow creative and the dialogues. Fly high king!!!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😢 @brotherresistance️

Patrice Roberts: Trinidad and Tobago lost a cultural ambassador & pioneer today. RIP Lutalo “Brother Resistance” Massimba. Thank you for all your contributions. You will never be forgotten.
Sincerest condolences to his loved ones.

Machel Montano: Ring d 🔔 up dey🕊
Rest well Brother Resistance #RapsoKing 🙏

Voice: Resistance, I don’t know if our culture has ever been better personified. Your part in this nation’s story cannot be overstated. We are better because we had you as an example. You showed us that we should fight for what we believe in until the world has no choice but to succumb to the strength of our belief. Thank you for your brilliance, your poetry, your perseverance, your originality, your dedication, and your selflessness. May we reflect on your life as we gather around the eternal light you left behind. Rapso In Paradise. 🙏🏾 #BrotherResistance #Icon

And so much more.

We at Caribbean Entertainment Hub will like to say a heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to Brother Resistance for his priceless and pioneering contribution to our community, culture, and artform. His legacy, rhythmic poetry, and classic Rapso will continue to live on in our hearts and in the DNA of Trinidad and Tobago. We love you! As we send our condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. Continue to Rap in Paradise, Rapso King 🙏🏾🕊

Hashtags: #BrotherResistance #LutaloMasimba #Rapso #Rapsomusic #Calypsomusic #Calypso #NetworkRiddimBand #TUCO #TrinidadandTobago