Today, we mourn the loss of the Calypso Queen and Icon Sandra Des Vignes-Millington, well-known, loved, and respected by many as the one and only ‘Singing Sandra’. Hailed as ‘Mother’ to many, a name that was rightfully deserving within the calypso and soca fraternity, Singing Sandra passed away at the Mt. Hope Hospital on Thursday 28^th January 2020. She was 64 years old.

Singing Sandra’s powerful and commanding vocals, confident and dominating stage presence, thought-provoking and change creating messages in sound, made her create history as the second woman to win the Calypso Monarch title. With songs like ‘Voices from the Ghetto’, ‘Die with my Dignity’, ‘The War Goes On’, and many more; she leaves behind a legacy and impact that will forever be celebrated in our culture.

 

 

The outpouring of sadness and heartfelt condolences across social media has been nothing short of expected for a Queen whose presence will be surely missed both culturally and spiritually, especially by those within the calypso and soca industry:

 

Patrice Roberts: Please tell me this is not true !!!!!!!!😭😭😭

Sighhhhh RIP #SingingSandra 😭 RIP Mother! RIP Queen… 🕊🕊🕊🕊
Thank you for everything you have done.

 Nadia Batson: I had to take a moment before I posted this because I honestly didn’t want to believe it. I just feels unbelievable mainly because I spoke to Mother (as the entire industry lovingly called her) just over a week ago as we planned her appearance on my upcoming concert. I wanted to feature her as not only an icon, but as a talent that I grew up admiring for her powerful and commanding performances, and FULL CONTROL of the stage. She shared with me just how proud she was of my growth and success and encouraged me to keep pressing forward.

I am happy that I got the chance to truly express to her how much she meant to me and I will be eternally grateful for our beautiful verbal exchange of love and respect. You are loved Mother and you will be missed! RIP Singing Sandra 🕊

Bunji Garlin: The icon Singing Sandra has crossed over 😞. Known to many as ‘Mother’ and to me as the first calypso elder to meet me on the warpath, Sandra Des Vignes – Millington you will always be remembered in the culture of Trinidad and Tobago as a serious force to be reckoned with!!! Thank you for your dedication to this art and land. Our love travels with you this day!!!! Fearless woman!! ⚔️💪🏾💔❤️

 Fay Ann Lyons: Today we lost a Queen. Mother as she was called by all that truly knew her. When an icon is lost the culture feels it. Gone but not forgotten. Rest Easy. @singingsandra1 May God grant you eternal peace. #ICON #LEGEND #trinidadandtobago

Sekon Sta: Mother! I love you and thank you for always being there. Thank you for guiding myself and all the youths spiritually and mentally for so many years. Thank you for always being in my corner and being a beacon of justice and equality. Thank you for being a living example for other women to emulate. Mother I know you are a fighter; you have been a fighter and fought straight down to the end now you fight no more. I know that you join God on this day and walk in his kingdom. Condolences go out to the family of the QUEEN SINGING SANDRA DES VIGNES-MILLINGTON❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love you forever mother. #RIPSingingSandra

Voice: There are pieces of fabric woven into the quilt of a nation that bring complexity, diversity and the essence of its beauty. Without these pieces, our history has less significance and the design of the quilt, less meaning. Singing Sandra, thank you for weaving all of yourself into everything that is Trinidad and Tobago. Your loss hurts but your contribution is our healing. RIP 🙏🏾 #RIPSingingSandra

And so much more.

We at Caribbean Entertainment Hub will like to say a special ‘Thank you’ to Singing Sandra for ALL that she contributed to our culture and artform. Your memory, impact, and message 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. Rest in Paradise, Queen!

Hashtags: #SingingSandra #Calypsoqueen #Calypsomusic #Calypso #Unitedsisters #TrinidadandTobago