Chief Justice of Barbados Sir Marston Gibson, Dr. Stedson “RPB” Wiltshire, Keith “Destroyer” Christian, Anthony “Gabby” Carter among others were pallbearers out of the New Dimensions Ministries, moments before the procession took William “Smokey” Burke to his final resting place at the Westbury cemetery.
WILLIAM “Smokey” Burke took centre stage for the final time yesterday.
The life and times of the well-loved calypsonian, writer and musician were remembered during a service of thanksgiving held at the New Dimensions Ministries in Barbaress Hill, where tributes flowed for Burke, who passed away on February 26.
Tributes were delivered by several of his friends and members of his family, who packed the church to say their final farewell to the entertainer who was known for his versatility, his love for family, friends and, as many mused, his hearty appetite.
Calypsonian Colin Spencer recalled sound advice he received from Burke back in 1977, which kept him in good stead over the years. They would later perform together in four tents – House of Soca, Hit Parade, All Stars and Headliners – over the years. Spencer’s voice faltered however when he recalled that he was the reserve that replaced Smokey who fell ill in 2018 just before he could make it to the finals of the Pic-o-de-Crop competition. “I had to ask myself why?” Spencer lamented. He recalled that Smokey was responsible for bringing Troy Special, his niece Natalie Burke and Peter Ram to the “tent culture” back in 1997. Spencer performed “The Old Rugged Cross” in memory of Smokey.
Former band mate Raymond Harewood of the band “Twilighters” said “I have lost my best friend”, recalling that he shared many adventures and misadventures with Smokey over the years. He said that he was able to see his last performance on stage at the Golden Soca show last August. He opined that Smokey’s downfall in the eyes of the judges probably came because he was a musical genius, one who would try to reconstruct calypso, which some persons could not understand.
Chief Justice of Barbados, Sir Marston Gibson also recalled his interaction with Smokey, which he explained began in 1971 when the Twilighters were looking for a bass player. Sir Marston noted however that he was instructed to pursue his studies instead. Sir Marston said he uplifts those who were able to pursue their love for music and assured the audience that Smokey was not resting, but probably forming a band.
Minister of Culture John King said the death of Smokey Burke should be a lesson to all, particularly those in the creative industry, to address imbalances. “As we seek to take our rightful place on the global stage, equal partners, equal contributors and equal beneficiaries, we must first seek to correct these imbalances by addressing the stark reality that we find difficult to confront as it relates to our creative and sporting communities in our homeland.
“What use are pretty speeches laced with fond memories and the occasional burst of grief after someone is gone? It is not a question for any particular persons, group or institutions, it is also not intended to cast any blame or shame, it is intended to get us as a people to begin to examine ourselves in an effort to confront and fix those characteristics that do not serve our best interests. It is from this point of view that I challenge myself and all of you gathered here, to express your appreciation and love for each other as much as you can while you have the opportunity to do so.”
Other tributes came from Dr. Anthony “Gabby” Carter, Nicholas Brancker and students from the Ann Hill School. His cousin Dr. Sharon Marshall delivered words of remembrance on behalf of the family. There was also a rendition by a mass choir made up of local calypsonians who performed Mental Slavery which was written by Smokey.
Smokey leaves to mourn his daughters Sharon, Keara and Camille and his siblings, Neville McFarlane, Delcia and Jacqueline Burke and Susan Job. The interment was held at the Westbury cemetery. (JH)