Former calypso monarch Camille Christine Goliah-Basdeo, known on stage as Lady Tempest, died on October 12 at the age of 64, her family has announced.
A funeral service will be held at the Bethel Congregational Church, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday, October 20, at 2 pm. Viewing is scheduled for Sandy’s Funeral Parlour from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm, according to the family’s announcement.
A Night of Reflections will precede the funeral on Monday, October 19, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, beginning at 6.30 pm.
Born on March 5, 1962, Goliah-Basdeo was a familiar figure in Guyana’s calypso arena, both as a competitor and as a source of encouragement to fellow performers.
Stabroek News’ coverage of the 2009 calypso competition recalled her earlier victory in the national finals, identifying her as a female performer who had broken through to claim the crown. stabroeknews.com
Her influence also extended to colleagues pursuing their own success. After winning his first calypso monarchy in 2008, Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds credited Tempest among the performers who had encouraged him through years of competition.
He told Stabroek News that she recognised the potential of his winning song, “We’re Still a Paradise”, and helped strengthen his confidence before the final. Hinds said encouragement from Tempest and other established calypsonians had helped him persist after earlier disappointments.
Her performances also addressed violence and abuse. In June 2008, Stabroek News reported that she delivered “Stop the Violence” at the launch of a policy addressing domestic violence, before an audience viewing photographs of people who had died violently. stabroeknews.com
She remained a competitive presence in later years, placing third in the 2016 national calypso final with “Raise Our Voice Against Abuse”, behind winner Lester “De Professor” Charles and runner-up Kenroy “Mighty Believer” Fraser. stabroeknews.com
The family’s announcement did not state the cause of death.
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