GARY CARDINEZ Trinidad Newsday
AS of March 1, after 57 years, veteran musician and band leader Roy “Pappy” Cape “hung up” his prized Selmar Parris Super 80 saxophone as a performer with the long-standing brass band he formed - Roy Cape All Stars.
He said that was not how he wanted to end his career, but it just happened.
Speaking from his home in Oropune Gardens, Piarco, Cape related his story: “I was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, and it changed my life completely. I had to take care of myself and that has been my focus over the last few years. From now on there will be no more Roy Cape All Stars. I have reached an agreement with the band. They are still functioning, and will call a press conference to announce the new name sometime later.” But somehow Cape’s story seems to have taken a turn which sees him busier than when he was playing with the band. He is now always on the go as an organizer, and chairman of the Roy Cape Foundation. He said the idea of the foundation was sparked in January 2016 by the killing of two schoolboys on their way home from school, and the deteriorating personal security situation in the Laventille community.
“A friend called and informed me of the shooting and suggested that we do whatever we could to initiate a community programme of music education to engage young persons in the joy of learning music as a means of combating the threat of violence and other anti-social behaviour which have seemingly become a way of life in the community.
Replies
Thanks Roy Cape for putting out new forms of generosity. Thanks for leading in brilliant music, and for displaying steadfastly the merits of our Trinbagonian music. Will miss your Horn, however, you keep jammin, man!
HI roy sorry to see you leave the scene but i guess at some time in life we all have to call it a day and it is never easy, but i am sure the work you are doing now with the foundation will be just as rewarding and i know you will be there in the back ground keeping an eye on the band.
Hey Roy
Sorry to hear that news Bro! But just for the record You could quit the Band but You cannot stop blowing that Horn. Til yuh last Breath get up everyday and Play something for the Great Spirit that gives us all Life! Also if there's anything I can do to help your project PLEASE let me know. Jeff Medina 702 581 1747. God Bless You Brother!
"Roy Cape All Stars"; undisputedly the best MUSIC band in Trinbago, for the past three decades. Long live the maestro!
Wow!!!! Thanks Pappy for all the years of great music especially when accompanying Dr. Leroy Calliste "Black Stalin"