NWAC: Singing Sandra ‘echoed voice of the mothers, abused, poor and downtrodden’

“[…] Singing Sandra has left a great legacy in the calypso world as one of the most powerful female calypsonians to date. Her style of calypso was able to highlight the issues, concerns and hardships of women to the nation and the world at large.

“Through her music, she echoed the voice of the mothers, the abused, the poor and the downtrodden, resonating their experiences and their stories with all who heard her music…”

The following press statement on the passing of two-time Calypso Monarch Sandra ‘Singing Sandra’ Des Vignes-Millington was submitted to Wired868 by the National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC):

‘There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.’ — Washington Irving 

The National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) joins our nation in mourning the loss of Calypsonian, Sandra Des Vignes-Millington commonly known as ‘Singing Sandra’. NWAC extends condolences to the family and friends of Singing Sandra. 

Singing Sandra has left a great legacy in the calypso world as one of the most powerful female calypsonians to date. Her style of calypso was able to highlight the issues, concerns and hardships of women to the nation and the world at large. Through her music, she echoed the voice of the mothers, the abused, the poor and the downtrodden, resonating their experiences and their stories with all who heard her music. 

Sandra celebrates a career of 36 years of greatness and consistent achievement. Having started as a calypsonian in her late 20s at The Mighty Sparrow’s Young Brigade Tent, after only two years, she copped the National Calypso Queen Title in 1987. 

Singing Sandra is currently one of only three women to have held both the National Calypso Queen and National Calypso Monarch titles. She is also one of only 13 calypsonians who have held the National Calypso Monarch title more than once, which she won in 1999 and 2003 respectively.

Affectionately referred to as ‘Mother’ by many calypsonians, speaks volumes about the way she treated her fellow artistes. Singing Sandra was always ready to assist, counsel and nurture young people—whether in the art form or the community. 

NWAC is of the view that we all must be thankful for her love of calypso, her love of culture and her love of people. NWAC is honoured to hold this year’s Queen competition in memory of Sandra Des Vignes-Millington (Singing Sandra). 

NWAC will also dedicate the month of February to her memory.

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