In a remarkable celebration of Caribbean culture and artistic prowess, the University of the West Indies is poised to bestow honorary doctorates upon two luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean music and entertainment. The enchanting soca sensation Allison Hinds and the revered calypso monarch Leroy "King Short Shirt" Emanuel, are set to receive this prestigious honour, recognising their exceptional contributions to the region's rich musical heritage.
In the heart of the Caribbean, these two iconic figures have embodied the spirit of resilience, creativity, and unity that defines the cultural landscape of the West Indies.
Alison Hinds is a legend of the regional musical industry and a driving force behind the explosion of imaginative, urban-inspired Caribbean music, a legacy she has left an indelible footprint.
When not performing, she supports charities that assist children with disabilities and physical challenges as well as causes including women's rights, diabetes, cancer, and AIDS awareness.
Her love of Caribbean music, such as calypso and reggae, began when she relocated to Barbados at the age of 11. She was born and reared in England before then. She joined the band Square One as the lead vocalist at the juvenile age of 17, and the group went on to win numerous honours with songs like "Faluma", "Aye Aye Aye", and "Ragamuffin". "Roll It Gal", her most popular song outside of her country, debuted at #52 on the Billboard R&B charts in 2006, following the band's formation. Numerous Hollywood productions, including Grey's Anatomy, have included the song.
She was named a 2014 Goodwill Ambassador by the Caribbean International Federation of Business and Professional Women, demonstrating her status as a recognised trailblazer for women in the field. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart named Ms. Hinds a "Barbados Cultural Ambassador" in 2018, making her the only other woman to hold this title after Rihanna. Additionally, the Brooklyn Mayor acknowledged her exceptional career and contributions to the Caribbean community in that same year.
Leroy "King Short Shirt" Emanuel, also known as the "Monarch," was born and reared in the Point neighbourhood of St. John's, Antigua. He is said to be an enormous calypsonian. Since his initial entry into the calypso scene in 1962, he has composed hundreds of high-calibre calypsos, many of which have been performed for other calypsonians. He is mostly recognised for his sharply satirical lyrics, lovely harmony, and velvety melodic voice.
King Short Shirt has won the Calypso tournament fifteen times in Antigua and Barbuda. In 1964, 1965, and 1966, he became the first competitor to "three-peat" in the yearly tournament. He has seven Road March Crowns and seven Caribbean Calypso Competition crowns under his belt. "Tourist Leggo", "Lucinda," "Nobody Go Run Me," "Our Pledge", "Star Black", "Run Shorty Run", "In Spite Of All", and many more are among his greatest successes.
The prime ministers of two other CARICOM nations have invited him to attend their independence celebrations: Belize in 1981, where he sang a song he created specifically for the event, "A New Beginning," and Saint Lucia in 2023.
Though calypso is undoubtedly his passion, he has made enterprises from his love of acting and the craft. He first launched Shorty's Beach Bar and Shorty's Glass Bottom Boats in 1962. Eight years later, he opened A & B Record, a record store.