In this our first open Caribana/Toronto Carnival since 2019, John Jayson Perez was not to be forgotten. In honor of his dedication to calypso, especially through Pass The Torch, which he founded with Dick Lochan to teach children the art of calypso, the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) presented his wife Brenda Alexander with a plaque at the Junior Showcase. President, Henry "King Cosmos" Gomez made the presentation on behalf of OCPA on July 16 at Malvern Park during family day after the junior parade was over. Some of the juniors performing were graduates of Pass The Torch, and were taught by Jayson. The Junior Showcase is a joint Toronto Carnival and OCPA event that highlights teen and preteen performers of the carnival arts. It was created by Dr. Rita Cox who has guided it through to its eighth year as a family event. Thank you Jayson for all that you have done. OCPA

Forever a gentleman. I have never seen him angry; always with an engaging smile. A true icon of the Caribbean musical arts. Jayson will be difficult to replace. However, his legacy will endure. My sincere condolences to the family.
May he forever Rest In Peace.

Sadly, my family and the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) mark the passing of Canadian calypso icon, John "Jayson" Perez. Jayson, as we all called him, was born in Trinidad and Tobago, but made Canada (Hamilton and Toronto) his home many years ago.   
He was an accomplished musician, composer, recording artiste and teacher whose passion and love of calypso knew no bounds. And he was equally passionate about promoting Canadian calypsonians whom he saw on par with the best. His songs like Romancing The Pan, Tell Them, Angela One Day T&T, Jennifer, and Cowboy Police in Canada attest to this. During his career, he also generously composed calypsos for fellow calypsonians.
Among Jayson's accomplishments: He was the first, and only calypsonian to win a Juno award; he won the Canadian Calypso Monarch title at least 4 times; his song "Mash It Up" was a huge hit in the Big Yard (Trinidad and Tobago); he hosted "Panalyso The Boiling Pot" on CHRY 105.5 FM at York University; he later created his online radio show, "Soul of a Culture", which he hosted with his daughter, Tanya, ably supported by his wife, Brenda. His work was firmly rooted in the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Together with the late Dick Lochan he also created "Pass The Torch", an organization dedicated to teaching succeeding generations the art of creating and performing calypso music. Jayson also found time to serve his community and fellow calypsonians as President of OCPA.
Jayson remained committed to calypso even though he was ailing. During the pandemic shutdown he produced several virtual calypso shows that highlighted Canadian and US singers. We fondly remember him for his joyfully infectious "Drunken Sailor", the song and the dance.                             
To his wife Brenda and daughter Tanya, OCPA extends our deepest condolences. We mourn with them. We all miss the "Drunken Sailor".
May he RIEP.
Henry “King Cosmos” Gomez MA; MFA                                                   President                                                                                Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes                                                    Toronto, Ontario                                                                         Canada

I have known Jason (Jayson) for several years. I encouraged him to compile a CD and sell it on the parade - University Ave. He did but I am not sure how it turned out. I have seen copies of the CD that includes flags from several Caribbean Islands. “When will it end” is one song I remember. This should have been the Caribana road-march that year, but CCC and OCPA were not ready.
This is and was Jason's contribution to Carnival, Caribana and the Calypso world. I am sure he will be remembered for his contribution to OCPA and "Pass the Torch".