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