And Still I Rise

Born on the tiny island of Montserrat Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell's talent was anything but tiny. He gave us hits such as "Pirates","Long time" and the monster hit "Hot,Hot,Hot". In fact, "Hot,Hot,Hot" became the song that pushed soca on to the international stage. It was to enjoy more success following Buster Poindexter's remake in 1987. Years later,St Vincent's Kevin Lyttle was to enjoy unprecedented success with his hit "Turn me on". So, it is I think fair to say that Arrow paved the way for other soca artistes to realize that soca could be marketed to non traditional markets.

I think it was on the weekend I read that he was airlifted to Antigua for medical attention.However, I didn't really pay much attention to the news item because I didn't realise it was a life threatening incident. I couldn't be more wrong because today (September 15th) I learnt he had succumbed to brain cancer. My condolences go out to his family and the people of Monsterrat who are mourning his loss. If it's any consolation he will always be "hot,hot,hot".