Rapso is the power of the word, the rhythm of the word, the truth and the light and therefore pure rapso is the living experience of the voice. It is the vocal manifestation of the hopes, fears, visions and aspirations of a people’s struggle for true liberation –Brother Resistance 1986
The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago is truly shocked and saddened by the news of the transition of Lutalo Makosa Masimba better known as Brother Resistance. On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and members of the ESCTT we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Calypsonian Organisation of which he was the President, the National Carnival Commission where he served as a Commissioner, the Network Riddum Band of which he was a foundation member and lead vocalist, the Network Community Organisation and Drum Line both of which he was also a founding member.
Born Roy Lewis, in East Dry River, the Yoruba Village, where he lived until the time of his transition, he always excelled and demonstrated leadership. As a student of the Queens Royal College, Brother Resistance became renowned for his intense love and commitment to the promotion of the music of Trinidad and Tobago when as a young disc jockey he only played local music and encouraged youths of his day to love and party to the songs produced by local artistes. His strong advocacy and struggle for at least 50% local music on our radio stations started even while he was at school and continued until the time of his transition. We do hope someone will at last hear his cry.
Never mind his love and passion for music Brother Resistance also excelled academically and
earned his first degree at the University of the West Indies, followed by a Master’s Degree in Carnival Studies from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2012. At the time of his transition, he was reading for his PhD from UWI.
One who truly stood firm for his culture Brother Resistance also served as Vice President of the Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago and the Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies. He was the president of the Writers Union of Trinidad, record producer and distributor of Network Productions, a show promoter and producer, graphic artist, set designer, percussionist and song writer. He was the first manager and General Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Calypsonian Organisation. In 1992, he was awarded the Humming Bird Medal Silver for his contribution to Arts and Culture in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago Committee presented him with the Keeper of the Tradition Award for his hard work over decades to preserve, teach and develop the oral tradition and in 2017, he was inducted into the Queens Royal College Hall of Honour.
Every Emancipation Day he rang his bell for freedom, he rang his bell for justice and he led the Network Community Organisation and Network Riddim Band, year after year without fail, as they jammed the rapso rhythm echoing the hopes, fears, visions and aspirations of a people’s struggle for true liberation. Is Wot!!!
We will always remember the Rapso Soldier for his sterling, rooted and grounded life long contribution to culture and our people’s liberation.