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Ace Midnight Robber Honore dies
Posted: Wednesday, May 18, 2005

newsday.co.tt

"Day I was born
the earth turned red
I have killed many men
Made dust of their bones
Lucifer could not conquer me!"

Robber talk? Yes.

And it came from the mouth of a man named Brian Honore, who over the years made a reputation for himself as Trinidad’s most wanted man in the mock world of midnight robbers.

The ace traditional ole mas character died early yesterday morning of a heart attack in the garage of his Cascade home, where he was preparing to leave for work. He had a heart problem and was due to have heart surgery shortly.

Arden Knox, consultant with the National Carnival Bands Association of Trinidad and Tobago, said his death was a great loss to Carnival, especially the traditional ole mas art form, Rapso and Calypso.

"He was involved in the Rapso tradition and he not only competed in ole mas competitions but tutored primary school students on these portrayals. He realised that this traditional art form was slowly dying and he worked to keep it alive.

Ten years ago he formed his own group of Midnight Robbers called the "Mystery Raiders" comprising both young and old masqueraders.

He took over from the late Andrew "Puggy" Joseph, one of the foremost Midnight Robbers. The Mystery Raiders played Mas on the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday winning mini band of the year title in the traditional ole mas competition five years ago.

Honore learned the art of midnight robber speeches from 91-year-old veteran Esau Millington and Joseph.

Honore was the librarian at Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive School, Mucurapo.

"He was a true masman and was totally dedicated to the improvement of traditional ole mas," Knox said.

The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) saluted Honore’s life, and described him as being a "cultural ambassador who touched the lives of many throughout Trinidad and Tobago whereever he performed."

The Copyright Association of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) described Honore as the most wanted man in the mock world of midnight robbers, and a prolific composer.

Reprinted from:
www.newsday.co.tt/stories.php?article_id=26496

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