Mighty Sparrow, the Trinidadian singer and songwriter widely hailed as calypso’s greatest performer, has died aged 91. For more than five decades, his witty, melodic songs blended political commentary and humour, bringing calypso to audiences across the Caribbean and abroad, including Britain.

Born Slinger Francisco in Grenada, he moved to Trinidad as a young child and grew up in Port of Spain. His breakthrough came in 1956, when “Jean and Dinah” won both the Calypso Monarch and Road March titles; he went on to win each honour seven more times. Songs including “Congo Man”, “Mae Mae”, “Capitalism Gone Mad” and “Neurosis of the Rich” reflected his range, from playful innuendo to criticism of inequality.