Farewell to Harry Belafonte, the King of Calypso and Civil Rights Activism

With his album “Calypso,” singer and activist Harry Belafonte conquered the music world in the 1950s. His music, which blends Caribbean sounds with American pop culture, became a driving force in the civil rights movement.

The news of his death on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96, left an irreplaceable void in the international music scene. Born in Harlem to Jamaican parents, Belafonte was a pioneer in spreading calypso and reggae in mainstream culture, thanks to hits like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell.”

The success of “Calypso” made him the first artist to sell more than a million copies of an album, paving the way for the global diffusion of world music and the cultural emancipation of ethnic minorities in the United States.

But Belafonte was much more than a successful singer. Throughout his life, he distinguished himself as a civil rights activist, collaborating with Martin Luther King Jr. in the fight against racial segregation and organizing concerts for peace and equality around the world.

His music and civil commitment inspired generations of artists and activists, giving voice to those who had none and opening minds and hearts to a more inclusive and supportive vision of society.

His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will continue to live on in those who were fortunate enough to meet him, listen to him, and learn from him. Harry Belafonte will forever remain an icon of music and civil engagement, a symbol of hope and change for all those who believe in a fairer and more peaceful world.