On September 5, Roy Francis Cape, the legendary master of the saxophone and leader of the Roy Cape All Stars, passed away at age 82. Known as “Docta Horn”, he was a band musician for more than half a century, performing on countless recordings and before numerous audiences alongside many of Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest calypso and soca artistes.
Mr Cape had a special relationship with The UWI. In 2011, he was awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Letters, honoris causa) by the university for his contribution to Caribbean music and culture. In 2016, UWI St Augustine held a special concert in his honour – “Pappy: A Tribute to Roy Cape”, where some of the region’s top performers celebrated his life’s work and raised funds for his medical expenses.
“Roy Cape’s passing is a tremendous loss, not only for the music community but for The UWI family,” said St Augustine Campus Principal Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine. “He will always be part of our legacy. His extraordinary contributions to Caribbean music and impact on the Caribbean soundscape will continue to inspire generations.”
Brought up in adverse conditions, Mr Cape was sent to the St Dominic’s Children’s Home at a young age, where he found solace in music, discovering the clarinet and saxophone. He would go on to perform for audiences around the world as a celebrated exponent of culture. In 2004, he received the Hummingbird Medal, Gold, in recognition of his work.
“From Tents to Fetes, including UWI Carnival fetes, his saxophone brought sweet soca music to the ears of many, accompanying icons like David Rudder, Black Stalin, and Blaxx,” said former UWI St Augustine Campus Principal Professor Clement Sankat.
He added, “The UWI recognised his immense talent with an honorary doctorate, celebrating his warmth, humility, and generosity. Though he is gone, his music and legacy will live on.”
