The late Lutalo "Bro Resistance" Masimba

UWI-ROYTEC joins the calypso fraternity, the Laventille-East Port of Spain communities and by extension the nation, in mourning the passing of Mr. Lutalo Masimba (aka Brother Resistance), Rapso Icon and President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonian's Organisation (TUCO).  As we recognize and celebrate his life, work, and vision, we extend sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Executive of TUCO and the cultural community.

In January 2016, Brother Resistance and the Executive Director of UWI-ROYTEC embarked upon the journey to make the Certificate in the Business of Entertainment a reality.  This programme was born out of the collaborative vision of the leadership of both organizations and a deep sense of national pride.

History was made on Friday 22nd June 2018 when UWI-ROYTEC and TUCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer a training programme leading to the award of a Certificate in the Business of Entertainment. The TUCO/UWI-ROYTEC Certificate in the Business of Entertainment evolved out of Brother Resistance's vision to assist the Entertainment Industry, in particular the Carnival Industry and the Calypso fraternity through the development of the skills and knowledge needed by artistes to achieve financially rewarding careers. He hoped to also enhance the growth of Calypso and Carnival as art forms and drive entertainment economic activity in Trinidad and Tobago.

As a long-standing and committed corporate community member, it was an honour for UWI-ROYTEC to collaborate with the iconic "Rapso Ambassador" to bring to life his vision for training and development for the TUCO membership. In honour of the life of the Rapso Legend, Brother Resistance, UWI-ROYTEC pledges its continued commitment to education and training initiatives that will result in sustainable working solutions, aimed at addressing issues affecting the Laventille-East Port of Spain communities, in particular and the wider cultural community.  

We remember him not only as a lyrical genius but also as "a bridge for most people around him to pass over for better." (Kwame Jones, 2021).  His legacy will live on as we must now all continue to "ring the bell for justice… ring the bell for culture… ring the bell for freedom".

From left to right: the late, Lutalo "Bro Resistance" Masimba, Research Officer at TUCO, Ms. Meagan Sylvester and Executive Director at UWI-ROYTEC, Ms. Wendy Augustus

UWI-ROYTEC staff with Executive Members of TUCO.