Alphonsus "The Mighty Arrow" Cassell, widely credited with introducing soca music to a global audience with his song, "Hot, Hot, Hot," died yesterday of brain cancer at age 60. Arrow was perhaps the most famous resident of Montserrat and recorded at least 22 albums as well as running his "Arrow's Man Shop" on the island.
"Arrows passing is a national loss of a cultural institution and a national icon who was generous, kind and the embodiment of an enduring and unmoving love for humanity," said Reuben T. Meade, chief minister of Montserrat. "Arrow was an entertainer who shared with his people and the world life's lessons of securing triumph over challenges and opportunity over loss. He will live on in the hearts of all Montserratians."
That’s sad to hear.
The world has lost a true gentleman and a gifted
artist. He would truly be missed.
I think it was 1983, I left the Caribbean with Soca and Reggae still ringing in my ears, to work in Uganda, East Africa. There I was shocked and delighted to hear at parties and on the local radio station the sound of Arrow’s “hot, hot, hot”. The man from Montserrat had an enormous impact on the African music scene!
Arrow’s reach was huge. I have listened with joy to Hot, Hot, Hot at functions across Africa from Ghana to Uganda. I have heard it played in Europe and I heard it played in South Africa. And every time I would stand a little taller knowing that the artist was a fellow Montserratian.
Arrow was an unassuming musical giant whom I knew as a friend. His music will live on in the heart of this grateful Montserratian.