Family of King Swallow makes donation of instruments to primary school, fulfilling longtime dream of the late icon

The Nelvie N. Gore Primary School has received a welcomed donation from the family of the late Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo.
 
The family recently gifted the primary school with a full set of steel pans, as well as a brand-new drum set.
 
This, his relatives say, was the fulfillment of a life-long dream held by King Swallow, who wanted to see the establishment of a Music Department at his alma mater.
 
“He believed that this was a great way for the students to learn discipline, as well as a talent that they could use later on in life,” family members explain.
 
Sir Robin Yearwood, the area’s MP; Senator Shawn Nicholas, a past student; Khan Cordice, Director of Culture; Vernon “Dr. Solo” Benjamin, a well-known calypsonian; and representative from the Ministry of Education were among specially invited guests and gave brief remarks.
 
Dr. Solo made a call for naming the school’s Music Room in honour of the late icon, while all the speakers encouraged the students to take pride in their school and to learn music, as it could be a vehicle for their future.
 
Shennette Philo, daughter of the late Sir Rupert, also reminded the students to take good care of the instruments.
 
The students treated their guests to a musical performance, while there was an impromptu rendition of “Man to Man,” an early soca hit of King Swallow, was rendered by Dr. Solo.