Chief executive officer at Naparima Bowl and award-winning actor and singer Marlon De Bique has died.
His family confirmed he died on Tuesday night at the San Fernando General Hospital after a brief illness. He was 45 years old.
Several people within the cultural fraternity paid tribute to De Bique, who was a popular figure in the culture and arts industry.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell, in a media release yesterday, said De Bique was not simply a cultural and art enthusiast but he embodied it.
“We will be forever grateful for his invaluable contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of Trinidad and Tobago,” he stated.
He continued: “His dedication to promoting and positively contributing to the industry started during his school days as a performer in the Presentation College Mixed Choir.
“Throughout his career he performed on both local and international stages, achieving recognition as Music Festival Winner and multiple Cacique Award recipient. Mr De Bique’s tireless efforts and notable achievements has created a lasting impact on the cultural fraternity.”
He recalled that in November 2007, De Bique joined the then-Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts as a cultural officer II.
“(He was) instrumental in the implementation of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, efforts toward the development of National Festivals and the Performing, Visual and Literary Arts and represented Trinidad and Tobago at various international events,” Mitchell added.
De Bique was appointed CEO of Naparima Bowl in March 2020 and the release stated that he executed his duties “with devotion and a vision to propel the brand through stakeholder engagement”.
“To this end, his contributions toward the modernisation, stability and efficient operations of Naparima Bowl are recognised and praised. He was admired and well-loved by his colleagues and staff who describe him as servant leader,” Mitchell added.
Tributes also came in from National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NDATT) vice-president Safa Niamat-Ali, who said it was always a pleasure working with him. “It was clear from my first encounter with him that he knew the arts, and considered the perspective of the artistes and other stakeholders in the industry.
“He led, guided by this perspective, committed to expanding the opportunities and conditions for practitioners. His life and passing will leave an indelible impact on the arts and everyone he touched,” she said in a statement.
NDATT trustee Peter Craig shared, “Learning of his passing today is a big shocker. Nevertheless, we press on in good faith, grateful for the contributions he made over the years, towards the development of the arts. It’s truly a great loss.”
The Marionettes Chorale, in a Facebook post yesterday, described him as an arts administrator who enriched every cultural organisation with whom he’d worked: “We have no words. Our deepest condolences to Marlon’s family, friends, colleagues and all who loved him. It is difficult to imagine the local arts and culture landscape without him. Rest in peace and power, Marlon.”
Veteran actor Michael Cherrie wrote in a Facebook post, “..remembering Marlon De Bique RIP…no words. I said I’d stop these posts..Bro, mad, mad, mad respect for you from day one as one of our most accomplished singers, actors and arts administrators.”
He continued: “You had vision for our arts landscape here like none other, with (Naparima Bowl chairman) Avion Crooks you both transformed the Naparima Bowl to a place it’s never been before! Make new and wonderful vibrations in that new realm with the Creator, my dear warrior friend! Godspeed, Bro and thank you for your contribution and leadership.”
De Bique’s family illustrated his accomplishments in a statement, saying his “journey in the arts started with the musical Blossom Time in 1995 with the Presentation College Mixed Choir under the leadership of Cynthia Lee Mack. There, he fulfilled several roles including that of choreographer and costume designer for many of the choir’s productions. The tenor has been involved in several productions by The Marionettes Chorale, The UWI Arts Chorale, 3Canal and The Trinity Tenors.
“In 2008, Living Arts Inc of New York, a prestigious institution, acknowledged his exceptional talent as a singer and actor. This recognition led to his casting in the roles of Sportin’ Life and Robbins in the Gershwin opera Porgy and Bess. For two years, De Bique, a true ambassador of the arts, toured with the company, performing in more than 70 shows across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Russia and Poland,” the family added.
De Bique, a versatile performer, won several titles at the bi-annual Music Festival and captured two Cacique Awards for his roles as Judas in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.
His repertoire included a wide range of characters, from the iconic Jean Valjean in Les Miserables to the rebellious Roger in the musical Rent, the passionate Don Jose in the opera Carmen, and Madea in Raymond Choo Kong’s staging of Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
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