The St. Lucian born Calypsonian, Dennis James, was known for his fiery stage presence and humble nature. James was born January 18th, 1947, and raised in Castries, St. Lucia. A passion for music came naturally to the young artist and he first hit the stage in his mid-teens, but would not begin performing professionally until his twenties. His career would guide him to becoming a mainstay in the Calypso community and a three-time Calypso Monarch winner.

James began his career in his home country, appearing in several talent shows and eventually became a part of St. Lucian born musician Emile Ford’s recording team, touring around Barbados and the Caribbean. He began playing in other groups including the Quavers of St. Lucia, but eventually decided to move to New York to expand his career in 1971. In New York, he played various gigs with small bands throughout the city with a focus on soul and R&B. The highlight of his time in New York however, was meeting and marrying wife, Mildred “Gizel” Douglas James. The pair would move to Montreal, shortly after marrying in 1974, and started a family.

In the late 1990’s, James made his way down to Toronto, where he would trade in his contemporary and soul grooves for calypso and soca. There was a boom of interest in Caribbean genres at the time, allowing the St. Lucian native to return to his roots. He began his competitive journey, entering several shows including the OCPA Calypso Monarch competition. He won the illustrious title three-times first in 2001, then 2002, and again in 2006. Some of his winning hits included “West Indians Unite”, “Words I Did Not Say”, “Nothing to Declare”, “The Thunder”, and “Thank You Toronto”. In 2014, he returned to St. Lucia to perform in St. Lucia’s Calypso competition, bringing his story full circle. He would often return to perform in the years to follow.

James passed away on December 6th, 2024. He is remembered as a master of the stage with a flair for style. Countless former Calypso Monarch’s and community members have hailed him as a fierce competitor and charismatic performer– counting him as a community legend.