Nation Honours Cultural Icon King Ellie Matt

BASSETERRE: An official funeral was held Thursday for cultural icon, Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero, as mourners gathered to honour one of the most influential figures in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis’ music.

The ceremony recognised the extraordinary contributions of the late calypsonian, band leader, songwriter and cultural ambassador, who helped carry the music of St. Kitts and Nevis to audiences around the world.

The funeral procession moved through the streets of Basseterre before arriving at the Newtown playing field for the service.

King Ellie Matt was a ten-time national calypso monarch, a seven-time road march winner, and the founder of the legendary Ellie Matt and the G.I’s Brass.

His patriotic classics, including “I Love St. Kitts – Viva St. Kitts”, became enduring symbols of national pride.

During the service, his nephew, Lenny Lake, thanked those who gathered to honour a man widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the federation’s cultural history.

“On behalf of the family, we warm warmly welcome you and sincerely thank you for joining us today as we celebrate a life, a legacy of a true son of the soil, a musical icon, a cultural ambassador and a beloved friend to many, our own King Ellie Matt,” Lake said.

Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew praised Ellie Matt for being much more than just a calypsonian.

“We are here in our numbers today on this playfield and virtually across St. Kitts and Nevis, the region and the world. We are here to give our love and respect not only to a man but a movement that he led,” the Prime Minister said. “And notice I say a movement because a man has left us, but a movement that he helped to establish remains with us.”

ZIZ will have more from the official funeral of King Ellie matt in today’s newscasts.