CALYPSO icon Slinger Francisco, more popularly known as the Mighty Sparrow, is making significant progress after slipping into a coma earlier last month.

The Trinidadian’s condition was recently disclosed by his daughter Michelle Francisco in an article published by the Barbados Nation newspaper.

The Mighty Sparrow

“He is responding well to treatment and his health is progressing. Yes, he is talking and his health has improved. However, he continues to need prayers and we as a family are thankful for the support and the prayers he has received since he became ill. Thank God,” she was quoted as saying.

The Grenada-born Sparrow, 78, was in New York in early September to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate. He, however, felt ill and was rushed to hospital. He later went into a coma.

The Calypso legend has a strong Jamaican connection as he was a close friend of the late bandleader Byron Lee (from Byron Lee and the Dragonaires), performing here in 1960s for the first time and a frequent face on Lee’s Jamaica Carnival.

The two collaborated on the 1975 album, Again!, which contained the hit songs Dragon Dance and Obeah Wedding.

In August 2001, Sparrow received a Jamaica Independence Award during the country’s independence celebrations.