The Friends of Democracy (FOD) has paid tribute to Sir Charles Emile Straker, describing his death as the loss of a towering figure who carried Barbadian music to the world stage and helped define the island’s cultural identity for generations.

Straker, who had been ailing for some time, died early on Friday aged 90. He was the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and the last of the original founders of the Merrymen Trio, later The Merrymen, in 1962, with Robin Hunte and Chris Gibbs.

Ricky Williams, FOD spokesperson for sports and culture, in a formal statement, described Straker as a musical icon.