Calypsonian Rootsman (Yafeu Osei) has died.
He passed away at around 5.45 pm yesterday at his Almond Drive, Morvant, home.
Tobago-born Rootsman, 64, whose calypso career dated back to the late 1970s, was best known for his hits Miami Vibes, Rack Mih Rack Mih, Parkway Rock and Soca in the Palace.
He had been ailing for some time from complications associated with diabetes. In 2008, he had been hospitalised for several months and all the toes on his left foot were amputated after an injury on his big toe became infected.
A talented songwriter who was best known for his party hits but was also skilled at social commentary, at the height of his musical career Rootsman toured extensively throughout the Caribbean and the United States.
He was for several years one of the veterans on the cast of the Kaiso House tent.