Mighty Spoiler


Theophilus Philip, better known as Mighty Spoiler, was a Trinidadian calypsonian.
Spoiler's career began in 1946 at the House of Lords Tent, and he soon became one of the most popular calypso singers, known for hits such as "Bedbug", "Magistrate Try Himself", "Picking Sense out of Nonsense", "Royal Wedding" and "Trinidad is My Land". The last of these has, to some extent, entered the consciousness of every Trinidadian. He won the Calypso King title on three occasions, in 1948, 1953, and 1955.
He died in 1960 of an alcohol-related illness.

Legacy

in his poem "The Spoiler's Return" borrows the calypsonian's persona, reworking his "Bedbug" calypso and making satirical use of Spoiler's trademark incantation: "Ah wanna fall!"
Among Spoiler's students was Grenadian-born calypsonian The Mighty Bomber.