Today we come together in the Spirit Of Unity, not to mourn the dying breath of my youngest brother, but rather to celebrate a life well lived, by someone who has earned his place on the pages of history; someone who has gone, but will never be forgotten; someone we all know and love so deeply; and someone who will forever have a place in our minds and hearts. Winston Augustus Mendes aka WAM aka Major Winnie aka Da Major aka Big Man aka Musical Guru aka The Godfather of Music in Birmingham was born in South London to his amazing mother Lillian Murray aka Mama Lilly and his estranged father Leon Mendes. But by the age of one, he was relocated to Birmingham and remained there for the rest of his life.
From my personal observations, Major enjoyed a happy childhood. He was a beautiful baby and grew up to be a handsome man. It was easy to love him, because he was so lovable. He had a heart of gold and he was consistently kind to everyone around him. Even when they didn’t deserve his time or kindness, he would give it freely. He was a Gentle Giant, Supportive Son, Brilliant Brother, Forgiving Father and a “Loyal Friend” to everyone that was genuine and became a part of his “Inner Circle”.
Major seemed to be Super Talented and quickly mastered anything that he truly enjoyed. He was a semi-professional Ping Pong Player, the best Snooker Player in our community, body builder, Reggae MC, Hip Hop Rapper and Dancer. Yes, just like his mother, Major loved to dance and he could Moon Walk better than Michael Jackson! So it was no surprise to me that after taking him on tour to America and introducing him to music production in my recording studio, that he would take it to the next level and become the best music teacher and one of the best ever music producers in our city. Major lived a life of unselfish loving service and commitment to so many young people of all races and walks of life, that it earned him the title of “The Godfather of Music in Birmingham.”
Da Major was a Good Man and a Loving Soul. His recording studio was not only a place to create the wickedest beats and musical magic, but it was also a place that people went for all kinds of advice, guidance, counseling and deep philosophical reasoning. Major did not belong to any specific religion, but he did study all of them and looked for the best in all of them. He would always say, “Yow, I’m Spiritual not religious” and he really enjoyed speaking about God and the deeper meanings of life.
Major was not afraid to die because he knew that death is an illusion and he knew exactly where he was going after this short life in the flesh.
Major is survived by his Mother & Father.Four Brothers: Clive, Pato, Umar & Rupert.Two Sisters: Audrey & Precious. And Two Foster Brothers: Ling Chung & Dennis.
Major is also survived by his Five Children: Desrene (born to Donna), and Tynisha, Shereece, Reh-mel and Rehnae (born to Anna). His Step Son Junior, was already born to Anna when they decided to build a home and family together, but Major raised Junior as his own flesh and blood.
Regarding his Six Grandchildren: Desrene has 3 children Tsya, Tailor and Zion. Junior has a son Thiago. Rehmel has a daughter Lerah and Tynisha has a son Tierrè.
Because Major was the youngest brother, I never expected him to be the first to make his transition from this world. But there is a scripture that says, “And, behold, many who are first will be last, and those who are last will many times be first.” The is also a conversation where a young girl asked her mother, “why does God take the good people first?” and here mother replied, “In God’s Garden the best flowers are always picked first.”
Today, I’m wiping away my tears and celebrating the Life & Graduation of my baby brother. I’m looking forward to seeing him again in A Better Place, where there will be no more pain, suffering or death. Major “Loved to Laugh” and he was happy when the people he loved were happy. So, let’s do our best to remember all the amazing memories he has left us with, while we look forward to our future family reunion, when we all be together again, hugging and laughing and remembering the “good old days!” But for now, please join me in giving Da Major a huge round of applause!!!!!
One Love Always ~ Pato Banton
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