Calypso
One of the most popular forms of music in the Caribbean is, unquestionably, Calypso. Calypso is a style of music which traces its roots to Africa during the introduction of the slave trade.1 Throughout the years, Calypso has spread from the far reaches of Trinidad to the coasts of New York. Originating in the 19th Century in Trinidad, Calypso music began as a way for slaves to passively resist their masters through song and music. Calypso was shaped by not only the British aristocracy but also by Spanish and French influences in the island. At the time of its origin Calypso was mostly sung in French-Creole and was led by a leader, called a griot.2 Today Calypso music is still one of the biggest attractions at Carnival and several tents are set up to host competitions between calypso artists every year. Calypso took off in the early 20th Century during what has been deemed the “Golden Age” of Calypso and has continued throughout the late 20th Century.3
The most notable vehicle for Calypso music is the steel band. Invented after British colonials banned the use of drums; early pioneers found creative ways to make music. Originally through the beating of bamboo drums, also known as “tamboo bamboo”, this resourceful instrument would eventually give way to steel pans. The ability of these steel drums to produce different pitches was the primary reason for the transition from bamboo instruments to steel instruments. Today, these steel pans have evolved from the common cooking utensil to full out instruments ranging from tenor, to cello, to bass. An ensemble in contemporary times comprises several of these pans.4
Famous Calypso Artists
Slinger Francisco
More popularly known as “The Mighty Sparrow”, Francisco was born on July 9, 1935 in Grenada. Francisco got his start singing at a Catholic Church and would go on to become the lead in the Church Choir. Influenced by fellow Calypso artists such as Lord Kitchener, Francisco would go on to become one of the most famous Calypsonians of all time. In addition to hit records, Francisco is an 11 time Calypso Monarch and has won several competitions.5
Lord Kitchener
Born on April 18, 1922, Lord Kitchener would come to be known as the “grandmaster of Calypso” and was extremely influential in spreading Calypso to the masses. Through his lyrics, Lord Kitchener was able to mainstream Calypso to not only Trinidad but to further parts of the world, such as Great Britain. Lord Kitchener would go on to win several awards and a statue of him survives today in Port of Spain, Trinidad.6
Calypso Rose
McCartha Lewis, more commonly known as Calypso Rose, is today one of the most famous Calypso artists of all time. Born in Bethel, Tobago she eventually moved to Trinidad where she would go on to start her Calypso career. She chose her stage name in reference to the flower and has gone to produce several Calypso hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Calypso Rose has won several competitions and has since moved to New York.7
Notes:
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Liverpool, Hollis U. "Researching Steelband and Calypso Music in the British Cribbean and the US Virgin Islands." Black Music Research 14.2 (1994): 179-201. Print
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Aho, William R. "Steel Band Music in Trinidad and Tobao: The Creatino of a People's Music." Latin American Music Review 8.1 (1987): 26-58. Print.
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Lord Kitchener. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved December 06, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online:
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