Calypso music facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calypso |
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Singer Calypso Mama, real name Maureen Verlene Duvalier, on stage
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| Cultural origins | Early 19th century, Trinidad and Tobago |
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| Derivative forms | Soca |
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Calypso is a lively style of music that started in Trinidad and Tobago. It began with Afro-Trinidadians in the early to mid-1800s. This music then spread across the Caribbean islands by the mid-1900s. Its catchy rhythms come from West African Kaiso music. It also has roots from when French planters and the people they enslaved arrived in the 1700s.
This music is known for its strong rhythms and beautiful singing. Historically, it was often sung in a French Creole language. A leader called a griot would guide the songs. As calypso grew, the griot became known as a chantuelle. Eventually, they were called a calypsonian. When English became the main language, calypso songs started being sung in English. This helped the music gain more attention. Calypso became an important way for people to share their thoughts and feelings. It allowed them to comment on government actions and local issues.
Calypso in the Caribbean includes many different styles. For example, there's benna from Antigua and Barbuda. Spouge is a popular style from Barbados. Dominica has cadence-lypso, which mixes calypso with cadence from Haiti. Soca music is another style. It blends calypso with chutney, soul, funk, Latin, and cadence-lypso.
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What is Calypso Music?
Calypso is a unique music genre from Trinidad and Tobago. It's known for its storytelling and rhythmic beats. Calypso often shares news, opinions, and social commentary. It's a powerful way to express ideas and feelings.
Where Did Calypso Come From?
Calypso music has deep roots in Trinidad, going back to the 1600s. It grew from West African Kaiso and Canboulay traditions. These traditions were brought by enslaved Africans to the Caribbean islands. They were forced to work on sugar plantations. These people were separated from their homes and families. They had limited ways to communicate. Calypso became a secret way for them to share messages. They also used it to express their feelings about their difficult lives. Many early calypsos were sung in French Creole. A person called a griot would lead the singing. Over time, the griot's role changed. They became known as a chantuelle and then a calypsonian.
Modern calypso started in the 1800s. It combined different elements. These included the masquerade song lavway and French Creole belair. It also included the calinda stick-fighting chantwell. Early recordings also showed influences from Venezuelan paseos. Calypso's rise was closely linked to Trinidadian enslaved people adopting Carnival. This included canboulay drumming and music from masquerade parades. The French brought Carnival to Trinidad. Calypso competitions at Carnival became very popular. This happened especially after slavery was abolished in 1834.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name "calypso" likely came from "kaiso." Many believe "kaiso" comes from the Efik phrase "ka isu" ("go on!"). It also might come from Ibibio "kaa iso" ("continue, go on"). These phrases were used to cheer someone on. There's also a Trinidadian word, "cariso," for "old-time" calypsos. The term "calypso" became common from the 1930s onwards.
Some think the word might be a changed version of the French word carrouseaux. Through local language changes, it became caliso and then "calypso." However, the word "calypso" was first mentioned in 1882. It described a dance by Abbé Masse.
Calypso's Early Days
The first song clearly identified as calypso was recorded in 1912. Lovey's String Band recorded it while visiting New York City. In 1914, more calypso songs were recorded. The first one sung in English was by chantwell Julian Whiterose. He was also known as the Iron Duke. Most calypsos from the World War I era were instrumental. They were played by Lovey and Lionel Belasco. Due to wartime challenges, few recordings were made until the late 1920s and early 1930s. This period became known as the "golden era" of calypso. It set the style and sound of the music.
Spreading the Word Through Song
Calypso became a way to share news across Trinidad. Politicians, journalists, and public figures often discussed the songs. Many islanders saw these songs as the most reliable news source. Calypsonians pushed the limits of free speech. Their lyrics shared news about island life. This included speaking out against political issues.
Even with some efforts to control what was sung, calypsos continued to be bold. Singers found clever ways to get their songs heard. One way was using double meanings. These were words that sounded innocent but had a hidden message. For example, they might criticize countries like Germany while secretly referring to colonial government policies in Trinidad. Classic calypso songs often talked about current events, local news, and playful insults between singers. This is similar to how classic hip-hop music works today. Just like hip-hop, calypso sometimes caused surprise and strong reactions in society.
Some recordings were prevented from being released. This was sometimes due to competition between record companies. They would claim rivals' music was not suitable for listeners.
An important person in early calypso was Eduardo de Sá Gomes. He was a Portuguese immigrant who owned a music shop in Port of Spain. Sá Gomes helped promote calypso and supported local artists financially. In 1934, he sent Roaring Lion and Attila the Hun to New York City to record. They were the first calypsonians to record abroad. This helped bring calypso from the West Indies into popular culture. Lord Invader soon followed. He stayed in New York City after a legal case about his song "Rum and Coca-Cola." This song became a hit for the Andrews Sisters. Lord Invader, along with Wilmoth Houdini, became a famous calypsonian in the US.
Early calypso also had similarities to jazz. For example, in extempo (improvised) melodies, calypsonians would make up lyrics on the spot. They would comment on society or playfully tease each other. This was done "sans humanité," meaning "no mercy," showing French influence.
Calypso's Big Moments
In the late 1930s, calypso stars started reaching audiences worldwide. Attila the Hun, Roaring Lion, and Lord Invader were among the first. Then came Lord Kitchener. He was one of the longest-lasting calypso stars, releasing hits until his death in 2000. In 1944, "Rum and Coca-Cola" by the Andrews Sisters became an American hit. It was a cover version of a Lord Invader song. The original song cleverly commented on the social changes that came with American military bases in Trinidad. Calypso often served as a way to speak out against unfair colonial rules.
In 1956, Mighty Sparrow won Trinidad's Music contest. Calypso became very popular around the world. A softer, more commercial version of calypso gained fame. The pop song "Banana Boat Song", or "Day-O," was a traditional Jamaican folk song. Pop singer Harry Belafonte recorded it on his album Calypso (1956). This album was the first calypso record to sell over a million copies. Also in 1956, "Jean and Dinah" by Mighty Sparrow became a huge international hit. This song was a clever comment on community changes. It talked about the challenges faced by women after the U.S. naval base in Trinidad closed. In 1956, choral director Leonard De Paur also recorded a calypso album. It featured his choral arrangements of traditional Christmas music.
In 1957, the Broadway musical Jamaica cleverly parodied Belafonte-style calypso. Several films also joined the calypso trend in 1957. These included Island in the Sun and low-budget films like Calypso Joe. Robert Mitchum released an album, Calypso...Is Like So (1957). It captured the sound and spirit of the genre. Dizzy Gillespie recorded a calypso album Jambo Caribe in 1964.
Soul singer Gary "US" Bonds released a calypso album in 1962. Nithi Kanagaratnam from Sri Lanka sang calypso-style songs in Tamil in 1968. This was very successful and earned him the title "Father of Tamil Popular Music."
Women in Calypso
In the mid-1970s, women started to become prominent in calypso. Calypso Rose was the first woman to win the Trinidad Road March competition in 1977. Her song was "Gimme More Tempo." The next year, with "Come Leh We Jam," she won the "Calypso King" competition. This was the first time a woman received this award. In her honor, the competition's title was changed to Calypso Monarch.
The Rise of Soca Music
In the late 1970s, a new style called soca music appeared. It mixed calypso with elements of East Indian music. It also included African American soul, funk, and rock. Soca music in the 1980s had fast tempos. It used electric guitars and synthesizers. It also featured strong bass lines and lyrics celebrating dance. Many famous calypso singers embraced this new style. These included Ras Shorty I, Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener, Calypso Rose, Super Blue, and David Rudder. Brooklyn became an important place for making soca records from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.
Calypso in Dominica
Although calypso started in Trinidad, it is also very popular in Dominica. Dominicans, like Trinidadians, became very interested in Caribbean music genres. These included Soca music and Calypso in the late 1960s. Called Kaiso in French Creole, Calypso is a special form of music. It is especially important during the Carnival season. Dominicans mainly use this music to share their thoughts and feedback. They comment on daily events and happenings in their country. Many songs express feelings about how their government handles national affairs. The first Calypso monarch in Dominica was crowned in 1959. He was called "The Observer." The longest-reigning Calypso monarch is King Dice. Calypso competitions are not just for adults. There is also a Junior Monarch section. Young children under 14 can prepare and compete with their own calypso songs.
Calypso competitions usually start in January. They end with the Calypso Monarch competition. This is usually held the Saturday before Carnival in February. The winner becomes the Calypso King of that year. They join Miss Dominica, the carnival pageant winner, in the traditional costume parade on Carnival Monday.
Calypso and Society
Calypso music has been used by Calypsonians to comment on society and politics. Before Trinidad and Tobago became independent, calypsonians used their music. They expressed daily struggles in Trinidad. They talked about fairness and economic challenges. They shared opinions on social order. They voiced concerns for people living on the island. During the colonial era, the Black lower class used calypso music. They expressed their feelings about difficult living conditions and unfair treatment. Calypso music often served as a form of musical expression and protest.
During the independence movements in Trinidad and Tobago, from the early 1950s until 1962, calypso lyrics often commented on British colonial rule. Songs expressed feelings that colonial rule was unfair and difficult for Caribbean people. During the move towards independence, calypso music often included messages. These messages were about wanting independence and opposing colonial rule. They also encouraged and uplifted people of African heritage.
Neville Marcano, known as the Growling Tiger, became famous for songs calling for Trinidad and Tobago's independence. In his song "Abraham Lincoln Speech at Gettysburg," Tiger used ideas from Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address. He highlighted values of liberty, equality, and democracy. These principles matched many ideas during the nationalist movement in Trinidad and Tobago. His lyrics resonated with those who supported an independent Trinidadian nation. They hoped to establish similar principles in their own free country.
Lord Kitchener, a well-known Calypsonian, was famous for his politically insightful lyrics. Kitchener used calypso to shed light on the challenges faced by the windrush generation. This was a generation of Caribbean families who moved to England. They went in response to increased labor needs after World War II. Kitchener's 1948 song "Windrush" had two versions. The first version gained global popularity. Its lyrics expressed appreciation for British colonial rule. However, the second version was more popular among Caribbean people. Its lyrics told a story of West Indian immigrants facing unfair treatment and feeling out of place in Britain. Although Kitchener's alternate version of "Windrush" was not as commercially popular, these two versions show how calypso music was used to comment on society.
After Trinidad and Tobago gained independence in 1962, calypso music continued to be used for political commentary. Eric Williams became the first Prime Minister of independent Trinidad and Tobago. Calypsonian Mighty Sparrow released his song "William the Conqueror." In it, he praised Williams' victory and celebrated the island's new independence. Sparrow sang:
I am no politician, but I could understand if it wasn't for Brother Willie and his ability, Trinidad wouldn't go neither come. We used to vote for food and rum but nowadays we eating all the Indians and them. And in the ending, we voting PNM. Praise little Eric, rejoice and be glad. We have a better future here in Trinidad.
Calypso music has also been used by politicians to promote their ideas. This happened through Calypso competitions. These competitions started in the early 1800s after emancipation. Formerly enslaved communities would hold calypso "wars." They showcased their singing and dancing. Later, in 1953, Calypso competitions became connected with politics. The People's National Movement (PNM) became the main organizer. The PNM used the competitions to help bridge social and class differences. They encouraged people of different backgrounds to participate and attend. The goal was to create a national cultural identity and promote national unity.
Calypso and Cricket
- Calypsos have also closely described the history of West Indian cricket. There are more than 500 calypsos about cricket.
Calypso and War Stories
- A number of calypsos describe wars or the effects of war. See List of calypso songs about war.
See also
In Spanish: Calipso (música) para niños
- Brega pop
- Cadence-lypso
- Calypso Monarch
- Extempo
- List of calypso musicians
- List of calypso-like genres
- List of Caribbean music genres
- Marrabenta
