Calypso/Kaiso (The Mother Music Of The Caribbean)

Calypso is a style of Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago from Afro-Trinidadians during the early- to mid-19th century and spread to the rest of the Caribbean Antilles by the mid-20th century. Its rhythms can be traced back to West African Kaiso and the arrival of French planters and their enslaved Africans from the French Antilles in the 18th century.

It is characterized by highly rhythmic and harmonic vocals, and was historically most often sung in a French creole and led by a griot. As calypso developed, the role of the griot became known as a chantuelle and eventually, calypsonian. As English replaced "patois" (Antillean) as the dominant language, calypso migrated into English, and in so doing it attracted more attention from the government. It allowed the masses to challenge the actions of the unelected Governor and Legislative Council, and the elected town councils of Port of Spain and San Fernando. Calypso continued to play an important role in political expression.

"Kaiso" is often considered the ancestral form of Calypso, a genre of Afro-Caribbean music. Calypso, in turn, is a broader term encompassing various musical styles, including the more traditional Kaiso. While sometimes used interchangeably, "Kaiso" is often used to refer to the more traditional or "genuine" form of Calypso, as the genre has evolved over time. 

Check out my aural snapshot of some of my favorite songs from this wonderful artform. It's not just some "simple" and "carefree" musical expression. There is history, wit, determination, love, resilience and strength. Livicated to the cultural custodians of the artform like Marva Newton, Lord Relator, and Zeno Constance as well as the numerous ancestors who have done the work to make this music the "mother" music that will remain timely and timeless. -Papa Robbie 

1. Calypso Medley- John "Buddy" Roberts

2. Africa My Home -Lord Kitchener

3. Birth Of Ghana -Lord Kitchener

4. Peddlers- Lord Melody

5. Split Me In Two -Mighty Dougla

6. Family Confusion -Mighty Dougla

7. All African- Lord Superior

8. Congo- Lord Brynner

9. What Is Calypso? - Mighty Duke

10. The Landlord- Lord Christo

11. Trinidad Dictionary -Mighty Conqueror

12. Good Citizen- Mighty Sparrow

13. Rum & Coca Cola -Calypso Rose

14. Die With My Dignity -Singing Sandra

15. Police Names (Live) -Mighty Composer

16. Black Fallacy- Mighty Composer

17. The Electrician- Crazy

18. Flocks Of People -Lord Funny

19. Bomber's Dream/Bedbug Medley- Mighty Bomber

20. African Lady -Art De Coteau Orchestra

21. Steelband Clash (Live) -Lord Blakie 

22. Calypso -Terri Lyons

23. Trinidad Carnival (Live Excursion)- Lord Superior

24. Wine Your Waist -Pamberi Steel Orchestra

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