Calypso Legends

Artists

Photographer

Stephen Spark

Calypso Legends.   Outside the Caribbean, calypso music is regarded as carefree, light-hearted, even frivolous. Yet calypso is among the most political of all musical traditions – a form that combines joyful cadences with serious and often subtle social commentary. Originating in Trinidad, amid the struggle for emancipation, the genre is characterised by its witty and imaginative treatment of themes as diverse as racism, the Cold War, and the cost of living.  Calypso is rooted in traditions developed by West African slaves brought to the Caribbean. Kaisos were performed by a griot or chantwell, a local bard who told stories in song, offering social commentary through praise, satire or lament.

Trini Boi Joocie & Alexander D Great – Calypsonians who keep the great tradition of calypso alive and growing. For more information on Calypso please click here.