“Can you hear a distant drum bouncing on the laughter of a melody
And does the rhythm tell you, come, come, come? Does your spirit do a dance to this symphony?”

This, the lyrics of David Rudder’s immortal ‘Calypso Music’ come to mind as we celebrate Calypso History Month.

This year celebrates 19 years since the official launch of the ‘Calypso History Month’. In 2002, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) declared October the official ‘Calypso History Month’ to celebrate the significance of calypso music and culture in Trinidad and Tobago.

Calypso, defined as a rhythmic and harmonic style of Afro-Caribbean music, originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the mid-19th century and later made its way to the rest of the Caribbean by the mid-20th century. Though, many of its roots can be found in the traditions of West Africa. This marvellous musical art form has since evolved over the years and continues to be used to entertain while educating many with topics touching on political and social commentary, humor, nation-building, and other themes. No one has more beautifully or aptly described Calypso music as the lyrical genius, David Rudder, did in the afore-mentioned ‘Calypso Music’:

“It is a living vibration
Rooted deep within my Caribbean belly
Lyrics to make a politician grin
Or turn a woman’s body into jelly
It is a sweet soca music calypso
You could ah never refuse it calypso
It make you shake like a Shango now calypso
Why it is you shaking you don’t know
That’s calypso.”

This year like many other events, the ‘Calypso History Month’ will be experienced virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In an effort to commemorate this month, and pay homage to this art form, Caribbean Entertainment Hub will like to feature some of the classics in calypso music from some of our musical masters who have helped paved the way. With icons such as the late Lord Kitchener, the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Pretender, Calypso Rose, David Rudder, Lord Nelson, and many more; let’s take a musical trip down memory lane. Take a listen and enjoy our video playlist!

 

Songs as they appear on the list

 

Sources include: https://www.britannica.com, http://www.ncctt.org, https://newsday.co.tt

 

Hashtags: #Calypso #Calypsomusic #Calypsoclassics #CalypsoHistorymonth #LordKitchener #MightySparrow #Calypsorose

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