Calypso music
Afro-Caribbean music which originated in the British and French colonial islands of the Caribbean at about the start of the 20th century. The roots of the genre lay in the arrival of African slaves, who, not being allowed to speak with each other, communicated through song. This forged a sense of community among the Africans, who saw their colonial masters change rapidly, bring French, Spanish and British musics to the island of Trinidad. The French brought Carnival to Trinidad, and calypso competitions at Carnival grew in popularity, especially after the 1830 abolition of slavery.
Over 100 years ago Calypso further evolved into a way of spreading news around Trinidad. Politicians, journalists, and public figures often debated each songs content and many islanders considered these songs the most reliable news source. Calypsonians pushed the boundaries of free speech as their lyrics spread new of any topic relevant to island life, including denouncing political corruption. Eventually British rule enforced censorship and police began to scan these songs for damaging content. Even with this censorship, calypsos continued to push boundaries.
The first calypso recordings came in 1914, and inaguarated the Golden Age of Calypso. By the 1920s, calypso tents were set up at Carnival for calypsonians to practice before competition; these have now become showcases for new music.
The first major stars of calypso started crossing over to new audiences worldwide in the late 1930s. Attila the Hun, Roaring Lion and Lord Invader were first, followed by Lord Kitchener, one of the longest-lasting calypso stars in history -- he contined to release hit records until his death in 2001. 1944's "Rum and Coca Cola" by the Andrews Sisters, a cover of a Lord Invader song, became an American hit. The most well-known calypso song, however, was 1956's "Banana Boat Song" by Harry Belafonte, which was released on his album Calypso, the first Calypso record to ever sell more than a million copies. That same year saw the massive international hit "Jean and Dinah" by Mighty Sparrow. That song, which celebrated the departure of American troops from Trinidad, ushered in an age of politicized calypso allied with the People's National Movement.
Well-known calypso musicians include:
See also: Music of Trinidad and Tobago, Calypsonian, Soca music
