Calypso music

Calypso is a style of Afro-Caribbean music which originated in the British and French colonial islands of the Caribbean at about the start of the 20th century.

Trinidad was the most important center of early Calypso, with other important artists coming from Jamaica and other parts of the West Indies. Calypso song competitions have long been a feature of West Indian Carnival celebrations.

Well-known Calypso musicians include:

• Lord Kitchener
• Lord Invader. In the United States the Andrews Sisters had a huge hit in 1944 with their cover record of Lord Invader's "Rum and Coca-Cola".
• Lionel Belasco
• Sam Manning
• Wilmoth Houdini
• Lord Executor
• The Lion
• Atilla The Hun
• The Caresser
• The Charmer
• Mighty Sparrow
• King Radio, author of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter".
• Harry Belafonte is the best known United States Calypso performer; his biggest hit song is the "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)".
• Lord Melody
• Growling Tiger
• Mighty Spoiler

See also: Music of Trinidad and Tobago, Calypsonian, Soca music

External link

• Origin of Calypso from Caribplanet.com