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The Afro-Caribbean Rhythms of Calypso MusicCalypso Music When one thinks of the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda, the things that come to mind are sand, sea, tropical drinks with those tiny umbrellas that hit you in the nose while you’re trying to imbibe, and the pulsating rhythms and satirical lyrics of the local music. Ever wonder exactly what that music was? It’s Calypso! The style that Harry Belafonte made famous, that makes you want to sway your hips to the beat and immerse yourself in the celebration of life!
Often the first instrument that people identify Calypso music by is the steel pan or steel drum. Steel pans are made from steel drums, often the kind used to transport oil and such: the 55 gallon drums of old were very popular for making the steel pans. Basically the bottom 6-8 inches (more is left to create deeper pitches) of the drum are cut off, and the bottom plate is hammered to a concave shape. Different areas are then beat into different thicknesses to give different tones or musical notes. The edges of the severed pan (the skirt) are bent over and smoothed and the drums painted with decorative artwork. The steel pan is then played with sticks similar to those used to play a xylophone.
Modern Calypso music also uses lots of brass instruments and crafty guitar work to create the flowing island melodies which both soothe and stimulate the savage breast!
Calypso is an Afro-Caribbean style of music which originated in Trinidad 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. The French soon brought Carnival to Trinidad, and Calypso music competitions at Carnival grew in popularity, especially after the abolition of slavery in 1834. It is from Carnival that today’s popular Soca music arose, made popular by such hits as “Hot, Hot, Hot” and “Who Let The Dogs Out”.
Over 100 years ago, Calypso music further evolved into a way of spreading news around Trinidad. Politicians, journalists, and public figures often debated the content of each song, and many islanders considered these songs the most reliable news source. Calypsonians pushed the boundaries of free speech as their lyrics spread news of any topic relevant to island life, including speaking out against political corruption. This practice continues today, and can be heard in songs like Lazy Boy's Fancy Pirates, a song berating greedy landowners in Bermuda who have descended from the Privateers of old. 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 continued to release hit records until his death in 2000. 1944's Rum and Coca-Cola by the Andrews Sisters, a cover of a Lord Invader song, became an American hit. Jimmy Buffet utilizes many Calypso tones and melodies in his tunes like Margaritaville, and modern artists like The Mighty Sparrow and Byron Lee are internationally known. Early forms of Calypso music were also heavily influenced by jazz such as Sans Humanitae, the extempo melody in which calypsonians lyricise impromptu, commenting socially or insulting each other, without humanity - once again the French influence. Many Calypso chord progressions can be linked to twelve bar jams in jazz as demonstrated by Lord Kitchener, one of the most famous calypsonians and a melodic genius.
Calypso first became a part of Bermuda music in the 1940s and 50s. It was imported from Trinidad and Tobago. Though geographically far removed from the Caribbean, Bermuda shares with the region a history of European colonization, African slavery, and the creolization of African and European cultural traditions. During the 1940s and 1950s, Calypso music became popular in the island's tourist hotels and clubs. The Talbot Brothers were the island's first major calypsonians; they organized as a group in 1942, and began touring the United States by the early 1950s. Popular steel bands, those who utilized lots of steel drums in their music, were the Coca Cola and Esso steel bands. the Esso steel band used oil drums from what is now the Exxon Corporation exclusively in their performances.
On their heels came the Bermuda Strollers, who are still performing today. They were especially popular during the 1970’s and 80’s when college kids flocked to the island for their spring breaks. The Strollers have toured The United States extensively and are well known up and down the East Coast of America, and for their annual appearances on the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Basically Calypso is a fun music, celebrating life, the struggle for freedom from oppression as well as exuding passion for the love between the sexes and generally just having a good time. If you want to move and groove at your next party, play some Calypso, I guarantee you'll shake your booty, or someone will shake it for you!
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