Calypso
Calypso is a certain style of music which had incorporated into it rhythms
that are typical of African music. This type of music is played during Carnival
by Calypsonians, singers, how have prepared for the event all seaon long.
These songs poke fun at anything and anyone, from politics to gossip and
on occassions some controversial topics. During the time when Trinidad
was under colonial rule, slaves too would use this as a way to have their voices
heard. When the slaves would sing these songs they would make fun of their masters,
the condition that they were in, and at any other political figure in society
because they knew that they wouldn't be persecuted for it. After the Christmas holidays,
Calypso music can be heard any and everywhere, from house to house, cornerstore
to pub and clubs. The Carnival fever sweeps the nation and each Calypsonians'
goal is to win popularity of the people with their songs because during
Carnival there is an event where they compete for the title of Monarch for the rest of the year.
In this even each Calypsonian performs his/her songs and competes against last year's champion.
Links about Calypso Music
