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. |
