We have a new crop that has replaced the declining banana production. It has mushroomed everywhere, and even though the quality is poor, it commands a good price on local political market.
Calypsonians can be found in every nook and cranny of the three islands. There is no qualification or standard- just be able to utter some noise, chanting words like wine, 'bambam', 'raise you han', 'get something an wave'.
In addition, get a few young women on stage with you to engage in lewdness while you chant one silly line fifty times and you can go home with $3,000.00!
The market is indeed good, now that we are the only country experiencing an economic boom.
A new car for first prize and not one of my friends can recall the lyrics or recognize the melody of the winning calypsoes. Yet they say it is nice! Good choice of words, though.
I have always had a keen interest in calypsoes. For me, they reflect the society and what is taking place- socially, politically, morally, culturally, while at the same time they provide entertainment causing us to sway and sometimes to laugh. Calypso is an art. It requires lyrical skills, musical ability, intelligence, good diction and self confidence.
This year when the real calypso artistes were absent, we were exposed to a plethora of nastiness and foolishness going under the name of calypso. I have never been bombarded by such a collection of trash and filth, aided and abetted by some of the people on the radio stations. Radio stations must set better standards regarding the quality of its personnel and the music they play.
For all those mercenary calypsonians who jumped at the offer of a few dollars by politicians, they have shown their true colours. Just as they lack talent, so too, they lack character and integrity. For those true calypsonians, I support you and urge you to use your organization to raise and maintain standards. Maintain the integrity of the calypso.
A good calypso is like good wine or good cake, it gets better with age. There were only three calypsoes that I felt deserve passing mention: Jumbie, 'Dey tiefing' and 'Peeping'.
This year's calypsoes were like a blighted harvest, only the planters and their buyers can digest them.
Best wished to the real calypsonians and the members of the G.P.C.A. You have shown character and integrity. Keep the faith!
A Calypso Lover
08-09-01
Calypsonians can be found in every nook and cranny of the three islands. There is no qualification or standard- just be able to utter some noise, chanting words like wine, 'bambam', 'raise you han', 'get something an wave'.
In addition, get a few young women on stage with you to engage in lewdness while you chant one silly line fifty times and you can go home with $3,000.00!
The market is indeed good, now that we are the only country experiencing an economic boom.
A new car for first prize and not one of my friends can recall the lyrics or recognize the melody of the winning calypsoes. Yet they say it is nice! Good choice of words, though.
I have always had a keen interest in calypsoes. For me, they reflect the society and what is taking place- socially, politically, morally, culturally, while at the same time they provide entertainment causing us to sway and sometimes to laugh. Calypso is an art. It requires lyrical skills, musical ability, intelligence, good diction and self confidence.
This year when the real calypso artistes were absent, we were exposed to a plethora of nastiness and foolishness going under the name of calypso. I have never been bombarded by such a collection of trash and filth, aided and abetted by some of the people on the radio stations. Radio stations must set better standards regarding the quality of its personnel and the music they play.
For all those mercenary calypsonians who jumped at the offer of a few dollars by politicians, they have shown their true colours. Just as they lack talent, so too, they lack character and integrity. For those true calypsonians, I support you and urge you to use your organization to raise and maintain standards. Maintain the integrity of the calypso.
A good calypso is like good wine or good cake, it gets better with age. There were only three calypsoes that I felt deserve passing mention: Jumbie, 'Dey tiefing' and 'Peeping'.
This year's calypsoes were like a blighted harvest, only the planters and their buyers can digest them.
Best wished to the real calypsonians and the members of the G.P.C.A. You have shown character and integrity. Keep the faith!
A Calypso Lover
08-09-01
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