Take a Musical Trip
Music Of Trinidad and Tobago

     For as long as I can remember, I have always had an interest in Carribean music and have wanted to attend the festivals and carnivals that are connected to the music and culture of Carribean people. From the lively up-tempo music that you cannot help but get up and move to, to the vibrant colors of the costumes and floats, there is just something about it that draws me in. Trinidad and Tobago are absolutely on my list of Carribean places I would love to visit. 

The Different Genres

        Trinidad and Tobago, (a twin island country), is known for a having several different styles of music. The different genres of music include Calypso, Soca or Soul of Calypso, Rapso, Chutney, and Parang to name a few.

Calypso Music

    One of the most popular genres of music from Trinidad and Tobago would definitely have to be Calypso music. With its prominent steel pan sound and 4/4 rhythmic time signature, Calypso music will not only make you feel good, but you'll want to get up and dance too.

A Little History

Beginning as Kaiso, this style of music originated amongst West-African slaves. The lyrics would be clever satire that mocked the slave owners through a play on words. Eventually evolving, Kaiso became Calypso music, with a mixture of African, Spanish, French, and English influences. Carnival was first brought to the islands by the French, and once slavery was abolished in Trinidad and Tobago in 1834, former slaves became carnival stars who would put on Calypso performances in Calypso tents.

Musical Elements of Calypso Music

Instruments

Amongst the steel pans, other instruments used in Calypso music would be saxophones, guitars, trumpets, and trombones.

Melody

Mostly interpretations of Trinidad folk songs, Calypso music is highly melodic, and the singer can set the verse to a stock melody or create a tune of their own.

Here are some examples of old day Calypso music and modern-day Calypso for your enjoyment.

Old Day Calypso

"Proverbs" by Mighty Bomber 
Recorded in Trinidad Tobago in 1967

Modern Day Calypso

"Engine Room" by Olatunji

Recorded in Trinidad Tobago in 2022

Work Cited

“Our Music - Life in Trinidad & Tobago.” Life in Trinidad and Tobago, 26 Sept. 4024, lifeintrinidadandtobago.com/our-music/.

“Calypso Music Guide: A Brief History of Calypso Music - 2024.” MasterClass, 7 Apr. 2021, www.masterclass.com/articles/calypso-music-guide.