Images: Calypso & Soca
 Calypsonian The
Mighty Gabby
Calypso (or kaiso) was invented in Trinidad, but
its influence has spread out to infect all of the Caribbean. Each island has
well-respected, major calypsonians and national pride for the musicians runs high.
In Barbados, for example, you'll hear Bajans singing the lyrics of Red Plastic Bag, The
Mighty Gabby, and Alison Hinds, to name a very few.
 Calypsonian Alison Hinds
Many people believe that calypso is about jumping up and dancing at
carnivals, that the form is devoted to entertainment. But true calypso is a very
serious form of social commentary. The calypsonians address everything from politics
to incest to the conditions of island life, although the attacks are often framed through
subtle satire. "Nothing is sacred in calypso" (www.funbarbados.com).
 Calypsonian Red Plastic Bag
Soca, on the other hand, is a much less serious
music form that uses the same beats and rhythms as found in calypso.
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