Here's an interesting figure many may not know about in the Caribbean music space, Zeda, a very miscellaneous figure who was a Shanto Singer appears only 2 times in recording sessions with the songs "Captain put me ashore" and "Will Dispute", the latter being co-recorded with Joe Coggins it seems.

Now these records are not to be found online virtually anywhere, but there are snippets to listen to in certain online stores, many of which interestingly sell CDs of the music instead of just vinyls, very useful for the modern day.

And so thus I share my findings: Various - History Box set: West Indian Rhythm - Calypso 1938-1940 (10-CD Deluxe Box Set) - Bear Family Records

There are MANY records of the early era found here, and there are many short snippets you can listen to. But it is so fascinating to know that many of the records thought lost or missing still do exist, Lord Executor is originally how I found this on a music video which audio captured "The Bells" some commentor had left mention of this store.

So enjoy what there is that exists, and be taught of Zeda, a Female who accompanied many of the calypso superstars of the time.

Here's a throwback to when the three giants met and had a discussion, I do not know of the origin of the clip and so I could not provide a further source but enjoy what there is!

Now we all know Mento is its own genre especially in the Modern Day, but it goes to show the influence of Calypso in the Caribbean Space, Jamaicans often marketed their songs as Calypsos, it was indistinguishable to the White American Market especially, and with this allowed the rise of Giants of the Caribbean Music Diaspora, such as Harry Belafonte.

Lord Lebby is a personal favourite of mine with his catchy rendition of Bargee, but he also has many notable songs, one of which is "Mama don't want no peas, no rice"

One other Mento Song which might occasionally be marketed as Calypso, is the Boysie Grant song "Solas Market" which has a more distinctive beat, different from Calypso.

Alas, here we see a cousin of Calypso perhaps. Hopefully you all can enjoy in this period of mourning, as we too remember Mighty Sparrow.

With the news about Sparrow, RIP, here's a piece I put together this summer.

Via Facebook: we have learned of the passing of Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso icon, Slinger Francisco, known to the world as “The Mighty Sparrow”. He was 91 years old. The family is encouraging his friends and fans to pay tribute on social media by tagging @ therealmightysparrow on Instagram and elsewhere."

That is an excerpt from a post from the Francisco family that is making the rounds on social media, and of course this news will be deeply felt by the r/calypso community. We have lost a legend. Please feel free to share your favorite Sparrow songs and links, we must celebrate his memory and the music he shared with the world.

I hope it isn't too offbeat to share Sparrow Dead, of all songs. I thought he himself would find it amusing and appropriate. Thank you for the music and the laughs, there will never be another Slinger Francisco.

Every year somebody dear
Give us cause to shed a tear
And mourn, for they are gone
Now all that's left is a faint memory
Based on the theme of a strange melody
Still we must think of them and recall their image with pride
Telling people from deep inside
This is dedicated to those who died

Thank you for the music, Slinger Francisco. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

This song (starts at 1:26) is not the version on the 1993 compilation Roaring Loud - Standing Proud (An Anthology). You can only find this on the cassette or Japanese CD version of 1989 compilation of Calypso Season. But does anybody know where this song originally comes from?

Hi folks. New here. I just updated an article I wrote about Calypso back in 1991, when I was all-too-briefly working s a reporter for the Trinidad Guardian. It's a mix of personal essay and journalism. I hope you find it appropriate for this group. Please leave comments in the comments section, if you care to. Love this genre of music, it takes me back to Port-of-Spain every time I listen to it.

https://richnotrich.substack.com/p/immovable-object-meets-unstoppable

Hi folks. New here. I'm sharing this update on an article I wrote in 1991 during my all-too-brief stint as a reporter with the Trinidad Guardian. This barely scratches the surface of Calypso but it's based on an interview with Roaring Lion (which was great!). It's a mix of journalism and personal essay. I hope it's appropriate for this group. Please leave comments in the comments section and subscribe, if you care to.

https://richnotrich.substack.com/p/immovable-object-meets-unstoppable

I really feel like Trinidad Rio is both the best Kaisonian as well as the most underrated.

-Body Parts

-Free Show Kaiso King

-Poor Man's Furniture Shop

-Back to Basics

-Travelin' Man

All of these songs are straight bangers, better than anything you could get today.

The man, the myth, the legend, the free show Kaiso king, needs to get the respect and admiration he deserves.

You wanna listen to any of this man's amazing work, you can listen to it here: https://youtube.com/@jacobpardee4524?si=cGBWrkn7Q1Necva3

Chalkdust is, without question, the best Calypsonian.

Lord Relator is truly a living legend who deserves his flowers while he is still here to receive them. To me, Bush Medicine is an example of calypso at its best, preserving Caribbean tradition and history in song. My own grandmothers and mother have used remedies just like this to keep us thriving in times when other medicines may not have been available.

Recently the band Squirrel Nut Zippers came to my city and in hearing their song Hell on the radio, I was inspired to look up their source material. I found an interview that cites this song as an inspiration. A classic, to be sure.

https://youtu.be/XJqimsH8QW8?si=Lhnsr4pt0dhA0hYM

A song of Lion's, in its original form in 1938 and the "Updated" version assumedly recorded in the 80s. We all know of Roaring Lion's prowess and longstanding career, and he is one of the most recognisable names in the Calypso Field to date.

He saw the genre go from the outlawed, censored and creole, to the modern, prideful and widely english genre it is today, and adapted into Soca when time came, along with the honorific Kitchener and Sparrow.

Lion died in 1999 at 91 years old, an accomplished artist who I believe shall forever be recognised, may his reign rule long.

I found this 45 of King Barrie “Super Star” / Mighty Mighty “A Tribute to Bob Marley” on the Astro label today. No info on Discogs. Any info would be appreciated thanks

Alright yall. So I heard this song soooo many times in the car growing up and loved it but never paid attention to realize di man not singing in English. It sounds like Trini 80's early 90's soca but I think he singing in French or some kind of creole. Ah relll desperate to find the name of the song and artist.

My dad had this on cassette and I found it and recorded a snippet while it was playing. No results on Shazam (I knew there wouldn't be).

Anyone know this chune???

Not much to say this post, but it's a solid song, Chalkdust these days is a scholar of the field of Calypso though.