"And give me a Spicy Calypso...!"

For several Saturdays of my childhood, my father woke me up early in the morning, and took me with him for a drive. I remember - the sun would be just rising over the stalky, green mountain that faced my bedroom window and hot rays of orange and yellow would be pitching off the ocean in the distance to light up my sleepy eyes.

He wouldn't tell me where we were going, but I didn't care; the drive alone with him was precious then as it is now. What colored those trips, was the atmosphere. No one was driving on the roads, and no words passed between us; only a sweet, jumpy calypso beat. For many Grenadians, calypso is that thing that tops off a great moment.

                                 Two seasoned Calypsonians battle

                                 for the title of Calypso King in a
                                 carnival celebration held on the island. 

                                (Source: Google Images)

Calypso is not that demon-lady on "Pirates of the Caribbean". Though she may go by that name, the real calypso is a lot more social and far more captivating.  

Coke bottles and forks are popular
musical instruments used in calypso.
It is the only instrument most people
know how to play and is easy to
obtain at any calypso festival.
(Source: Google Images)

Calypso is a musical genre that originates in Trinidad, an island south of my own. It is characterized by the use of the steel pan, shak shak (a hollowed out cassava filled with peas), drums, trumpets, piano, African drums and anything found lying around. 

My favorite instrument related to this genre is actually a coke bottle, a fork and a little soul. This type of music is one of Grenada's traditions, and is common not only on the radio, but also at cultural festivals, talent shows and parties, especially Oldie-Goldie Nights at the Spice Basket, a popular watering hole for the islanders.

        Believe it or not there is a woman inside all of that

       costume!This is a woman sporting Carnival

       garb during a Calypso show in Grenada

       (Source: Google Images)

Calypso festivals are a huge deal over in Greenz Kingdom (Greenz is a nickname for Grenada). Enormous parades and costumes show off on the stage as a seasoned calypsonian lights up the night with his rhythms.

Many people think that this genre is strictly party music with lyrics that are created just to rile up a crowd. I present a different view: calypso lyrics are usually based on politics, fables, funny stories, satires or lessons that elders wish to pass on to the youth.


"Love thy Neighbor" by Grenadian singer Ajamu is an example of this. It should be the go-to song for anyone who wishes for a new take on an old lesson.

According to president of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Calypsonians Organization (TUCO) Lutola Musimba, "It celebrates and analyzes life and the way we live it."


When I hear a good calypso, I see my people, for this aspect of our culture melds the richest parts of who we are into something great.

Want to know what we think, what we laugh at, what we believe are timeless morals, or which politician is doing a terrible job? Find a good calypso, a cup of authentic hot cocoa-tea and listen, while the music soothes you and makes you come alive at the same time.

Cocoa tea is a popular drink in Grenada and is usually

served during special occasions such as Christmas time

or while relaxing to the beats of a calypso medley.
I must pause here to comment that it isn't usually just
cocoa and milk that go into our cocoa tea
but a combination of freshly ground cocoa beans,
hot milk, nutmeg, brown sugar and
cinnamon.

(Source: Google Images)

           Love Thy Neighbor by eight time calypso monarch of Grenada Ajamu
(Source: Youtube)

 What I find particularly unique about this genre is that it unites the country so wholly. No one is left out when "Love Thy Neighbor" plays at a dance or a wedding, because everyone, young and old, appreciates calypso.

I laugh to myself when a popular song among the youths features on the radio of a public bus and elderly passengers suck their teeth in annoyance. But when a sweet bit of calypso comes on the radio everyone is happy, and, across whatever divides may separate us, unity is achieved then and there. Some of our most popular artists include: Randy Isaac, Ajamu, Sour Serpent and Scholar.

No matter where you come from or who you are, you could make a powerful memory over a sweet and spicy calypso beat. It may be with a loved one at Spice Basket, on the airport arriving for spring break or pulled up faithfully from your own playlist.