calypsos
Trinidad's satirical songs
Calypsos is the plural of calypso, a style of Caribbean music originating in Trinidad, characterized by syncopated rhythms and often witty, topical lyrics.
The songs traditionally comment on politics, social issues, or local gossip: The calypsos at Carnival that year mocked the new prime minister.
Calypso competitions remain central to Trinidad's carnival celebrations.
Caribbean island near Venezuela
- TobagoLesser Antilles isle
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
- islandsLand surrounded by water
- AntillesCaribbean island arc
Creole · patois · rum · maracas · coconut · plantains · Port of Spain · fete
Tuned percussion from barrels
- socaTrinidadian dance music genre
- chutneySpiced fruit-based condiment
- calypsonianCaribbean folk music performer
- croonerSoft-voiced romantic vocalist
panorama · limbo · road march · tent · griot
Festive event marking occasion
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
- revelryNoisy, lively celebration
- merrymakingLively, cheerful celebration
- paradeCeremonial public procession
masquerade · costume · jump-up · wining · fete · bacchanal · street party
Mockery exposing vice
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
- politicsGovernmental power struggles
- storytellingRecounting events aloud
- double entendrePhrase with hidden lewdness
humor · protest · scandal · boasting · wit · innuendo · oral tradition · folklore
Stressed unexpected beats
- beatRhythmic pulse or strike
- tempoRate of musical performance
- cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
- polyrhythmOverlapping musical beat patterns
percussion · groove · swing · backbeat · call-and-response · improvisation · verse-chorus · minor key
Trinidad
Caribbean island near Venezuela
Antilles · Creole · patois · rum · maracas · coconut · plantains · Port of Spain · fete
steelpan
Tuned percussion from barrels
- socaTrinidadian dance music genre
- chutneySpiced fruit-based condiment
- calypsonianCaribbean folk music performer
celebration
Festive event marking occasion
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
- revelryNoisy, lively celebration
- merrymakingLively, cheerful celebration
parade · masquerade · costume · jump-up · wining · fete · bacchanal · street party
satire
Mockery exposing vice
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
- politicsGovernmental power struggles
- storytellingRecounting events aloud
double entendre · humor · protest · scandal · boasting · wit · innuendo · oral tradition · folklore
syncopation
Stressed unexpected beats
polyrhythm · percussion · groove · swing · backbeat · call-and-response · improvisation · verse-chorus · minor key
calypsosGregorian chants
Medieval Catholic liturgical melodies
funeral dirges · requiems · laments · hymns · marches
calypsosdirges
Mournful funeral songs
laments · requiems · funeral marches · elegies · spirituals
- calypso musicAfro-Caribbean satirical song tradition
- calypso bandCaribbean percussion ensemble