Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com

SKNBuzz Radio - Strictly Local Music Toon Center
My Account | Contact Us  

Our Partner For Official online store of the Phoenix Suns Jerseys

 Home  >  Headlines  >  ENTERTAINMENT
Posted: Wednesday 7 January, 2015 at 3:00 PM

Is there too much politics in local Calypsos?

(L-R) King Astro, King Socrates and Lady Diva
By: Stanford Conway, SKNVibes.com

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Sugar Mas 43 Senior Calypso Monarch Competition has ended with Astro taking the crown to Nevis and being the first calypsonian to have done so in the 43-year history of the competition. But what were the messages in the two compositions that earned him the judges’ nod?

     

    While one of them was politically-tainted, in which he called on politicians to ‘Flush’ the mud-slinging, character assassination and atrocious behaviour in Parliament, his other rendition suggested that a possible cure for citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis who were suffering from stress is for them to participating in the various activities that were slated for Sugar Mas 43.

    Both of his renditions were excellent and well-perceived and received. The music was good and so were the lyrics. And even though politics was involved in ‘Flush It’, it did not follow the trend of most calypsos heard at previous competitions and those of last year. Also, it is assumed that everyone who heard that particular song understood the message although there was no name calling or identification of political parties.

    Judging from those renditions, Astro can be called a very astute calypsonian. That is not to say the many other calypsonians do not have the ability to pen and sing good songs, but it is evident that most of them are stuck on politics; their compositions are devoid of pun and they tend to forget that folklore plays an important role in a nation’s history.

    Calypsonians are social commentators and in addition to entertaining, their role is to bring to the attention of the authorities the things and issues that affect society so that they can implement solutions.

    But it is quite noticeable that most calypsonians in the Federation would lambaste the political party they chose not to support, particularly the one in government, and praise the one to which they are closely affiliated. They will do the former for everything they perceive to be wrong, even thought it was outside the party’s control, and not mention its accomplishments in making the nation and the country better.

    That apart, I have spoken to many Calypso enthusiasts, all of whom claimed that politics has always played a dominant role in Calypsos since in the 1960s. They were all willing to provide their views on the question: “Is there too much politics in local Calypsos?” But for some reason, when asked for permission to accredit their names to the statements/views, all of them quickly objected.

    One septuagenarian said: “I am a Calypso fan and from the very first time the national competition started, most calypsonians have always been singing about politics. You see, St. Kitts has a culture that if a calypsonian does not appreciate a particular party in government, he would bang them for all the things he believes they did wrong. But if the party that he supports is in government, it is the opposite. He would turn a blind eye to the social ills created by his party in government and sing songs of praise just to be in their good book, with the aim of wearing a crown.” 

    A taxi operator was in agreement with the septuagenarian, adding: “But when all is said and done, the final decision rests with the judges. Anyone should be able to win a competition, regardless of singing for or against the party in government, once he or she sticks to the criteria and with good lyrics. But I strongly believe that because of political interference, judges are persuaded to give the crown to the calypsonian that projects the best picture of the ruling party. And this has been happening in St. Kitts during both PAM and Labour governance.”

    A middle manager of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force agreed that there is too much politics in the local Calypsos and pointed to the fact that many calypsonians in the Federation had imitated the styles of their Trinidadian counterparts.

    “Most calypsonians in this country have been mimicking the styles of Trinidadians. Only a few of them have developed their own; in that, from the moment you hear the music and see their performance, you will realise it is authentic. Take for example, De Unexpected, he is genuine with a signature style that I strongly believe no other calypsonian can imitate.

    “I however believe that our Federation has a brand of very intelligent and witty calypsonians who, if emphasis is placed on our rich history and folklore, can rank highly with the best the Caribbean has to offer.”

    The law enforcement officer opined that local calypsonians are stuck on politics and each of them could be heard repeating the same things at competitions, while advising that if they want to be known only for bringing politics to the stage, they should strive to take it to a higher level. 

    “Also,” he added, “they should be creative, expand their range and explore other fields so that the people would be entertained and not only listen to depressing political songs that paint a picture of gloom on their future.”

    An Accounts student of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College said she is an ardent Calypso fan and agrees that politics should be included in the art form but some calypsonians should be more subtle in their renditions. 

    “I love Calypsos but I have found that the lyrics of our calypsonians are too blatant. They should strive to make their audience ponder on what the message is and not deliberately spell it out for them. Keep us guessing like the Mighty Sparrow in his song Congo Man. One of the calypsonians who participated in the National Senior Calypso Monarch Competition last year had superbly demonstrated what I am talking about. 

    “He is Lord Kut, who sang a song entitled ‘The Monk’. That piece brought out the wittiness and versatility in him! On hearing the word ‘Monk’, I had interpreted it to be MONC, the motion of no confidence. And after witnessing his performance with the appropriate props and carefully listening to the lyrics, he was indeed singing about the MONC but he had many of us thinking what the song was referring to.”

    Research has shown that Calypso music was developed in Trinidad in the 17th century from the West African Kaiso and Canboulay music brought by African slaves to that and other Caribbean islands to work on sugar plantations. Slaves were not allowed to talk to each other, so they used Calypso to communicate and mock the slave masters.

    It is however said that modern Calypso began in the 19th century; a fusion of disparate elements ranging from the masquerade song lavway, French Creole belair and the calinda stick-fighting chantwell.

    SKNVibes is also of the view that politics has monopolised the art form and calypsonians who want to continue with this trend should strive to put much pun into their lyrics, be creative, versatile, witty and humorous. They must endeavour not to be blatant and to have their audience guessing while being fully entertained.

    In a recent interview with a veteran judge of Calypso competitions, a notable Caribbean media house sought his comment on the power of pun and the importance of calypsonians bringing issues of the day to politicians’ attention.

    He responded: “The greatest of the calypsonians have been known for their uncanny way of being funny with certain topics that are non-political. There was a time when a local calypsonian sang a song about putting meters outside.

    “Long ago meters used to be inside of the house for some people. And the man’s song was about him coming home one day and finding the meter man in bed with his wife. And so the way in which it was done was most certainly hilarious but it was also an important issue and so it had an effect on that very system.

    “Meters started going outside. I’m not saying everybody should start singing about meters now; my point is that, Calypso is more than just political issues.”

    From this backdrop, do you believe that there is too much politics in local Calypsos?








     
Copyright © 2024 SKNVibes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy   Terms of Service