Calypso and the Calypsonian

SOURCE: FROM ATTILA TO THE SEVENTIES CD #3 TAPE #5. NARRATED BY PROFESSOR GORDON ROHLEHR.

“The calypso is the most effective political weapon in Trinidad. The singers, all of them, are men reared in poverty and oppression and they sing of the life they know. Thus, it is that even when cleverly camouflaged with wit and banter, the sharp tang of social criticism is evident in their songs. Moreover, people go to the calypso tents to be entertained. What politician, who must harangue from the rostrum can boast of a better opportunity for influencing people’s minds.” – Albert Gomes