The cradle of the steelpan, calypso and soca: the heart of Caribbean carnival
Trinidad and Tobago, a double island at the southern tip of the Antilles, possesses the oldest continuous Caribbean popular culture. The country is world-renowned for its carnival, the steelband (steelpan orchestra) and calypso and soca genres that have influenced the entire region.
Calypso: the satirical and political voice of Trinidad
Calypso was born from Canboulay (“candle fire”) — a protest against the abolition of slavery (1834-1917). It is a satirical and political form: calypso is “the news” of Trinidad, with social and political commentary. The lyrics use double entendre, erotic humor and political satire. Calypso is played with guitar, light percussion and elaborate vocal arrangements. Iconic figures: Lord Kitchener (Aldoph Moore, the greatest calypsonian; “Hold Them”, “The Big War”, “Flag Woman”), Mighty Sparrow (“Jean and Dinah”), Attila the Hun (Rascel Williams). Calypso is the voice of the lower classes and the political commentary of the island.
Soca: the energy of carnival
Soca (“soul of calypso”) was born in the 1970s when Lord Shorty (Garfield Blackman, later Baba Sarkar) fused calypso with soul, R&B, funk and reggae elements. Soca is fast, danceable and produced electronically. Key figures: Lord Shorty (creator of soca), Superblue (“Rhythmic Jam”), Machel Montano (“Father of soca”; “Pon de Floor”). Soca is today present throughout the Caribbean region and its diaspora.
Steelband: the invention of the steelpan
The steelpan (or steel drum) is a unique invention in Trinidad. Made from empty 55-gallon oil drums, hammered and tuned to specific pitches. Historically banned by colonial authorities (associated with street gangs), the steelpan evolved from African bamboo tam-tams, bottle caps and then drums. Ellie Mannette (1940s) is the inventor of the modern steelpan form. Steelbands are classified by note range: soprano, alto, tenor, guitar cello and bass. The panorama is the annual steelband competition at carnival — massive production with complex arrangements and sophisticated harmonies. Figures: Desperadoes, Renegades, Firehouse Five, Black Steel.
Carnival: the cultural heart of Trinidad
Carnival is the most important cultural event in Trinidad: pre-Lenten, two days of massive celebration. The mas bands (costumed parades) are accompanied by steelbands, soca and calypso. The J’ouvert (“opening of the mouth”) are pre-dawn street celebrations, with body painting, mud and powder. Steelbands compete in the panorama (official competition). The calypso monarch is the supreme annual competition. Rapso genres (calypso + spoken word/rap, by Patrol and Arrow) complete the diversity.
Traditional instruments of Trinidad and Tobago
- Steelpan — steel drum (soprano, alto, tenor, guitar, cello, bass) — unique invention in Trinidad
- Bamboo tam-tam — ancestor of the steelpan, African bamboo tam-tams
- Calypso guitar — acoustic guitar singing satirical calypso
- Canboulay drums — traditional carnival percussion
- Banjo — folk instrument used in rapso and popular festivities
References
[1] Caribbean Currents, ch08 — Trinidad, Calypso and Carnival, Manuel & Largey (Temple University Press) [2] « Music of Trinidad and Tobago », Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago [3] « Steelpan and Calypso », Afropop Worldwide, https://www.afropop.org/genre/trinidad
