Theophilus London

Theophilus London 

Description: Like Nicki Minaj, Theophilus London is also an musician native to Trinidad. However, unlike Nicki he keeps his music somewhat traditional. Though hes a rapper and singer he makes his music videos psychedelic which is highly regarded in soca. His music is far more innovate than that of his islands but his aspirations are much of the same. They his fellow musicians back home he is very eccentric and far from the norm. He picks up influences from Kanye West to Wacka Floca Flame. The video on the bottom truly exemplifies his creativity. 

Evaluation: The article mentioned above shows how like most Trinidadians Theophilus had struggled to reach success. At the end his story became another one in the books. As for his creativity one can see his roots and really shaped the path to his music. Though he was raised in Brooklyn, London's heart is beating to the rhythm of his four fathers.

MLA: Ryzik, Melena. "A Swirl of Influences in a Psychedelic Haze." New York Times. N.p., 17 June 2011. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.

APA: Ryzik, M. (2011, June 17). A Swirl of Influences in a Psychedelic Haze. News York Times.

Arrow, Soca Musician, Dies at 6o

Arrow

Description: In this article, I learned that the genius who created 1983's hit "Hot, Hot, Hot" had died at age 60. Soca musician "Arrow"had suffered from brain cancer and had died in his own home.He was inspired by Mighty Sparrow quite a bit, he was also burn into a musical family. Music a had surrounded his entire life from day one. Before focusing on an  international career, Arrow had been crowned monarch at a Christmas carnival. Arrow had moved away from traditional calypso and swayed away from writing about political and social movements.
His goal for music was for people to enjoy it and have a good time. He had no alternative motives for it.

Evaluation: The article makes it  quite clear that arrow was an exceptional man. His death was a great loss to both calypso music and the world. His music gave him stardom but his audience is what truly gave him success. He wanted to make the people around him happy, so he used music to do just that.

MLA: Associated Press. "Arrow, Soca Musician, Dies at 6o." New York Times. N.p., 16 Sept. 2010. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.

APA: Associated Press. (2010, September 16). Arrow, Soca Musician, Dies at 6o. New York Times.

The Man Who’s Been Taking Trinidad’s Carnival on the Road

Machel Montano

Description: When reading this article I learned about Machel Montano, the king of soca. He is the "Mighty Sparrow" of the soca generation. He began singing soca at the age of five, back then he was known as the prince of soca. Machel had mixed both Indian and Afro beats to find his genre of soca. He couldn't stand seeing people lip-syncing and be loved while he worked his heart out.  Montano wanted his music to be new and different from the other generations. Aside from that he also shot for success and wouldn't stop till he had received it by the end. He had made his presence known in many ways. From playing at Madison Square to being elected soca monarch. Montano was going places, he had already collaborated with America's rappers "Pitbull" and "Wyclef Jean". He had done what calypso had tried to do, Montano had made his music mainstream and appealing to a larger audience.

Evaluation: To anyone who enjoys soca music, this article will really intrigue them. They'll find how one little spark had become a flame and turned soca mainstream. The story of Machel Montano is both inspiring and remarkable. From simply singing as a child to selling out shows at the age of thirty six. Montano is certainly a character to read up on.

MLA: Eligon, John. "The Man Who’s Been Taking Trinidad’s Carnival on the Road." New York Times. N.p., 23  Mar. 2011. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

APA: Eligon, J. (2011, March 23). The Man Who’s Been Taking Trinidad’s Carnival on the Road. New York Times.

Trinidad and Tobago Declares Emergency Over Drug Crimes

Police check point, St. James

Description: In this news article one learns about the very events that inspire branches Trinidadian music. As written in a previous post ragga soca focuses much around sex and drugs. Ironically, Trinidad and Tobago are still having drug trafficking problems. In fact, the rise in these crimes had put the two islands on a curfew.  The prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had set the curfew to 9 a.m to 5 p.m. However, her plan had costed 11 people their lives during a weekend of pure chaos. Aside from the deaths, fifty-eight gang members were arrested and moved off the streets. As the article continues we learn that Trinidad has become an example for the other islands. They've recorded to have collect twenty-two million dollars worth of cocaine and lower deaths from 325 to 262 people. In the end, it is said some feel safe while others feel terrified of these curfews.

Evaluation: Once I completed the article I was quite shocked to learn that the musicians who sing about this music had to grow up with the events mentioned above. Paragraph after paragraph it seemed as though the writer was telling a story that kept get darker as they wrote on. The article had taught me quite a bit. It showed me the side of the island  that artists escape from through music.

MLA: Archibold, Randal C. "Trinidad and Tobago Declares Emergency Over Drug Crimes." www.newyorktimes.com. New York Times, 24  Aug. 2011. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

APA: Archibold, R. C. (2011, August 24). Trinidad and Tobago Declares Emergency Over Drug Crimes. New  York Times.

The Rise of Calypso Feminism: Gender and Musical Politics in the Calypso

Lauryn Hill

Description: This article is one that enlightens many about the success of both female musicians in calypso and around the world. After calypso musician Singing Sandra became calypso monarch, the success of woman around the globe became instant. Two weeks later Lauryn Hill won five Grammy's for hip-hop in the United States. Most woman musician of African ancestry began to write quite politically and therefore they became a force to be reckoning with. Calypso had changed from simple dance music to a woman's way about fighting inequality, injustice and proverty with lyrics alone. The entire article is written on the fact the woman musicians of calypso use their music as a tool. The express their souls and debate with lyrics.

Singing Sandra

Evaulation: After looking over the journal, I'd say woman would absolutely love this particular article. No matter what ancestry they have for woman this is powerful piece of literature. It shows how nothing can become the next "talk of the town". It is both inspiring and enlightening. Woman can read this article and feel pride within themselves. As for men they can be surprised in how much they didn't know.

MLA: Mahabir, Cynthia. "The Rise of Calypso Feminism: Gender and Musical Politics in the Calypso." Popular Music 20.3 (2001): 409-430. JSTOR. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

APA: Mahabir, C. (2001, October). The Rise of Calypso Feminism: Gender and Musical Politics in the Calypso. Popular Music, 20(3), 409-430.

Trinidad Carnival: The Cultural Politics of a Transnational Festival.

Carnival Performers

Description: Within this article the topic of carnival is mentioned yet again, but unlike the previous article posted this one goes much deeper in depth. It starts off to explain the convergence of all the people of the nation together. It is also noted that nostalgia has a major role in carnival. The entire event allows native Trinidadians to reconfirm their cultural identities. Thus allowing "natives to become tourists on their own land". It is written that innovation also plays quite an important role in the festival itself. For example,  steel bands are highly incorporated within the performances  for they've risen out of previous Carnivals. Towards the end of the article it is said that Carnival has become quite commercialized.

Evaluation: After reading the following article, I could say anyone who would like to learn more about carnival would be quite intrigued with the text. It allows one to see there's more than meets the eye. Before reading this article one would see carnival as a simple gathering. Though once they read it, they'll find that the gathering is about people finding themselves. Instead of just knowing about the music of carnival one can also learn its history from the text. In the end, I would say the text mentioned above adds much insight to the world of carnival.


MLA: Rommen, Timothy. "Latin American Music Review." Trinidad Carnival: The Cultural Politics of a Transnational Festival 29.2 (2008): n. pag. JSTOR. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

APA: Rommen, T. (2008, Fall/Winter). Latin American Music Review. Trinidad Carnival: The Cultural Politics of a Transnational Festival, 29(2).

Negotiation of Trinidadian Identity In Ragga Soca Music

Ragga Soca Album

Description: The article mentioned in the title strongly focuses on the influence of ragga soca, a form of music which derived from Trinidadians themselves. Within the text it is written that ragga soca is sung in Jamaican creole English. By using that very language the artists show their Trinidadian identity. As the article goes on, it is told that ragga soca like most music was highly debated. Many had said it stepped away from traditions such as calypso. For example, Jamaican dancehall had also influenced ragga soca. Early dancehall was known to include the subjects of drugs and sex. Artists like the famous Bunji Garlin had challenged people who judged ragga soca, with lyrics alone. Though they say its "devilish" he made his audience realize everyone has flaws. Towards the end of the article it is said that ragga soca is just what Trinidadian people need. Hence, its poetry for the ones facing economic hardships and controversial topics such as politics.

Evaluation: After reading the article, I would say anyone who is deeply into origins of music genre would truly appreciate it. It starts from the very begins of different genres and opens up to how ragga soca involved within it self. From mentioning successful artists to personal debates about the lyrics. The article goes quite in depth to capture the beginnings of what is known as ragga soca today.

MLA: Leung, Glenda Alica E. "Negotiation of Trinidadian identity in ragga soca music." World Englishes 28.4: 23. Web.

APA: Leung, G. A. E. (2009, December). Negotiation of Trinidadian identity in ragga soca music. World Englishes , 28(4), 23.

Nicki Minaj Trinidad's Success Story

Nicki Minaj

Description: CNN had just recently decided to write about Nicki Minaj, a Trinidadian native raised in New York.  Apart from her Trinidadian musicians Nikki wrote songs about having an alcoholic father who tried to burn down  their own house. Her story is sad like most of her fellow musicians but unlike calypso musicians, Nicki's success was instant. One thing is quite clear about Nicki, she is as colorful as her fellow sisters going to carnival. However, she did not live life in paradise.

Evaluation: I would say any fan of Trinidadians  would enjoy this article. However, any fan of true calypso music would find this story to be far from what they'd expect from a Trinidadian. It is clear that Nicki isquite the media mogul, but her taste of music is much different. Aside from her differences, the article defiantly paints a vivid story of struggling to reach fame.
MLA: Godfrey, Gavin. "Rapper Nicki Minaj: I'll show you more." Rev. of Nicki Minaj. www.cnn.com. CNN, Aug. 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.

APA: Godfrey, G. (2010, August). Rapper Nicki Minaj: I'll show you more. CNN.

Carnival Trinidad Style

Carnival Dancer

             Description: In this article the author describes a magnificent event called "carnival", where many people come together and enjoy Trinidadian music and culture for a whole week. Its known to be quite extravagant and colorful. From people covered in leaves to children playing steel drums. Everywhere you turn is another door to amazement.

Carnival Devil

Evaluation:  Unfortunately the author of the article was not listed but the piece tells the first hand experience from Debbie Ward. They're people dressed as blue devils and performing rain dance all around the area. Aside from that wine merchants begin to sell goods to all the visitors. According to Debbie it was a very wild event. Carnival is a reoccurring event and grows to something else entirely every year.
MLA: "CARIBBEAN: Dirty dancing Trinidad style." Travel Trade Gazette UK & Ireland (Apr. 2011): 49. Print. 
APA: CARIBBEAN: Dirty dancing Trinidad style. (2011, April 15). Travel Trade Gazette U  K & Ireland, 49.

David Rudder

David Rudder

Description: The following video features an entire Calypso orchestra playing music by David Rudder. Rudder is known as quite renown in calypso music. This shows the instruments behind this unique music. You see adults, teens, and children playing their heart out to the crowd. They're not only performing but they're also enjoying their own tunes. It seems as though their music is a calling of universal jubilation.

         Evaluation: Instead of just hearing the music, one is able to see the music being made in this video. The facial and body expressions of the musicians give great energy to the piece. One does not only hear the music, they feel as though they are there. The atmosphere of the event also shows a great gathering of people across a certain region. 

Citation: David Rudder Calypso Music - Sonata Steel Orchestra

by WST

Kenny Cooper - The Mighty Bomber A Musical Career in Trinidad (West Indies)

Kenny Cooper alongside his wife Cynthia

Description: The following article tells of how the author had met Kenny Cooper (The Mighty Bomber) a musical genius of Calypso music. He started creating music at a very young age in Trinidad. One of his earliest songs was about his neighbor who used to cook. “Cheadow” became the hit of the town. Afterwards Cooper began to cook too and stopped studying calypso for a while. Sooner or later he began making songs around his home. He had changed his name from “defender” to “bomber”, and the rest was history. The Bomber was one of the greatest performers in calypso.

Evaluation: The story of Kenny Cooper is one to be told for ages. It is filled with childhood laughter and a long struggle. From cooking to singing, Cooper had made great strides to reach fame even if he didn’t ask for it. His persistence of singing had led to catchy tunes to an abundance of listeners. His songs related to everyone from his days for he wrote about personal experiences. Cooper was truly a “The Bomber” for his music hit with a force.

APA: Meyer, Andreas. "Kenny Cooper - The Mighty Bomber A Musical Career in Trinidad (West Indies)." Popular Music  18.2: 277-290. Web.

MLA: Meyer, Andreas. "Kenny Cooper - The Mighty Bomber A Musical Career in Trinidad

     (West Indies)." Popular Music 18.2 (1999): 277-290. JSTOR. Web. 8 Dec.

     2011. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/853606>.

     

Peter Ram - Woman By My Side

Description: The video to the right features music by Peter Ram who truly captures the feeling of Soca a form of Trinidadian music. His song creates the over all feeling of love which is connected to all for its universal. The video also shows the beauty of his native island. Peter also takes a chance to talk about different events such as festival time. 

Evaluation: After watching the following video the artist Peter Ram makes many points clear. He is a man who has strong pride for his home land. Throughout the video the scenes of his island show that hes intrigued by the beauty of its nature. Speaking of beauty, Ram also describes his love of the island woman. Hence, Woman By My Side.

Citation: "Woman By My Side", Peter Ram

Home Made Calypso

Description: Within this video, two minstrels play calypso music in a easy to follow manner. They take the basics of the sub-division of reggae and break it simplistically. By playing along the beach they truly capture the atmosphere of the music. The description of the island makes it seem as though its a utopia. in other words, the music is very soothing to the soul. The calmness of the their strumming also shows they have skill in their craft.

Evaluation: By watching this video it gives one the chance to step aside from mainstream calypso artists. It gives insight to viewer on the number of musicians in Trinidad. There could be a minstrel strumming away to their own rhythm on every corner.


Citation: Calypso Song, philywilyuk 

King Of Calypso

Description: The following interview focuses on the King of Calypso, Mighty Sparrow. He had grown from the bottom of the crop and became the cream over time. His interview mainly focuses on what inspired his music and his take on calypso. African-ism had strongly influenced his songs. He was also on the European charts for twenty seven weeks. Sparrow believes true music comes from the real essence of the song, as he says "portraying the character". His negative views towards tyrants had helped him write one of his best songs "Wanted Dead or Alive". Part one of this interview ends on his opinions to his song. Feel free to watch more parts from grjoseph .

Evaultion: After watching the interview I can say that Mighty Sparrow is quite an interesting musician. He has strong views and a relentless attitude. His music is followed by long term success and as of today he is still renown as the King of Calypso. As for the name Mighty Sparrow though not mentioned in his interview, was given by his peers. They always questioned why he would move like a sparrow on stage. Then his name stuck.


Citation: Interview with Mighty Sparrow. Pt 1, grjoseph .

Beetlejuice - "Jump In The Line"; Calypso In Movies

Description: The video shown below  is from the classic film, Beetlejuice. It features Harry Belafonte's hit "Jump In The Line". At the time the song was becoming quite catchy in the states. As shown in the video there is also a witch doctor which is strongly influenced in calypso music. As for the artist Belafonte, he made huge success with his album calypso, note he had sold over one million copies.


Evaluation: In the end this video makes one realize how calypso had become mainstream at the time of the movie. Any one who likes humor and catchy rhythms would really enjoy the video. Not only does it entertain it allows one to capture the freedom within calypso. The song itself makes one want to literally "Jump In The Line" as its written. It expresses the overall feeling of mass jubilation, no wonder it became a hit. 


Citation: "Beetlejuice" by Tim Burton, "Jump In The Line" by Harry Belafonte