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