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GUEST BOOK
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Steelpan ,
Calypso and the
Calypsonian
Pan, Calypso and the Calypsonian
A Recognition of the Calypsonian and Pan
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CALYPSO - the predecessor of Reggae, Soca, Rapso, Chutney and other styles popular today. Song form native to Trinidad, originally improvised social commentary and medium of poor people's information, from West African praise singer (trad. recorder of tribal history, commentator, celebrator, satirist). Terms calypso and kaiso used interchangeably in Trinidad, where 'Kaiso!' is often heard in calypso tents as patrons wish to show approval: probably comes from West African Hausa term which depending on context can mean regret, triumph, contempt, etc. Possible derivations of 'calypso' incl. West African 'kaiso', French patois 'carrousseaux', Spanish 'caliso', Virgin Islands topical song 'careso', etc. First appeared 1900 spelled 'calipso'. According to legend, the first 'chantwell', or singer of what became calypso, was a slave, Gros Jean, in the late 18th century. Rhythms and melodies are predominantly African, but melodies infl. by nearby Venezuela: identified early 20th century by terms 'pasillo' or 'paseo', a Venezuelan dance form. Music of French, Irish and English origin has also been incorporated; French was basis of patois or Creole lyrics through 19th century. |
©2005
A
WHEN STEEL TALKS
- EXCLUSIVE
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Pan, Calypso and the
Calypsonian
One cannot have a serious conversation
about pan, and the development and history of the pan movement,
without talking about the role of the first music of the steelpan
- Calypso music, and of course, the Calypsonians. Over the next
few weeks WST will focus on these great griots and troubadours.
Send your articles and/or pictures
for consideration to
whensteeltalks@hotmail.com
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Pan, Calypso and the Calypsonian