Calypso
A song form from Trinidad with witty, often socially critical lyrics.
What it means
Calypso is a popular song form from the Caribbean island of Trinidad that emerged in the early twentieth century from older Afro-Caribbean singing traditions. It is marked by witty, often improvised lyrics that comment humorously and pointedly on current events, gossip, or social and political grievances.
Calypso is closely tied to Trinidad's carnival, where calypso singers, known as calypsonians, compete for the best and wittiest lyrics of the year.
Musical use
Musically, calypso is marked by a danceable, usually moderate duple meter and call-and-response exchanges between a solo voice and chorus. The style became internationally known especially through Harry Belafonte's recordings of the 1950s, such as the song Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).
Calypso should be distinguished from soca, which later developed out of it: a faster, more dance-oriented offshoot that scales back lyrical wordplay in favor of a stronger rhythmic drive.