Was The Judgement Wrong?
The Appellate Court will ultimately decide but before they do, here is your opportunity to form or voice your opinion based on the facts. But before you do, let’s be clear, you need to know...
A calypso is defined as a style of Afro-Caribbean music that
originated in Trinidad and Tobago. It is characterized by its lively and
rhythmic melodies, accompanied by lyrics that often involve social commentary,
humor, and satire. Calypso music is an integral part of the cultural heritage
of Trinidad and Tobago and has played a significant role in the country's
history and identity.
Key features of calypso music include:
1. **Lively Rhythms:** Calypso is known for its infectious and upbeat rhythms, often driven by percussion instruments such as drums and steel pans. The music is designed to be energetic and danceable.
2. **Social Commentary:** One of the distinguishing features of calypso is its use as a medium for social and political commentary. Calypsonians, the artists who perform calypso, often use the lyrics of their songs to address current events, political issues, and societal challenges. The lyrics can be humorous, satirical, or critical, providing a platform for expression and reflection.
3. **Narrative Storytelling:** Many calypso songs tell stories, narrating events, experiences, or folktales. The lyrics can be rich in imagery and storytelling, offering listeners a glimpse into the cultural narratives of Trinidad and Tobago.
4. **Call-and-Response Tradition:** Calypso often incorporates a call-and-response tradition, where the lead singer (calypsonian) delivers a line, and the audience or backup singers respond. This interaction enhances the participatory and communal aspect of the music.
5. **Influence on Other Genres:** Calypso has had a significant influence on other musical genres, including soca (soul calypso), reggae, and even some forms of jazz. The lively and versatile nature of calypso has made it a source of inspiration for musicians worldwide.
6. **Carnival Connection:** Calypso is closely associated with Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival, an annual festival known for its vibrant celebrations. Calypso competitions, where artists compete for prestigious titles, are a highlight of Carnival, showcasing the talent and creativity of calypsonians.
Well-known calypsonians, such as Lord Kitchener, Mighty
Sparrow, and Calypso Rose, have made significant contributions to the genre's
popularity and evolution. Calypso continues to be a dynamic and evolving
musical form, representing the cultural vibrancy and creativity of Trinidad and
Tobago.
Now that we understand what calypso is, let’s look at public opinion, the raging controversy. On one side you have Afro-Trinbagonians who mostly believe that it was a wrong decision. The President of the Calypso Association came out in support of the judgment, apologizing the following day because of the instant backlash. Other veteran calypsoians Chalkdust and Sugar Aloes publicly voiced their opinions, siding with the judgment.
Then on the other side, Indo-Trinbagonians mostly agree with the judgment. They feel that as a race they have been unfairly slandered by calypsonians for too many years. Generally, they are happy with the ruling and feel that it's about time. Unfortunately, the original rendition is not online but you can get a pretty good understanding of the case from the videos below. Now you get a chance to judge for yourself after you view the videos curated from YouTube.
The details of the filing as reported by WZYE TV on Feb 14, 2023
This is Cro Cro's Response 11 months ago after a defamation case was lodged by Inshan.
This was reported a few days ago on CNC3 TV, here is what other Veteran Calypsoians had to say.
This is sad for the nation where the Calypsonians are free to sing about any event/situation in this twin island country. This is changing the genre of calypso. So he retaliated publicly before the case, and that caused him to be fined. I would love to see the folks who have been called names II sue him for defamation too. This is total interference of the Afro art form.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is sad for Calypso. I heard one comment that says Calypsonians should sing about things not people. But people do things, not one Prime Minister was ever spared and there was never a doubt who they were singing about. I agree, he should not have gone out an sing a rebuttal but it just shows he had the same belief as most of us. Anyway, we know it eh done dey.
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