The allure of calypso music: a journey into the world of passionate Caribbean classics

Calypso, the music that shines under the Caribbean sun.

Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song” was born from the songs of dock workers and became a beloved classic around the world.

Nurtured by Trinidad and Tobago’s Mighty Sparrow and Lord Kitchener, calypso has continued to evolve alongside the heat of Carnival.

Its rhythms are infused with people’s daily lives and joys, and with the light of the sun.

A gift from the Caribbean—let’s set out into the exhilarating world of calypso.

Playlist

The allure of calypso music: a journey into the world of passionate Caribbean classics
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Fire In Your WireCalypso Rose		Queen of Calypso releases over 800 songs
2	Ba Boo La LaRoaring Lion		Over 65 years of activity as a calypsonian
3	Hot-Hot-HotArrow		A 1983 Caribbean classic song by Arrow
4	CryingSinging Sandra		Calypso singer wins tournament twice
5	Calypso QueenCalypso Rose		Calypso Rose’s cheerful singing voice and danceable music
6	Bee’s MelodyLord Kitchener		Calypso musical works by Lord Kitchener
7	Calypso InvasionDuke Of Iron		Introduction to the charm and history of Calypso music
8	Jamaica FarewellHarry Belafonte		Belafonte’s classic calypso song
9	Victory Test MatchLord Beginner		Celebrating the West Indies' victory over England
10	MathildaKing Radio		Humorously depicting King Radio’s heartbreak story
11	Portrait of TrinidadMighty Sniper		Representative work of Mighty Sniper's calypso music
12	WhenKing Short Shirt		A singer from Antigua in which King Short excelled
13	Feeling Hot Hot HotThe Merrymen		Marry Me is a calypso band from Barbados.
14	Mary AnnRoaring Lion		Calypso classics by Rolling Lion
15	Jump In the LineHarry Belafonte		Belafonte’s classic calypso song is being reappraised in a film
16	Doctor KitchLord Kitchener		A calypso classic: social satire in a back-and-forth between doctor and patient
17	Obeah WeddingMighty Sparrow		A calypso classic composed by Mighty Sparrow
18	Small Island CarnivalThe Mighty Spoiler		Satire and humor in calypso music
19	DifferentologyBunji Garlin		Bunji Garlin's soca track ranks 9th on the chart
20	Jean and DinahMighty Sparrow		The success of calypso singer Mighty Sparrow
21	Mr. BissessarDrupatee		Soca musician from Trinidad and Tobago
22	Dream Of A Jungle CatLord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz		A song by a German calypso band
23	Booboo Man (Mama Look a Boo Boo)Lord Melody		Lord Melody is a legendary calypso singer.
24	Yes, yes, yesCalypso Mama		Bahamian blues calypso singer
25	Ting TangLord Kitchener		The 1960 work by the calypso master Lord Kitchener
26	It’s the Rhythm We WantKing Radio		King Radio is a calypso composer.
27	Fly AwayMachel Montano Ft. Collie Buddz		A track included on Machel Montano’s 2009 album
28	We Own ItDestra		Destra Garcia, soca music singer
29	Rally Round The West IndiesDavid Rudder		A calypsonian dealing with the Haiti issue
30	Who Let The Dogs OutAnslem Douglas		Music from Trinidad and Tobago becomes an international hit
31	General ElectionLord Beginner		Lord Beginner gained attention with calypso.
32	Man Smart, Woman SmarterThe Duke Of Iron		A calypso song covered by many artists
33	Hymns My Parents SangChalkdust		Chalkdust wins the calypso title for the ninth time
34	Roll It GalAlison Hinds		Signature works of a soca artist
35	Tiny WineyByron Lee & The Dragonaires		Byron Lee spread Caribbean music to the world
36	Brown Skin GirlLord Invader		The Calypso classic by Lord Invader
37	Kitch’s Bebop CalypsoLord Kitchener		A fusion work of calypso and jazz
38	Four Mills BrothersThe Lion		The Lion’s 1936 Calypso Masterpiece
39	Dis is HowCrazy		Calypsonian, from Trinidad and Tobago
40	Nah LeavingDenyse Plummer		Calypso singer wins the Monarch in 2001
41	Rum and Coca ColaLord Invader		The behavior of American soldiers as the subject
42	Black Man Feeling To PartyBlack Stalin		Calypso singer Black Stalin
43	RehabThe Jolly Boys		Success of Jamaican mento bands
44	Mama, Call the Fire BrigadeWilmoth Houdini		Vilmos Houdini, master of calypso
45	Banana Boat Song (Day-O)Harry Belafonte		Banana Boat Song, a representative piece of calypso music