Chalkie’s Spirit Lives On in Kernal Roberts’ Bad Lucky Me

I’m really enjoying this calypso; it’s sharply written and captures so much of what’s happening in Trinidad. When Kernal sings about his misfortunes and bursts out, “Bradam bram, jus’ so, Chalkdust get ah stroke!” it’s a moment of pure lyrical brilliance — and fittingly, the line comes straight from Chalkdust himself.

Although Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool has stepped back from performing, his influence on the artform hasn’t faded. His song “Bad Lucky Me” feels like a deliberate re‑entry into the calypso conversation, especially after the debate sparked by his critique of modern trends. Kernal even drops a classic Chalkie‑style joobai, a playful nod to the master’s signature sting.

Co‑produced by Kernal Roberts and Azikiwe Kellar (who also engineers the track), the song blends modern calypso polish with the satire, generational wisdom, and political side‑eye Chalkdust is famous for. Kernal slips between commentary and comedy, echoing the tradition his father helped build, while Chalkdust’s pen ensures the message lands with weight.

It’s a clever, culturally grounded piece that reminds listeners why calypso remains one of Trinidad & Tobago’s sharpest tools for truth‑telling.

Short, sharp, and culturally grounded, Bad Lucky Me shows how calypso remains one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most reliable tools for truth‑telling—whether Chalkdust is on the mic or behind the pen.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Bad Lucky Me

Artist/Performed by: Kernal Roberts

Written by: Dr. Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust)

Produced by: Kernal Roberts and Azikiwe Kellar 

Mixed and mastered by: Azikiwe Kellar

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

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