Calypsonians have the unique ability to craft stories that capture the imagination of the people. Take, for example, that quirk of learning music—the similarity between B‑sharp and C‑sharp. B‑sharp does exist in music theory, but when it comes to playing an instrument, it is effectively C‑sharp, a concept known as enharmonic equivalence. Now step into the spotlight, calypsonian Pharaoh, with his humorous twist that “B” is for Boogsie—a cheeky line that delivers classic kaiso mischief.
This clever and musically literate calypso, titled “The Mozart of Pan,” turns this music‑theory quirk (yes, we had to look it up online to grasp it properly) into a tribute to the beloved Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. Boogsie, as he is fondly known, is a pan genius and the legendary musical arranger for Phase II Pan Groove. Co‑written with Morel Peters, better known as King Luta, the song is a witty, affectionate salute to the arranger whose genius has shaped generations of Steelband music.
So how did the songwriters deliver such a compelling gem? It began with a conversation between an elder and the panman about B‑sharp and references to Mozart and other classic European music arrangers. The elder spoke about B-sharp, but Pharaoh, the mature panman, insisted that “there is no B-sharp in music” and responded with “B is for Boogsie”—because when you’re talking about brilliance, innovation, and melodic imagination, Boogsie is the note above the rest. It’s a line that lands with both humor and respect, grounding the joke in deep musical truth.
Witty lyrical content shines brightest when paired with strong musical backing. On steelpan was Boogsie himself, supported by a range of live instruments (see the production notes below). The music was produced by Future Sounds Productions and mixed and mastered by GQ Maxzimum. The track is clean, warm, and performance‑ready—a fitting sonic frame for a song honoring a man often described as the Mozart of the steelpan.
To summarize why this salute to Boogsie is so compelling, here are the key points:
- Witty music‑theory wordplay that musicians will love
- This is a heartfelt salute to Boogsie Sharpe, one of pan’s greatest arrangers—who also performs on the track.
- Strong vocal storytelling from the Pharaoh, co-written by King Luta.
- Classic calypso humor blended with cultural reverence, keeping the art of the calypso conversation alive.
- High‑quality production from Future Sounds, featuring live instruments rather than digital substitutes
Songs like this are the reason Kaiso Dial exists. This is the kind of calypso that reminds listeners how deeply music, humor, and heritage intertwine in Trinidad & Tobago—and why Boogsie’s name continues to ring out across the pan world.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: The Mozart of Pan 🎼
Artist/Performed by: Darwren “Pharaoh” Greenidge
Written by: Morel Peters “King Luta”
Co-writer: Darwren Greenidge “Pharaoh”
Double Tenor Pan Solo: Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe
Keyboards: Keishon Jack
Bass—Andy Garcia
Trumpet—Junior Frank
Trombone—Lincoln Henry
Saxaphone—Irwyn Roach
Background vocals—Safiya Chinnama and Morel Peters, “King Luta”
Mixing and Mastering—GQ Maxzimum
Produced by—Future Sounds Productions
Artwork—Nu. Kreativ Media House
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
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