Samraj Jaimungal, better known as Rikki Jai, has long held a distinctive place in calypso’s story. He entered the arena as a young calypsonian and made history in 2001 as the first Indo‑Trinidadian to reach the Dimanche Gras/Calypso Monarch finals. More than two decades later, he proved his staying power once again, returning to the Monarch finals in 2025 with “Kaiso Chutney,” written by Kurt Allen and produced by Kenny Phillips. Here we go again and he is dabbling in the Calypso genre with a song co-written with Barnet Henry.
For Carnival 2026, Jai shifts his focus to social commentary with “Doh Spoil Meh Name.” The track carries the unmistakable imprint of Brooklyn, produced and engineered by Hector “Mr. Legz” Thomas, with brass recorded at Hometown Studios in New York. It’s a collaboration that signals a new creative chapter—and a test of whether this team can push him back into the Calypso Monarch finals. First, however, he must navigate the always‑crowded battlefield of Calypso Fiesta in San Fernando.
In this new offering, Jai turns to a father’s plea and the fragile weight of reputation. Co‑written with Barnet Henry, “Doh Spoil Meh Name” follows a parent watching a son drift toward trouble despite the values he tried to instill. The songwriting team gave us a song that looks at how discipline and ambition and the lure of distractions and dangerous influences capture the pain of community whispers and a tarnishing family name. Beneath the warning lies deep affection, urging the son to think beyond the moment, protect future generations from shame, and honor the legacy he inherited.
“Doh Spoil Meh Name” stands as Calypso’s enduring strength: a melody carrying a message, a story meant to guide, and a reminder that reputation, once lost, is hard to reclaim.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Doh Spoil Meh Name
Artist/Performed by: Rikki Jai
Written by : Barnet Henry and Rikki Jai
Produced, Mix and Mastered by Hector “Mr. Legz” Thomas
Executive Production by : Rikki Jai Entertainment Inc
BG Vocals: Natalie York
Guitars: Ajamu
Trumpet: Kenny John
Trombone: Wayne Brathwaite
Brass Recorded @ Hometown Studios, Brooklyn, NY.
Live Brass Engineered By: Carol Hodge
ISRC # QM-ZG9-17-00043
(C)(P) COTT/Ascap 2026
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
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