Jail Wasn’t Built for Only Poor Man — Ras Kommanda Fires Back with "My Crime Plan"

This is a brief catch-up post as we work to feature all the new Carnival 2026 releases.

Ras Kommanda enters the conversation with a calypso that combines elements of satire, frustration, and social truth. Through a reasoning with a friend, he lays out a bold new “crime plan”: if Trinidad really wants to tackle crime, start by jailing a millionaire every month.

The song argues that corrupt millionaires—the ones with access, influence, and deep pockets—play a major role in the flow of guns, drugs, and dirty money. Meanwhile, poor people fill up the jails, while the “big criminals,” often disguised in suits and titles, walk free on bail before they even feel hungry.

Kommanda challenges the long‑standing imbalance: jail wasn’t built for only poor men. White‑collar crime, he says, is rampant, yet untouched. The voice of the Calypso is powerful, and Ras Kommanda calls out hypocrisy, selective justice, and the way the system shields those with power while punishing those without.

With humor, grit, and a touch of old‑school calypso bite, My Crime Plan pushes listeners to question who really benefits from the current system—and who the real criminals might be.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: My Crime Plan 

Artist/Performed by: Ras Kommanda 

Produced by: Ebony Sound Factory

Mastered by: GQ MAXziMUM

Brass by: G Note Studio

Background Vocals by: Roxy Singh

Guitar by: Kyle Peters

Artwork  by: Travis Narine

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypso music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨  Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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A Call for Peace: Sheldon Nugget Sends a Message to the Superpowers

This is a brief update as we continue to showcase all the new releases for Carnival 2026.

This is one of the songs with a timely message. "A Call for Peace" is not just a calypso—it’s a Caribbean cry for sanity. Sheldon Nugget delivers a bold, emotional plea against the recent aggression in the region, calling out the madness of war and the recklessness of superpowers. With lyrical clarity, he reminds us: we don’t want missiles, we want music.

The world is watching, with superpowers eager to follow suit, salivating at the prospect of starting their own conquests. From Venezuela to Trinidad, from gas tanks to diplomacy, this song is a reminder that Caribbean people want to party, free up, and live in peace—not become pawns in global conflict. The message is clear: it's time to reposition the warships.

This song serves as a timely and necessary calypso. Sheldon Nugget wrote and composed the song, NuggVision produced it, and Neils Subero engineered it. This is a calypso that should be playing constantly, but Trinidadian radio stations are too caught up with the wine and grind Soca music releases. They are missing out on a Calypso gem!

Please leave your comments here and on the artist YouTube song post. Please share the post with your social media contacts to help promote the artist and song, as well as Kaiso Dial. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: A Call for Peace 

Artist/Performed by: Sheldon Nugget 

Song Title: A Call For Peace 

Written & Composed by: Sheldon Nugget.

Music Produced By: NuggVision

Mixed/Mastered By: Neil Subero 

Live Guitar: MC Morris Edwards

Background Vocals by: Stacy D and Lypsoman

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypso music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨  Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Tory Time: Chuck Gordon Buss the La Couray

One of our short catch‑up posts to ensure every new calypso gets its space on Kaiso Dial.

“Mout’ Open, ’Tory Jump Out”—and we’re off to the races. In this instance, we sit back and let the voice of the people tell it like it is. From the moment the fiddle bow drags and la couray buss, Chuck Gordon steps up to deliver the people’s report.

For those visiting this site for the first time or who are just unfamiliar with Trini-Lingo, 'Tory Time is simply story time. "Mout' Open 'Tory Jump Out" is a Trinidad proverb that means as soon as someone starts talking, hidden information or a secret “comes ”out"—often more than they planned or were expected to say. Credit Perplexity. 

Trinis pretend they don't want to hear this kind of story, but in reality, they are already prepared with their popcorn. Politics, picong, rum-talk, bad minds, elections, artists—everyone gets a touch-up. Laugh, cry, or cuss if you must, but don’t act surprised… allyuh too mauvaise langue.

Chuck didn’t hold back. Politicians from both sides—red and yellow—get licks. A well-known calypsonian who had one too many and decided to bad-talk the whole art form? He gets called out. Then, there was a shout-out to “The Killa from Trinidad” for his inappropriate posts on YouTube, where he criticized Trini Soca and praised Grenada instead.

This one was salty, saucy, and full of Moruga Scorpion pepper. Chuck Gordon was doing what he does best—delivering truth with sting and style. Now please remember to share this post with your social media contacts and leave your comments here. We really want you to interact with us.

YouTube Release Notes:

"This is not just a song—it’s a tory.

From the moment the fiddle bow drag and la couray buss, the Calypsonian steps up Tobago speech band style to tell the kind of story people pretend they doh want to hear. Politics, picong, rum-talk, bad mind, elections, artistes—everybody get a touch up. Laugh, cry, or cuss if yuh must, but doh act surprised… allyuh too mauvaise langue."

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Tory Time 

Artist/Performed by: Chuck Gordon 

Written by: Marvin Mason

Produced by: Damion 'Crazy D' Preston

Mixed and Mastered by: Madman Johann (Johann Seaton)

Lyric Video/Animation by: Rembunction

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Soca music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨  Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word.  👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Words Have Power: Fallon Calls for Kindness in Speech

This is a quick catch-up post as we continue to share the abundance of new Carnival 2026 calypsos.

"Oh Kaiso boi." "Words Have Power" is a calypso of conscience—a lyrical reminder that words carry weight. Falon urges us to speak with care, knowing that what we say can uplift or harm, heal or divide. From everyday interactions to spiritual reflection, the song explores how language shapes relationships, communities, and even salvation.

Kudos to Nicole Greenidge, the songwriter, and the production team of Damion Preston and Neil Mai (executive producer). We like Fallon's singing style, deliberate, singing with passion and lyrical purpose. With lines like “What goes around comes around,” the message is clear: choose your words wisely. Because in Carnival and in life, words have power—they can uplift or demean. Indeed, at Kaiso Dial, we firmly believe that we must demonstrate greater love and kindness during these uncertain times. 

Well done, Fallon and kudos again to the production team. We now ask our readers to comment on the song. Go to the artist's YouTube post and leave words of encouragement. After all, you should choose your words wisely. Why? Simply put, "Words Have Power!"

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Power of Words

Artist/Performed by: Fallon 

Written by: Nicole Greenidge

Produced by: Damion Preston 

Executive Producer: Neil Mattei

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ Elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word! 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Shake Yuh Bong Go Low - Rebellious Yardfowl

Part of our rapid Carnival 2026 catch‑up series—short notes now, full features later.

If you are expecting a lyrically intriguing calypso, then this is not the one you expected. Instead, you will be entertained by a calypso that delivers pure Carnival spirit in motion—a simple calypso with one clear message: shake your body, dance, and enjoy yourself. Rebellious Yardfowl conjures the heat of the season with rhythmic repetition and a chant‑like groove that invites movement from the very first beat.

The song paints a picture of Carnival filled with characters from the past, echoing J’Ouvert traditions and the raw, joyful energy of Trinidad’s street celebrations. It’s not trying to be clever—it’s trying to be felt. And in that simplicity, it delivers.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the song. Is it overly simplistic, or is it exactly what we need in a season dominated by Political Calypsos? Trinis don't hold back, so tell it like it is… you have the final say; make it count. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Shake Yuh Bong Go Lo

Artist/Performed by: Errol "Rebellious Yardfowl" Bailey

Written by: ***

Produced by: ***

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ Elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word! 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Steady Steps, Strong Spirit: The Race Is Not for the Swift - Bass

This is one of our quick catch‑up posts as we work through the Carnival 2026 wave of new releases.

As we begin catching up with the new music, we start with an  uplifting calypso that leans into perseverance, self‑belief, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward when the burdens of life feel like weights on your shoulders. 

This is a steady, motivational groove. It is a song that encourages the listener to rise up and face the challenges of life after every stumble; we continue to rise and conquer life's difficulties! It beseeches everyone to trust their worth and to keep pushing toward the finish line with resilience and pride.

"The race is Not for the Swift" is a calypso that reminds everyone that progress isn’t always fast—but it’s always possible. A positive, empowering message for the season.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: "The Race is Not for the Swift"

Artist/Performed by: Adrian "Bass" Hackshaw

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ Elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word! 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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A Note to Our Kaiso Dial Readers

Carnival 2026 has brought an unexpected wave of new calypso releases—a beautiful problem, but one that has outpaced our usual posting rhythm. To ensure every artist gets their rightful place on Kaiso Dial, we’ll be sharing quick posts for each new release over the coming days.

These posts will include:

• a short caption about the song
• the essential production notes

Once we’ve caught up with the flood of new music, we’ll return to our usual in‑depth features and cultural analysis.

Thank you for your patience and for supporting the calypsonians who keep the artform alive.

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypso music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨  Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Remembering Mother Singing Sandra: The War Goes On

Music producer Leston Paul and vocalist Roger George have joined forces to honor the late calypso icon Sandra DesVignes-Millington, better known as Singing Sandra, with a moving new rendition of her 1991 classic, “The War Goes On.” Renamed “Remembering Mother,” this release pays homage not only to Sandra’s unforgettable voice but also to her unmatched gift for storytelling.

This song feels more relevant than ever in a moment when governments tighten their grip and global tensions ripple close to home, especially for Trinidad and Tobago amid recent U.S. involvement in Venezuela. Tobago Crusoe (Ortneil Bacchus) originally penned the song, which sheds light on the themes of might is right, power, conflict, and domination that continue to shape our world.

Roger George’s rendition is amazing. As a blogger focused on our music and culture, I can only say that this is a "brilliant production and performance." "This updated version breathes new life into these words, carrying forward Sandra’s legacy with reverence and emotional depth. The Baptist chants of Sandra at the end of the song show the brilliance of Leston Paul. “Remembering Mother” (The War Goes on) is so relevant today. This song now becomes both a tribute and a reminder of the struggles and resilience of nations under siege around the world. The past becomes present, and we can only hope that the voices of reason can prevail. 

One can only hope that this rendition inspires reflection, unity, and a renewed commitment to peace—because as the song reminds us, the story is still unfolding, and only time will tell what comes next. Then again, greed and world dominance superseded our humanity.

YouTube Music Release Notes:

The War Goes On by Singing Sandra on In Total Command (1991) Devastation and destruction from ever since time began Has been inflicted time and time and again by man against fellow man Yet man wouldn't learn from history, it makes him more violent Producing deadly weaponry with nothing but evil intent

Song Lyrics: https://songsear.ch/song/Singing-Sandra/The-War-Goes-On/3831728

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title:  The War Goes On - Remembering Mother

Written By: Ortneil Bacchus (Tobago Crusoe)

Performed by: Roger George

Produced by: Leston Paul

Year: 2026

Original Song: The War Goes On

Singer/Performed by: Singing Sandra (Sandra DesVignes-Millington

Written by: Tobago Crusoe

Arranged by: Errol Ince 

Year: 1991

Recorded At – Rawlston Recording Studio, Brooklyn

Mixed At – Rawlston Recording Studio, Brooklyn

Distributed by – Wads Music

Distributed by – Charlo's Productions

Distributed by – Crosby's Music Centre

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypso music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨ Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Kaiso Dial Feature: “Ibrahim Traoré” – Derrick Seales

The calypso is the voice of the people, and when that voice tells a story worth hearing, we stop and listen. Today we feature a political commentary by Derrick Seales about the young African leader “Ibrahim Traoré.” The song is rooted in Africa’s long struggle against exploitation and its ongoing fight for unity and self‑determination. While strength in numbers can conquer all, in this case, it is one man, one leader, and his display of military leadership that is steering this ship to success. 

The song takes a look at a history of exploitation. It reflects on centuries of imperialist extraction, the suppression of leaders who pushed for African unity, and the rising momentum of a continent reclaiming its destiny. The imperialist powers ensured that they enslaved the minds of the people through religion and pitted nation against nation. The Calypsonian positions Captain Ibrahim Traoré as a symbol of modern resistance—a leader portrayed as protected by ancestral spirits and driving revolutionary change in just a few short years. Online videos show the positive impacts of Ibrahim Traore's economic, social, and political decisions. 

Economic liberation is the only hope for Africa today; he reminds the listeners that Africa already holds the gold, oil, minerals, and human brilliance needed to build its own future. Thinking big with a shining vision for the future is the only way: one Africa, one flag, one currency, and a continent strong enough to shake the earth.

The music production is excellent and Derrick delivers on the vocal end. To conclude, we think this song is a call to consciousness—a reminder of the past, a critique of the present, and a declaration of the Africa that could be. It could happen, but the people need to unite because foreign imperial forces will continue to keep the continent dependent. 

What does this message say to you?

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Ibraham Traore

Artist/Performed by: Derrick Seales

Written by: ***

Produced by: ***

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ Elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word! 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Kaiso Dial Feature: “Jawbone Lock” – Orlando Octave

Soca artists are now venturing into the realm of Calypso, the mother of music. Orlando Octave boldly enters the political kaiso arena in "Jawbone Lock," delivering an uncompromising commentary. He introduces his takedown using the stick fighters' war cry, "No Boi Man Doh Fraid No Boi Man!" He makes it clear that he is out for war and doesn't care who comes back at him with sparring vocals! Written by Lyndon Peters and produced by the veteran Kenny Phillips, the track channels the classic calypso tradition of calling names, exposing contradictions, and challenging public figures to account for their words and actions.

Hold on now, spare me a moment—Jawbone Lock refers to the tribal and partisan 'no comment' regarding events or speeches that were absurd, yet silence proved to be valuable. Now, those who were previously silent have found their voice and are speaking out against anything related to their opponents, even when the decisions made by their adversaries are positive. 

The songwriter positions Orlando as a witness to shifting loyalties and sudden awakenings. There has been a real sudden awakening, and people who were previously silent are now becoming vocal. In this case, prioritizing loyalty to the party took precedence. The song criticizes calypsonians and commentators who, according to the narrative, were silent during one administration but regained their voice when the political landscape shifted. Through sharp storytelling and pointed humor, the piece questions selective outrage, political convenience, and the ease with which some voices fall quiet when their preferred side holds power. The refrain—urging certain critics to “look back” and reconsider their stance—echoes the long-standing kaiso ethic: if you’re going to talk, talk consistently. If you’re going to defend the people, defend them regardless of who sits in office.

Supported by Tricia Hamilton’s harmonies and Phillips’ unmistakable production touch, “Jawbone Lock” blends melody with message, reminding listeners that calypso remains one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most potent tools for social and political examination.

Kaiso is doing what he does best, which is keeping the mirror steady.

A brief, direct summary of "Jawbone Lock"

• The singer calls out Calypsonians who remained silent for years but suddenly became loud critics after the government changed. He accuses them of exhibiting hypocrisy and political expediency, only speaking when it aligns with their stance.
• The song boldly proclaims that some critics harbor bitterness due to their loss of contracts, positions, or influence.
• Again, the song tells the listener that these critics previously ignored public issues but now pretend to be "champions of the people."
• Then again, the refrain tells them to “lock back”—meaning hush, reflect, and examine themselves.
• Overall message: if you weren’t speaking when the country needed you, don’t pretend to be righteous now.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Jawbone Lock 

Artist/Performed by: Orlando Octave

Written by: Lyndon Roberts

Produced by: Kenny Phillips 

Brass Instruments:

Trumpet—Roger Jaggasar

Saxaphone—Oral Roberts

Trombone—David Jacob

Background vocals by Tricia Hamilton

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypso music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨  Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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