We Calypso — A Love Letter to the Mother Music

Mical Teja is our modern-day Griot. He is a brilliant songwriter and composer of music that will play on long after Carnival is over. He creates songs that resonate regardless of the season. If you did not know it well, here it is in a nutshell: “We doh just sing Calypso—we are Calypso.” Kaiso Dial proudly presents this newly released song before the fans of Sokah2Soca get it. It is a track that will have all fans dancing to its infectious beat. The title of the release is "We Calypso," sung by Mical Teja and Karene Asche—a love letter to the genre that birthed a nation’s sound.

While the music captures fans, those who watch the video will be impressed with the throwback outfits and color schemes.  The afros and sunburst skies bring the entire presentation to life—it is a visual, a nod to the golden age of tent culture, and for the old heads, vinyl grooves. When you hear the pops from the needle on the vinyl, memories will flood your brain because it comes alive, it feels modern once again and more importantly, it is a celebration of what makes us Trinis. 

Now, while Teja embraces the past and paints the picture with ease, there are echoes of the modern horn child of Calypso we all know and love, Soca. The youngster is pushing the vibe from the drum kit while the mother, using her music and singing style, tries to keep him in check. The vocals that accompany the music are impressive. I feel so happy listening to these younger artists, knowing that the future of our music is in excellent hands. Karene is a Calypso Queen, and while Teja does not take command as boldly as Sparrow did, he demonstrates a mastery of the music, artistry, and lyrics that Sparrow, the bard, would admire. Karene's vocals are velvety smooth. This duet truly embodies the essence of Calypso. 

Teja is a songwriting workhorse. He consistently produces lyrical gems; he is a modern-day Dennis Williams Franklyn, also known as "Merchant," in his roles as a lyricist, composer, and singer. The lyrics are a roll call of heritage. The lyrics encompass not only names and places, but also feelings. The song embodies the pride of Laventille. The echo of Belmont. It’s a song that says: "we remember, and we continue." Teja deserves all the accolades we are giving him because he produced the song as well. The engineering, which includes mixing and mastering, was done by Nikohai Greene, who allows the vocals to shine—no gimmicks, just clarity. 

Calypso will complement V'ghn's Calypso Music, both of which are outstanding tracks. Teja and Karene excel in this song, making a powerful statement. It serves as a reminder to our singers that if they perform Calypso correctly, Soca will become the jealous child. When you listen to the song, referencing our earlier commentary, you will hear subtle tension in the music. Not Shadow-style tension, but you will sense it in the beat: the Soca child tugging at Calypso's skirt. However, mother calypso's music remains steadfast, maintaining its distinctive sound and incredible quality; she both leads and teaches simultaneously, but more importantly, she grooves. 

I am so pleased to present this song first on Kaiso Dial because it should inspire the old-school Calypso music producers from Southern Trinidad to take action. It serves as a reminder that dance calypso is alive; it is not a relic but a living and breathing musical force that, when nurtured properly, could tame Soca. Soca may sprint to the stage, but Calypso will stand tall in the wings, smiling knowingly because the youth still have so much to learn.

Finally, this is the kind of release Kaiso Dial was made for. A cultural moment. Kaiso Dial presents a unique musical experience. A vibe. Kaiso, Kaiso. Yes, Kaiso! 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: We Calypso 

Performed by: Mical Teja x Karene Asche 

Written & Produced by: Mical Teja 

Mixed & Mastered by: Nikholai Greene (NMG Music) 

Label: Teja Music Ltd. 

Release Date: December 2, 2025

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso/Soca 🎶

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/.

♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).

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When Yuh Sweet, Yuh Sweet: Sparrow’s Bag Ah Sugar Reflections

(Originally published on Sokah2Soca on Friday, July 23, 2010 as part of our Trini-English series, aka Triniglish; it was reformatted for Kaiso Dial.)

When yuh sweet, yuh sweet, eh. And when we talk about “ah bag ah sugar,” especially sugar down dey, we’re stepping into the realm of calypso smut at its finest—delivered with wit, spice, and never in a way that offends. This sugar has nothing to do with diabetes, cane fields, or supermarket shelves. Instead, it’s the kind of sweetness that fuels classic calypso, like the Mighty Sparrow’s unforgettable “A Bag O’ Sugar Down Dey.”

Sweetness here is figurative. The phrase “ah bag ah sugar down dey” is a colloquial expression men use to describe women, specifically their skill in lovemaking. The woman’s body—her vagina as the focal point—becomes the source of all that sweetness. It’s the kind of pleasure that leaves a man in a stupor, what Trinis call toutulbay syndrome. That bag of sugar has the power to cause a man to forsake his friends, not out of love, but driven by the intoxicating fire that ignites his desire whenever he recalls the sweetness he once experienced.

Occasionally the phrase is inspired not by intimacy itself but by physical traits: the sway of a woman’s hips, bow legs, or even the gap between her front teeth. Men chase these signs, convinced they point to hidden sweetness. Whether they achieve success or not, men often resort to lying and boasting, as the mere association with such a woman elevates their status among friends.

There’s also a stereotype that every dougla woman—born of African and East Indian heritage—“has a bag ah sugar down dey.” Exoticized as passionate and insatiable, the dougla woman is imagined as both desirable and dangerous, a figure men claim must be “tamed.” In reality, this myth reflects calypso’s playful exaggeration, blending cultural perceptions with sexual innuendo.

But times have changed. Today, men find themselves in competition not only with each other but also with women who claim equal mastery of the sugar game. This rivalry has sparked dismay, especially when the metaphor shifts to “high-grade yellow crystal sugar”—a playful jab at who truly holds the sweetest power.

Calypso thrives on these double meanings. This genre evokes emotions such as laughter, blushing, dancing, and introspection simultaneously. Sparrow’s “Bag Ah Sugar” stands firmly in that tradition, proving that innuendo can be art. It reminds us that calypso is more than social commentary—it’s wit, wordplay, and the joy of language itself.

Therefore, when you hear the term "ah bag ah sugar," it should not be interpreted literally. It's almost always a metaphor for closeness, attraction, and desire. Sparrow, the master of smut and sweetness, knew how to turn everyday talk into timeless calypso. Whether you laugh, blush, or nod knowingly, “Bag Ah Sugar Down Dey” is a reminder of how Trini culture sweetens life with humor, innuendo, and unforgettable music.

So let's try this Calypso style: I always say... "If the priest could play, who is me?"

Ah bag ah sugar sweet so true,

Down dey, it causing déjà vu.

Men does blush and women grin.

Calypso spice go draw you in!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Bag Ah Sugar

Artist/Performed by: The Mighty Sparrow 

Album: The Calypso Genius

℗ 2019 Erasmus Black Records

Released on: 2019-04-19

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/.

♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).

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Ray Holman’s Sweet Island Memories – Timeless Nostalgia

Editorial Note: Originally published on Sokah2Soca (April 10, 2023), this post has been adapted for Kaiso Dial.

If you miss the "Ole Time Days" and live away from Trinidad and Tobago, we will make you cry. I just gave you a cheap plug to remember Nappy Myers' song, which tends to make emigrated Trinis cry. Today is a new day, and with it comes another reason to shed a tear for the life you left behind. Today we present you with a tearjerker written and sung by legendary steelpan musician, composer, and arranger Ray Holman. The song is entitled "Sweet Island Memories." This nostalgic song, along with nine other tracks, comes from the album "First Love."

Our goal is to bring back sweet memories. It is not meant to cause sadness but to help you recall all the pleasant memories of growing up in Trinidad and Tobago. Those who grew up in Trinidad during the '60s, '70s, and '80s will better appreciate this feeling and memory. Times have changed, and the fun of hanging out with friends in any neighborhood is now fraught with unknown danger lurking and waiting to create sadness. The song we're presenting today is sure to bring a smile to your face and perhaps even a tear. Definitely one to repeat. Enjoy!.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Sweet Island Memories

Written by: Ray Holman

Artist/Performed by: Ray Holman

Produced by: Tom Miller

Record label: Ramajay Records

Album: First Love 

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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Panorama 2026 Echoes with Victory—San Juan East Side Symphony Strikes Gold Again

This is our first Steelband music post on Kaiso Dial. Since the invention of the instrument, the steelpan and Calypso music have been inseparable. Today we are cross-posting, taking a nod from our sister blog Sokah2Soca. We want our Calypso fans to remain tuned in to Calypso but also the steelpan. 

Last night in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the Steelband's sound once again captivated the audience. Panorama 2026 kicked off with the finals of the Single Pan bands in late November 2025, and for those on the ground, it felt like late January 2026 with a carnival in the air. The 25 competing bands gave their best performances, the judges judged; and the winner and runners-up were announced. And here we are with the results. Congratulations to San Juan East Side Symphony Steel Orchestra on your victory in the Single Pan Band Category of Panorama 2026! And if you did not know, they are repeat champions after taking the prize for carnival 2025. 

Congratulations as well to all participating bands for your passion, preparation, and powerful performances in celebration of our national musical instrument—the steelpan.

It was an unforgettable evening at Queen’s Park Savannah, where the San Juan East Side Symphony Steel Orchestra erupted in celebration after delivering their triumphant rendition of “Jumbie” by Machel Montano, masterfully arranged by Duvone Stewart. Their performance secured the crown at the Pan Trinbago National Panorama 2026 Single Pan Band Finals, adding yet another glorious chapter to their enduring musical legacy.

The energy of Panorama reminds us: radio can capture the sound but not all sound engineers can get it right!  Having said that,  nothing compares to seeing the steelpan in full glory—the movement, the joy, the artistry.

The results for the top 10 bands are posted below:

1. San Juan East Side Symphony—Jumbie—285 points
2. La Creole Pan Groove—Pan by Storm - 284
3. Chord Masters Steel Orchestra—Showdown (Band Meet Band)—280 
4. Metro Stars Steel Orchestra—Kettle Pot - 277
5. New Age Trend Setters—Mystery Band—274 (tied for 5th)
6. Hope Pan Grove—Like Ah Boss—274 274 (tie 5th)
7. Trinidad & Tobago Prisons Service Steel Orchestra—Moving (To the Left)—273
8. Trinidad & Tobago Police Service Steel Orchestra - Toro Toro—273
9. Epic Koskeros Steel Orchestra - Toco Band—(tie 9th)
10. D'Original Woodbrook Modernaires Steel Orchestra—Ah Cyah Wait - 269 (tie 9th)

The full results can be found on the Pan Trinbago Facebook page at the following link: National Panorama S2026 Single Pan Finals Results. 

Addendum: A Call for Sonic Justice

While the energy of Panorama 2026 was undeniable, the audio quality of the performances circulating on YouTube falls heartbreakingly short. These unofficial uploads—often by unknown sources—fail to capture the brilliance, clarity, and emotional depth of the steelpan performances we witnessed.

However, when WACK Visual Radio took the lead, the sound quality was impeccable. The music felt alive. It honored the instrument, the players, and the legacy.

Pan Trinbago must do better. The national instrument deserves official recordings—released on YouTube or made available to cultural storytellers and bloggers—so the world can hear steelpan in its full glory. Anything less is a disservice to the artform and the artists who pour their souls into every note.

Steelpan is not background noise. It’s heritage. It’s heart. It’s ours to love, ours to cherish. We managed to get the WeCapture recordings and replaced the YouTube video with the top performances from the finals. 

Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.

We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists.  You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Competition: Single Pan Finals 2026

Venue: Queens Park Savannah

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Steelband Music 🎶

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/.

♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).

The song "Jumbie (Madness Muv Short Edit)" by Machel Montano is at the top, while the arrangement by San Juan East Side Symphony/Duvonne Stewart is at the bottom along with other band performances.

WeCapture.... Panorama Live · SINGLE PAN FINAL 2026

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Pan in Calypso: Jaybee Unleashes Dance-Ready Gems

We’re proud to share Jaybee’s latest mixtape, featuring the vibrant theme Pan in Calypso! Whether these tracks are new to you or long-lost favorites, the full tracklist is included so you can dive in and rediscover the magic.

Big thanks to Jaybee for curating these Calypso gems. What’s striking is the energy—these songs don’t ask you to sit and listen; they demand that you move. Dance, sway, shake something… this is Calypso with rhythm in its bones.

Everyone’s talking about reimagining Calypso, but the answer has always been here. Just listen. Every track in this mix is danceable, infectious, and alive. Calypsonians, take note: find producers who carry this dance Calypso DNA. Yes, there’s space for the social and political, but this style is a masterclass in what’s possible.

When we embrace this, Soca artists will naturally weave dance Calypso into their sound. Kaiso, Kaiso! The path forward is clear: Back to the Future to rekindle Calypso’s greatness.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Pan in Calypso Series 

Curated by: Jaybee

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Track List: 

Mighty Chalkdust- Jouvert.

De Alberto—Pan Woman.

Taxi—Chip for chip.

Mighty Sparrow—Shake for Carnival.

Taxi—Breakdown.

Sound Rev—Iron Man / Poom poom.

Second Imij—Pan.

Ed Watson—Steelband music

Cro Cro—Labor Day Brooklyn.

Super Blue—Pan in de air.

Lord Kitchener - Flag woman.

Calypso Rose - Tobago jou’vert.

Explainer—Panorama Day.

Blue Boy—Soca on de street.

Explainer—Jou’vert (We funkin )

Mighty Sparrow—Let de music play.

Colin Lucas—Do de Iwer.

Super Blue—Lucy.

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/.

♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).

jaybee · Pan in calypso music...

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Kaiso Dial Feature: Nicole Greaves – Gaza Today

Calypso will always be the voice of the voiceless. Our featured Calypso today speaks up on behalf of the voiceless. The song, "Gaza Today," by Nicole Greaves is a true-to-form calypso that gives voice to the voiceless and shines a light on the humanitarian crises taking place in Gaza and the Ukraine. She is a song crying in the wilderness of human depravity.

Nicole did not hold back, and with the songwriting skills of Ronald Forde, she called out the silence of nations that knew better. She did not hesitate for a moment to ask why there is still no global peace plan from the UN or the EU. This song's lyrics demand awareness, intervention, and solidarity, reminding us that calypso is not just entertainment—it is conscience, resistance, and a call to action. This is one that you will hear much talk about but when that happens, ask the critics what was incorrect with the lyrics. I am confident the sound would be "crickets."

Key Themes in Gaza Today

• The Silence and Inaction: Why are the cries of the suffering muted, and why is “silence golden” in the face of invasion?
• The Plight of Ukraine and Gaza: The song highlights the absence of these conflicts on regional agendas.
• Call for Caribbean Voice: A plea for the Caribbean’s voice to rise louder in global discourse.
• Human Destruction and Global Intervention: A repeated call for urgent intervention to stop the bloodshed.
• Seeking Peace and an End to Conflict: This effort is key and there should be a rallying cry, a demand for a peace plan to end the violence and a rebuilding of the area for the people of Gaza. 
• Historical Context and Resilience: Recognition of Palestinian resistance and their strengthened resolve.
• Critique of Global Power Dynamics: A sharp look at economic rules and the suffering imposed by those in control.
• Plea to the United Nations: A direct call for the UN to act decisively and implement peace.

Nicole Greaves reminds us that calypso is not just about rhythm—it is about responsibility. Something awful has happened to humanity; two wrongs don't make what is happening in Gaza today right. You sympathize with both sides, but not with those who kill the innocent. Gaza Today is a rallying cry for justice, peace, and the power of Caribbean voices in the global conversation.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Gaza Today

Artist/Performed by: Nicole Greaves 

Written by: Ronald Forde

Produced by: Kendall Houlder

Background Vocals: Renneh Renalis

ISRC QT6EG25224792

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/.

♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).

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Beneath the Surface: Mystic Prowler’s Timeless Calypso Message

The image is only a representation.

 

The Golden Age of Calypso, the formative years (1934–1950), brought about change in Calypso and produced some fabulous calypsos that are unmatched today. Now we turn to our present-day crop of Calypsonians, and it feels like they have lost focus and lost their way. They (today's Calypsonians) can't seem to find their way and prefer to complain rather than resolve the issues that are hampering the art form, so we look to the past to discover a way forward. 

We are in a place where Calypso seems to be looking for a way to be relevant once again, and for that reason, we can look back and reflect on a song that could add some guidance for the rocky road ahead. Now we can reflect and discover meaning in a song that won the 1998 Calypso Monarch Title. There is a serious message in the music. This artist is the Mystic Prowler with one of the songs he sang to win the 1998 Calypso Monarch title (aka Calypso King); the song is "Beneath the Surface," penned by Gregory "GB" Ballantyne.

Those who are stuck in quicksand and can't seem to see the way forward will continually moan and complain about the Calypsonian plight, but they could find solace and a way forward if they heed the words of songwriter Gregory Ballantyne with memorable vocals from the late Mystic Prowler: "They had the stuff that great men are made of; it’s the stuff you can miss unless you look beneath the surface."

Many Calypsonians continue to sing political and social commentary, which may or may not hold relevance in today's world. While I acknowledge the importance of these calypsos, they must sing calypsos that inspire the listener to dance if they are to succeed in the realm of Soca music. That was the case before the dawn of Soca, and it can still happen today; let's enjoy some more 'dance calypso music.' There is a specific time and place for everything, and today we need music and songs, or calypsos, that people can once again dance to. The challenge is set; who will take it on?

Just to be clear, we feature "Beneath the Surface," written by Gregory Ballantyne and sung by the Mystic Prowler, because of the message, which remains, to this day, a classic calypso; it is not an example of a 'dance calypso.' It is a song with a powerful and inspiring message. Enjoy.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Beneath The Surface 

Calypsonian/Artist/Performed by: Mystic Prowler (Roy Lewis)

Written by: Gregory "GB" Ballantyne

Year Released: 1998

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Originally posted to Sokah2Soca

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/.

♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV frame).

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Ah Doh Wine: Jadee & MX Prime Revive a Calypso Classic

Kaiso, Kaiso. Yes, Kaiso, and today we go "Back to the Future" to bring you this post. It was in 1987, Franz “Delamo” Lambkin shook the Calypso Monarch Finals with “Ah Cyar Wine”—a bold, witty anthem about setting a positive example and refusing to whine just to please the crowd.

Fast‑forward to 2025, and Jadee (yes, the Foodie Nation favorite) has teamed up with MX Prime to breathe new life into this gem with a modern twist: “Ah Doh Wine.”

The message remains intact, but the delivery embraces a new kind of madness. With the country under pressure—electricity woes, social stress, and Carnival chaos—Jadee asks, “Why do you want me to whine just because it’s whining season?” He’s not here to make a scene… he’s here to make sense.

In one biting line, Jadee sings, “They tell me to dance provocatively despite the high levels of crime in the area.” It’s a clever reminder that even in bacchanal, soca can carry conscience. And with tongue‑in‑cheek humor, he warns: don’t push him to misbehave—he might whine on somebody’s woman, and that could end in trouble.

This readaptation is not just a musical update but also a cultural transmission. The production, handled by MX Prime and mastered by Johann Seaton, is pure bacchanal energy, yet it honors Delamo’s legacy by proving that soca can be sharp, conscious, and groove‑heavy all at once.

So tell us: Did Jadee do justice to Delamo’s classic?

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Ah Doh Wine

Artist/Performed by: Jaydee

Written by: Jadee, Mx Prime. Adapted from Franz "Delamo" Lambkin

Produced and Mixed by: MX Prime

Mastered by: Johann Seaton 

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Original Song:

Song Title: Ah Cyah Wine

Singer: Franz "Delamo" Lambkin

The YouTube music player below features both songs. 

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/.

♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV frame).

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Our First Calypso 2026 Feature: “Jockey Shorts”

We’re kicking off our Calypso 2026 journey with a song that will make you reminisce and smile: “Jockey Shorts.” It is a silly song but one that is playful and brings back memories of Sparrow's Obeah Wedding. This song is a cultural darling, wrapped in witty island slang. In the Caribbean, a man’s underwear is fondly called “jockey shorts,” and the comedy unfolds as Mr. Lee accuses Debra of stealing his shorts to cast a spell and keep him bound to her.

The melody flows sweetly, with Mr. Lee gliding effortlessly across the rhythm. Produced by Khadeem Edwards of Xklusiv Muzic Productions and Faraoh Black, this track proves that the heart and soul of Calypso are alive and thriving as Carnival 2026 approaches. And for lovers of authenticity: every beat is powered by live instruments, not computer-generated rhythms.

The collaboration shines—Khadeem Edwards and Brent Toussaint’s compositions, paired with Mr. Lee’s rich vocals, bring Tyro Matthews’ songwriting to life. The storytelling takes us back to a time when obeah and spell-casting were believed to hold sway over relationships, often more than traditional courtship. It’s cheeky, nostalgic, and irresistibly Caribbean.

The revelation is clear: Calypso is alive and well in Trinidad and Tobago. This music carries a vibe you can dance to, laugh with, and enjoy wholeheartedly. As our first modern calypso feature for 2026, “Jockey Shorts” sets the tone for what promises to be a vibrant season.

We look forward to hearing it at Calypso Fiesta 2026. Share this post, spread the joy, and keep coming back to Kaiso Dial for all the new calypsos.

From the Artist's YouTube Page

Calypso is where it all began—the roots, the rhythm, and the reason why we love this music. Jockey Shorts is his way of paying tribute to that timeless sound while keeping the fun and storytelling alive! Long live the CULTURE that gave birth to Soca!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Jockey Shorts

Artist/Performed by: Mr. Lee 

Written by: Tyro Matthews

Produced by: Khadeem Edwards of Xklusiv Muzic Productions & Faraoh Black

Composed by: Khadeem Edwards & Brent Toussaint

Mixed & Mastered by: Xklusiv Muzic Productions™

Rhodes by Pastor Anthony Moses & Khadeem Edwards

Brass Arrangement by Khadeem Edwards & Kenny Phillips

Tenor Sax by: Oral Rodriguez

Trumpet by Roger Jaggasar

Trombone by: David Jacob

Background Vocals by: Kharissa Edwards, Khadeem Edwards & Tyro Matthews

Publishers/Copyright Control (COTT)/(BMI)/Songtrust, NY

Distributed by: FoxFuse LLC

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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The Nicholas Brancker Band Honors Black Stalin: A Calypso Tribute of Excellence

Today, while listening to Mr. Desmond and Kenny Phillips on Wack Radio, a caller asked about a Black Stalin tribute melody recently played on the station. 'The Nicholas Brancker Band' from Barbados performed the tribute melody. I did my due diligence and located the tribute video. This is the feature of the post, a tribute to the late Dr. Leroy Caliste, who died on the 24th of July. Dr. Leroy Caliste was born in September 1941 and passed away on the 28th of December 2022.

The Black Stalin Tribute by The Nicholas Brancker Band (from Barbados) is a stunning tribute to the legendary Trinidadian calypsonian, Black Stalin. This presentation is a masterpiece of Caribbean music, featuring powerful vocals, intricate instrumentals, and soulful rhythms by the Nicholas Brancker Band. These rhythms transport listeners to the heart of Trinidad's vibrant musical culture from the late Black Stalin. Each track selected for this presentation is expertly crafted. It showcases the incredible talent of the Nicholas Brancker Band and their deep appreciation for Black Stalin's music.

The Black Stalin Tribute is a must-listen for anyone who loves Caribbean music or is interested in Trinidad and Tobago's rich musical traditions. It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest calypsonians of all time and a testament to his enduring power. Highly recommended.

I have to admit that the singer, Adrian, was excellent and sounded very much like the late maestro, Black Stalin. This feature is pure excellence and one of the finest Black Stalin tributes I have seen online. Kudos to The Nicholas Brancker Band.

Notes from Nicholas Brancker:

This was the final rehearsal before our first performance after Black Stalin's passing. We had just finished a workshop at UWI for students and decided to document and share this medley with you. This music is a tribute to a humble, joyful and committed Caribbean son. Live on, Brother!

Music/Production Notes:

Title: Black Stalin Tribute (Footage from Final Day Rehearsal for Naniki Music Fest )

Musical Arrangement by: Nicholas Brancker

Vocals by - Adrian Clarke

Band: Nicholas Brancker Band

Bass: Nicholas Brancker

Drums—Melvin Alick

Keys—Darien Bailey

Keys—Andre Daniel

Trombone—Iomo Slusher

Saxes—Romaro Greaves

Trumpet—Kevyn Lynch

Guitar—Tristan Haynes

Pan & Percussion - Andre Forde

Background Vocals—Israel Allen & Casheda Dotten 

Songs Featured:

• Suffers
• Bun Dem
• We Could Make It If We Try
• The Caribbean Man
• This Party Cyar Done
• Black Man Feeling to Party

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/.

♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV frame).

Read More