Squeezy Rankin’s “Rat Race”: A Razor‑Sharp Social Commentary Poised for Monarch

This is a solid social commentary calypso from Squeezy Rankin; the song is titled "Rat Race." This song does not hold back; it serves as a blistering and classic social commentary that presents the truth directly.  This song simply forces the listener to confront the uncomfortable truths shaping Trinidad and Tobago's society. Although it is uncomfortable, the truth will ultimately set you free from all bondage.

"Rat Race" comes from Q-Ban Productions, delivering a steady musical pulse that mirrors the pressure cooker lifestyle  that is the experience on the streets today. He sings "rats with human faces," using this metaphor that becomes a powerful device, one that captures a sense of danger and survival in the poverty-stricken areas. 

Lyrically strong, the song was written by the team of Anthony La Fleur and Angelo Pantin; they crafted a narrative that is both intimate and one that also has an international feel. This is classic calypso songwriting, which is why it will be in the Calypso Monarch finals and at Calypso Fiesta.  It’s a portrait of a country wrestling with itself, and Squeezy delivers it with the clarity of someone who has lived the story.

This song is musically strong; take a good look at the production notes—it is rich with talent. Squeezy Rankin's emotional vocals never overpower the classic music. The engineering, done by Q-Ban Productions, keeps  everything tight while Diamond Sounds Studio polishes the production with the final mastering of the song. 

This song resembles a sermon, yet it avoids preachiness! It is a solid social commentary, lyrically sharp but never loses its calypso core. The ending is the kind of song that judges remember, not because it is sensational but because the words are true and tell the  story of life experiences. 

At the end of the day, this is a classic social commentary calypso. If this calypso style wins the monarch title, expect to see Squeezy etching his name in the history of the Monarch competition for Trinidad and Tobago. This is how strongly we feel about Calypso. Kaiso, Kaiso! Yes, Kaiso. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Rat Race

Singer/Performed by: Squeezy Rankin

Produced by: Q-Ban Productions

Written by: Anthony La Fleur & Angelo Pantin

Guitars by: Kwami Kwamz Morrison & Angelo Pantin

Brass By: Dan Clark

Background Vocals by: Kizzie Huggins 

Mixed by: Q-Ban Productions

Mastered by: Diamond Sounds Studio

Music Video Directed By: Kevan Gibbs & Nic-kelson Williams

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/.

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

Read More

Lady Adanna’s New Calypso Celebrates Our Shared Destiny: Caribbean Vybe

The new calypsos are arriving fast, and we’re not about to get left behind. If anything, we intend to stay at the forefront of this fresh wave of Caribbean music releases. Today’s feature comes from Lady Adanna—a song that stands tall as a tribute to our Caribbean family: one people, one rhythm, and yes, one destiny.

Her latest track, Caribbean Vybe, doesn’t just speak of unity—it embodies it. This is a song designed to stir the Caribbean pot with nothing but positive energy.

“Caribbean Vybe,” performed by Marsha “Lady Adanna” Clifton, is a warm, heartfelt salute to the people, cultures, and shared history that shape the Caribbean experience. The beauty of this calypso lies with the songwriting team of Denis Cox and Marsha Clifton; it celebrates the resilience, beauty, and unity of a region built from struggle yet defined by joy, creativity, and community. And, for those reasons, the song brings hope for peace and not war in the region.

Lady Adanna’s delivery—supported by the rich harmonies of Kerlene “Kerlz” Joseph—reminds us that despite the tribulations that brought our ancestors here, Caribbean people forged an unmistakable spirit: a spirit of peace, love, and good living. The song paints a vivid picture of who we are, where we came from, and where we are heading together… one Caribbean people, one Caribbean vybe. We are resilient and will always rise to the occasion because regardless of our family squabbles and all the 'ole-talk,' we continue to move forward with love and togetherness. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Artist / Performed by: Marsha “Lady Adanna” Clifton

Composed by: Denis Cox & Marsha Clifton

Background Vocals: Kerlene “Kerlz” Joseph

Bass Arrangement & Tenor Sax: Oral Rodriquez

Trombone: David Jacob

Trumpet: Charles Williams

Executive Producer & Label: Kaiso Dredz Productionz

Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by: GQ MAXIMUM ONE

Artwork: Kerlz Designs

Registered with COTT — All Rights Reserved

All Rights Reserved

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).

Read More

The Drum Speaks: Naomi Sinnette’s Tribute to African Roots

The slave master did a number on the early settlers of the Caribbean basin, enslaving their minds with Christianity that has the descendants showing contempt for the spirits of their ancestors... we can only be a soft-spoken voice in the wilderness of self-destruction, but... We have a Calypso Invocation of Ancestry, Memory, and African Rhythm to help awaken a people who lost it all with the hope that this Calypso invocation rekindles memories lost and those 'talking drums' liberate them from the chains that still have our people shackled today.

Naomi Sinnette’s new calypso, “Talking Drum,” is a spiritual journey into the heart of our African ancestry and the musical traditions that shaped Trinidad and Tobago. This is a calypso written to awake a sleeping giant, a song rooted in memory—a call to the ancestors, a reminder of the rhythms that survived the Middle Passage, and a celebration of the drum as both an instrument of communication and a symbol of resistance. And a hope that they realize they are still in chains, carrying the religion of the slave master and so much more.

Naomi starts off by talking about the embrace of Africa, a continent whose spirit, history, and heartbeat still live on in Trinidadian culture. The song talks about getting help from ancestors, gaining power, and taking back one's culture. It gives the listener a sense of identity that goes beyond time and place.

As the beat picks up, "Talking Drum" pays tribute to the ancestors who went through terrible things: they were forced to move, given new names, and lost their culture, but they still held on to the one thing that no oppressor could take away: the rhythmic memory of the drum. She sees the drum as a healer, teacher, and liberator—a force that helped enslaved Africans survive and later gave their descendants the strength to rise.

The song also boldly looks to the present and calls for new talks about reparations, cultural pride, and building identity in times of uncertainty. It reminds people that the African pulse still affects our music, our movement, and the way we all think.

By the end of the song, "Talking Drum" has turned into a chant of affirmation, reminding Caribbean people that they are descendants of kings and queens, have unlimited potential, and have a legacy that must be honored.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Talking Drum 

Artist/Performed by: Naomi Sinnette

Composed by: Sheldon Reid

Produced by: DANCIN DREAD Productions

Background Vocals by: Joseph Williams & Tricia Hamilton

Bass - Rodney Alexander 

Guitar - Jevan Ochoa 

Trumpet - Dan Clarke 

Tenor Sax - Oral Rodriguez 

Trombone - David Jacob

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).

Read More

Plus Size Woman - Jay "Pinky" Edwards

What if you were in Bardjohn of Calypso's shoes, tasked with writing a calypso that celebrates the virtues of plus-size women while also challenging industry standards and the TikTok and Barbie Doll images that social media adore? What if... ah ha, Caribbean men love their ladies just the way they are! Size does not matter, and with that, Kurt Allen, the Bardjohn of lyrical niceness, penned this calypso for Jay "Pinky" Edwards, titled "Plus Size Women."

In Plus Size Woman, Jay “Pinky” Edwards steps boldly into a conversation calypso has championed for generations: real beauty, real bodies, and real womanhood. This is a song that pushes back against the fashion world’s narrow ideals and lifts up the women who shape Caribbean life—in the kitchen, in the dance, in love, and in spirit.

Edwards calls out the false images sold by magazines and media, contrasting them with the comfort, strength, sweetness, and sensuality of fuller-bodied women. Through humor, honesty, and classic calypso storytelling, he reminds listeners that:

• Confidence is the foundation of beauty.
• Curvy women bring comfort, joy, and real companionship.
• Society’s judgments crumble when faced with genuine affection.
• Beauty never lived in a magazine—it lives in real life, real bodies, and real love.

The song celebrates the woman who refuses shame, who knows her worth, and who understands that her body is not a flaw but a fortress—a source of pleasure, nourishment, and emotional grounding and a champion on the music circuit. Plus-sized women are teaming up with other Soca stars and winning over music lovers, zessing all the way to the bank. 

If you are a fan of Calypso, you are aware that his use of double entendre and comedic exaggeration effectively conveys his message. The song uses double entendre to highlight how curvy women are adored, desired, and deeply appreciated by the men who truly understand their value. It’s a reminder that Caribbean culture has always embraced flesh, flavor, and fullness. Plus Size Woman is more than a praise song—it’s a cultural corrective. It is a reminder that beauty is not one-size-fits-all.

This song, penned by the master griot, is a celebration of women who move with confidence, sweetness, and power. It is a declaration that realness will always outshine plastic perfection. Simply inquire with any Caribbean male, and he will inform you that we appreciate women of all backgrounds and appearances... We just like them! This song captures the essence of Calypso; it unapologetically explores womanhood, while the griot and his penmanship, along with the fiery performance by Kenny Phillips, convey the truth through rhythm.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Plus Size Woman

Artist/Performed by: Jay "Pinky" Edwards 

Composed by: Kurt "Bardjohn" Allen 

Arranged by: Kenny Phillips,

Bass: Rodney Alexander,

Background vocals: Tricia Hamilton 

Brass: Roger Jaggassar, Oral Rodriguez, David Jacob

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).

Read More

Before the Battle Begins: DJ Aaron868 Calypso Fiesta Warm‑Up

Listen up. Calypso Fans, Christmas Day is behind us, and the radio stations will be transitioning mostly to Soca music. Stay tuned to Kaiso Dial and WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM for all the new Calypsos. Now, as we move into the new season, I have to do my little 'De Original De Fosto' chant, "Fire on De Hill! It's officially Calypso season! 

As we roll toward Carnival 2026, Calypso Dial is starting the season with a little provocation—and a whole lot of nostalgia. Before last year’s Calypso Fiesta, DJ Aaron868 dropped a mixtape featuring the voices of the calypsonians who were lining up to challenge the reigning monarch, Machel Montano.

His note said it best:

“As we gear up for Calypso Fiesta, let's listen to some of the calypsonians who will attempt to dethrone the reigning monarch, Machel Montano.” All you need to do is replace the Monk with Helon Francis and we are 'good to go' for Calypso Fiesta 2026.

Today, we’re bringing that mix back—not as a look behind us, but as a signal of what’s coming. Think of it as your first warm‑up lap for Calypso Fiesta 2026.

Listen to the mixtape.  

Get your ears back into the competitive spirit. Hear the tones, the styles, and the lyrical angles. Feel the energy that drives Skinner Park every year.

Then dive into the new season.  

Calypso Dial is already posting fresh 2026 releases—early contenders, sharp writers, returning giants, and new voices stepping into the ring. This is the perfect moment to start building your own shortlist.

Your challenge  

• After listening to the mixtape and the new 2026 calypso uploads, tell us:
• Which singers and songs do you think could reach Calypso Fiesta 2026 in Skinner Park?  
• Who sounds hungry? Who sounds ready? Who has that spark?
• This is your early‑season scouting report—and we want to hear your picks.

Calypso Fiesta is never just a show. It’s a conversation, a rivalry, a cultural pulse. And the road to Skinner Park starts right here on Calypso Dial.

Track List:

• Machel Montano—Soul of Calypso [Defending Monarch]
• Squeezy Rankin—Justice [2025 Young King] [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Kerice Pascall—Tears [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Tamieka Darius—Song of Hope [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Lani K—Death Row [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Hammond Slick Bruce—Cashless Society [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Sexy Suzy—Not for Sale
• Anastacia Richardson—Watch Yuh Clock [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Twiggy—65 and Still Relevant [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Eunice Peters—Trini Yard Sale [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Karene Asche—Ah Leader [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Yung Bredda—We Rise [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Caston Cupid—Here Again
• Makeda Darius—Let D Dragon Dance
• Pharaoh—America Has Spoken [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Chuck Gordon—Look Tuh Press (Buss Out) [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Terri Lyons—Ask Yuh Man [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Ta’Zyah O’Connor– Kaiso to the World [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Lady Tallish—Born to Be A Calypsonian
• Aaron Duncan—Play De Pan
• Stacey Sobers—Rhythm of A People [Kaiso Fiesta]
• Kevan Callisto—Still Feeling To Party
• Kurt Allen—Your Turn Now [Kaiso Fiesta]

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Music Compilation  Titl: Kaiso Kaiso Vol. IV

Curated & Presented by: DJ Aaron 868.

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).

Read More

“One Fish to Another”: Nerukhi Uses Humor and Social Commentary to Challenge Calypso’s Competition Culture

Oooh, you are going to love the lyrical canvas painted by Nerukhi. These lyrics cut deep and speak directly to the state of competition in Trinidad and Tobago today. Pay close attention—the message is unmistakable: audiences and artists alike have been steered into a ‘concept of a plan’ that sidelines the true art of calypso—the excellence of double entendre, humor, and storytelling—in favor of competition‑driven formulas.

Nerukhi returns to the calypso arena with “One Fish to Another,” a sharp, witty piece of double‑entendre social commentary that blends his visual‑artist sensibilities with his love for storytelling. Recorded at Nerukhi Studios with guitar work by Eugene Bass and background vocals by Luna, the song uses a conversation among fish to reflect on the pressures of a changing environment—both literal and cultural. Shot across Moruga, Claxton Bay, Balandra, and Manzanilla with videography by Patrice Bros Studios, the project also speaks to Nerukhi’s mission to preserve humor, nuance, and the full breadth of calypso beyond competition‑driven expectations. 

It marks his return after a two‑year pause and reinforces his commitment to using music and visual art as tools for awareness, upliftment, and cultural continuity. The production is clean, crisp and excellent in bpm for those who enjoy listening to well-structured and produced Calypsos. We approve of and applaud this production. 

Notes from the Artist:

The Calypsonian, popularly known for his fine arts paintings often celebrating his fellow Calypsonians, returns to the stage after a two-year absence.

His song titled ‘One Fish To Another’ is a double-entendre social commentary that tells of a discussion among fish concerning the challenging environment in which they now live. It was recorded at the Nerukhi’s home studio and features guitar by legendary guitarist Eugene Bass and background vocals by Luna.

The video was shot at various locations in Moruga, Claxton Bay, Balandra, and Manzanilla. Drone and general Videography was conducted by Patrice Bros Studios of Moruga with general video input from Nerukhi Studios.

Nerukhi laments the dying art of double entendre as well as humor in Calypso and blames the almost total focus on competition as a means of promoting the art form. Judges, he claims, seem to focus on certain types of songs and ignore the totality of Calypso itself in the process. Artists, in turn, have focused over the years on songs that would impress the judges rather than those that truly serve the purpose of calypso.

The calypsonian is a former  PRO of TUCO South Zone, Corinth Teachers College Guild President and Male Teacher of the year 2005. He is also a songwriter and music and video producer.

He was a member of the cast of 'Kaiso Showkase' for the years 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and anticipates his song, "One Fish to Another," to be a part of the Calypso mix in 2026.

He uses Visual Arts and Music as tools for social awareness and upliftment and producing music videos, he says, offers a unique opportunity to do both together.

You can view his song and most of his other music on his YouTube channel, NERUKHI.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: One Fish To Another

Artist/Performed by: Nerukhi 

Written, Arranged and Produced by: Nerukhi (Ato Osei).

Guitar by: Eugene Bass

Background vocals – Luna

Recorded, mixed and Mastered @ Nerukhi Studios.

Year of recording: 2025

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Videography 

Drone and General Video - Patrice Bros. Studios

Other -  Nerukhi Studios

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).

Read More

Marq Pierre Holds Up the Mirror With “How Yuh Feeling”

We’re keeping this one as a straightforward post, featuring the official release notes that accompanied the song on YouTube. Some listeners online are already suggesting it could be a contender for the Monarch competition. Opinions will vary, but here are the essentials.

“How Yuh Feeling” by Marq Pierre steps confidently into the classical calypso lane, posing a timely question for Trinidad & Tobago in the wake of the recent elections: Do you feel like you won? This is the million-dollar question that cuts deeper than it first appears.

Written by Chevannise Parks and produced by Damion Preston, the song leans on observation rather than confrontation, inviting listeners to reflect on the national mood instead of choosing sides. It’s a modern reminder of calypso’s enduring role as mirror, commentator, and conscience.

After the gaslighting, the slogans, and the votes, the song asks the question many are quietly wrestling with: Are you pleased with the outcome and the way the winning party is governing—and do you feel like a winner?

Now read the music release notes, listen to the song, and tell us if you think the singer was impartial or just disguising his true feelings about the election results. 

The Artist's YouTube Music Release Notes:

Marq Pierre approaches How Yuh Feeling? as a non-partisan storyteller, grounded in the classical calypso tradition where truth, wit, and reflection outweigh political allegiance. His delivery is observational, not inflammatory—allowing facts, lived experiences, and public sentiment to speak for themselves.

Rather than championing or condemning any political entity, Marq positions himself as a voice of the people in transition—capturing uncertainty, hope, concern, and accountability in equal measure. He intends not to divide but to encourage informed reflection at a time when Trinidad and Tobago’s domestic choices intersect directly with CARICOM solidarity, Venezuela relations, and global power dynamics involving the United States and beyond.

How Yuh Feeling? ultimately asks one enduring question: after the slogans fade and the votes are counted—how does governance really feel?

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: How Yuh Feeling?

Artist/Performed by: Marq Pierre

Written by: Chevannise Parks 

Produced by: Damion Preston 

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).

Read More

Lord Nelson & Nigel Lewis Reignite a Classic: “La La” (2025)

So much time has gone by, but the memories linger, and today, nearly fifty years after Lord Nelson first dropped the infectious "La Jam Back" in 1976—arranged by the legendary Art DeCoutteau—the classic has returned with new life, new fire, and a new generation in mind.

The 2025 update, now simply titled “La La,” pairs Nigel Lewis and Lord Nelson in a cross‑generational collaboration that feels both nostalgic and brand new. Produced by Nigel Hayden Lewis and Richard Ahong, this reimagined version keeps the soul of the original while injecting a crisp, modern Carnival energy that fits today’s revelers perfectly.

Why This Release Matters

• A bridge across eras: From 1976 to 2025, the melody remains timeless, but the production brings it straight into the now.
• A masterful refresh: Lewis and Ahong keep the spirit of DeCoutteau’s arrangement while giving it the punch and polish of today’s soca sound.
• Carnival‑ready energy: This one is built for the road, the backyard, the cooler fete, and every lime in between.
• Few artists can effortlessly revive their catalogs and still feel as relevant as Nelson's.

The Vibe: decades apart but still awesome music. 

“La La” 2025 is bright, playful, and rhythmically irresistible—the kind of tune that slips into your bloodstream and refuses to leave. It’s easy to imagine this one bubbling through Carnival fetes, boat rides, and neighborhood parties for years to come.

What are our thoughts at Kaiso Dial?

Before you respond by pointing out the uptempo beat and labeling the song as a Soca track, as described on YouTube, it's important to note that this is an original Calypso music release. Then again, I could argue that Soca is the 'Soul of Calypso!'  But, let's be honest, the original will always be 'the song.' Having said that, it is a reminder showing how Calypso and Soca have evolved: not by erasing the past, but by remixing it, celebrating it, and passing it forward. “La La” is a perfect example of that living tradition—a classic reborn for a new generation of masqueraders and music lovers.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: La La 

Artist/Performed by: Nigel Lewis & Lord Nelson 

Written by: Robert Alfonso Nelson Cott

Produced by: Nigel Hayden Lewis and Richard Ahong

Guitar: Brian Newton

All other instruments Nigel Lewis

Background Vocals:  Nigel & Lewis Kelda Sweeting

Mixed and Mastered by: Richard Ahong

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Original Song Title: La La Jam Back

Original Song by: Lord Nelson

Arranged by: Art DeCourteau

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).

Read More

Merry Christmas from Kaiso Dial and Sokah2Soca

Another year is coming to a close and we would like to thank everyone for your loyal support. As we celebrate the season with one of Trinidad & Tobago’s beloved Christmas classics—“Ribbons,” written by Gregory “GB” Ballantyne and beautifully sung by Marilyn Williams.

Released in 1991, this original Trinbagonian Christmas song signals the true start of the season, wrapping the islands in nostalgia, warmth, and that unmistakable Christmas feeling. Today, we deliver this classic as a special thank you to our fans. As a bonus, we also have an acoustic version sung by Nailah Blackman.

Wishing you joy, music, and togetherness this Christmas. From our family to yours—Merry Christmas!

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:

Song Title: Ribbons

Artist/Performed by: Marilyn Williams

Written by: Gregory 'GB' Balantyne.

Produced by: W. Bruno

Recorded & Mixed at: Muzik Draft Recording Studio.

Carrotte Music/C.O.T.T. C0591A

Year: 1991

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Trinidad Christmas Classic  🎶

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).

Read More

“No Conscience”: A Calypso Lament for a Society Losing Its Way

This captivating calypso, arguably a timeless song, resonates deeply with listeners, fostering contemplation and discussion about moral integrity and collective responsibility. Ah, collective responsibility seems wrapped up in selfish ideals. In today's world, with so much bitterness and narrow-minded  individuals, it's vital to remember the importance of standing up for the voiceless and nurturing a society built on compassion and justice.

“No Conscience” is a straight, hard‑hitting calypso from Kerice Pascall, written by Kurt Allen and produced by Kenny Phillips at KMP Music Studios. The song calls out a society where wrongdoers move bold and unbothered and where empathy seems to be fading fast. As the older folks would say, "they are too damn salop!" 

Kerice sings about a world on the verge of collapse, highlighting failing systems, growing indifference, and individuals ignoring abuse and injustice. The idea of building on "sinking sand" deepens the sense of collapse. Furthermore, it’s a reminder that when conscience disappears, everything else starts to collapse. “No Conscience” identifies and rightly  condemns those who cover up abuse and wrongdoing. The lyrical master shines with this Calypso poetry. 

This composition, written by our modern-day griot, Last Bardjohn of Calypso, is calypso doing what calypso does best—holding up a mirror and urging us to do better. We approve of the message, love the emotion of the singer and approve of the production. Now, let's act as if we are in the revered calypso tent and say, "Kaiso, Kaiso?" Yes, Kaiso!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: No Conscience 

Artist/Performed by: Kerice Pascall

Written by: Kurt "Bardjohn" Allen

Arranged and produced by: Kenny Phillips

Keyboard: Reul Lynch

Bass: Rodney Alexander

Background Vocals: Tricia Hamilton

Recorded at: K.M.P. Music Lab Studio

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).

Read More