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/.

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The Calypso Conundrum: Can We Really Choose a Top Ten of All Time?

I believe this post will become one of my favorites to write and share. Mark this date, June 22, 2025, as the day on "De Dotish Hour" Mr. Desmond threw out the big one: "Top 10 Calypsos of all time.” He wanted to know why creating a Top 10 Calypso list is so difficult. Kenny turned to Deso and made a face that resembled a "couyon mouth." As he responded to Mr. Desmond, his expression suggested that he was taken aback by the question—no, nearly short-circuited on hearing Deso's statement. Both Kenny and Vanessa (steelpan music arranger and radio host) questioned, “But what about the rest in the Top 100? Will you be considering the others as well? To which Deso responded emphatically, "No!" Deso's statement set sirens blaring! 

Now, therein lies the ultimate challenge: selecting a Top 10 Calypso List. Good luck with that! But let's be fair to Deso; he wants a committee to be formed with the task of coming up with a formula and then selecting the Top 10.' Without a scientific formula, the process reverts to subjective decision-making. After the list is compiled, show it to someone from the other islands where Calypso is also part of their carnival history.

Choosing only 10 Calypso songs is very subjective because TUCO does not have records (not all great calypsos were recorded) or criteria for so doing. The result is that everyone knows what the Top 10 should be... and that is the problem! How can you condense the stories, culture, rhythm, and bacchanal into a list?

Ask ten Calypso fans to name their all-time top ten, and you’ll likely get ten different lists—and ten very passionate debates. Why? Calypso encompasses more than just music; it embodies history, wit, rebellion, joy, and identity, all encapsulated in rhythm. 

Here’s the thing: creating a definitive Top 10 Calypso list is as rewarding as it is impossible. Here’s why (I am sure to get a verbal cutarse for this):

The Pros:

• Preservation of Legacy: It spotlights legendary artists and timeless messages. So true, and for that reason, Sokah2Soca is here, on the other side of the coin, with WACK Visual Radio.
• Cultural Education: New generations get a guided tour of lyrical brilliance. This generation's lack of familiarity with calypso is so profound that it could be considered a sin. 
• Celebration of Craft: It honors songwriting, performance, and ingenuity. Personally, I don't think songwriters receive the credit they deserve. Usually, you are unaware of who wrote the song, and the singer receives the credit. That is a travesty. Another thing is that the music arrangement/creative process is lost, and the singer receives all the praise. 

The Cons:

• Subjectivity is deeply ingrained: what resonates in Port of Spain may not resonate in Bridgetown or Brooklyn. Mr. Desmond must accept this reality. If Mr. Desmond is creating a "Top 10" list specifically for Trinidad and Tobago, that is acceptable. Additionally, callers to the station, such as "De Alcoholic," and historians like Steven will definitely share their opinions when he announces his "Top 10."
• Time Bias: Do we weigh the classics from the 50s and 60s more than modern genius? This is a real dilemma, for sure. Every generation has its unique moments of brilliance, so how can we select the top performers across the decades?  Technology and population size matter, don't they?
• Exclusion Hurts: Narrowing to ten means omitting beloved voices—and fans will notice. Not only will this cause hurt feelings, but Trinidadians collectively believe they possess a more profound understanding of calypso, steelband, and soca than their neighbors, a fact that is often overlooked!

Deso, Kenny, and—perhaps more cautiously—steelpan arranger and radio personality Vanessa Headley all weighed in on the challenge of creating such a list. On Sokah2Soca, I’ve already shared a “Top 100 Calypsos of All Time,” but to explore the debate over a definitive “Top 10,” I turned to an AI service for reference points. This was not only a significant error, but also a revelation. It confirmed what I’ve said repeatedly: AI still doesn’t grasp the nuances of Caribbean culture. Errors plagued the results, including incorrect song titles and misattributed artists. So I went back to the roots, revisiting the carefully curated lists I’ve published on Sokah2Soca. Trust me, Deso, Kenny, and the Calypso faithful will scrutinize and criticize my selections. And honestly? That’s the whole point of this post.

This discussion isn’t about finality—it’s about sparking conversation. The songs listed here are simply starting points. While Deso prefers not to put his name on any official list, I was told his real aim in posing the question was to encourage much-needed dialogue. Personally, I don’t believe a true “Top 10” is even possible—without set guidelines or some kind of scientific method, it’s all wildly subjective. However, given that the "De Dotish Hour Show" on WACK Visual Radio ignited this entire debate, there's no harm in stirring things up. We're offering you two lists to debate instead of just one. Double the cussing, double the fun—C’est La Vie!

Chart A: The Canonized Greats

This list pays homage to pioneers, political firebrands, and lyrical legends.

• “Jean and Dinah”—The Mighty Sparrow
• “Rum and Coca-Cola” —Lord Invader
• “The Road”—Lord Kitchener
• “Die with my Dignity” —Singing Sandra
• “The Caribbean Man”—Black Stalin
• “High Mass” —David Rudder
• “Portrait of Trinidad” —Sniper
• “Bassman”—Shadow
• “Progress”—King Austin

Chart B: The Heartbeats & Road Favorites

These songs were chosen due to their enduring popularity and ability to captivate the dance floor.

• “Sugar Bum Bum” —Lord Kitchener
• “Lorraine”—Explainer
• “Bun Dem”—Stalin
• “In Time to Come” —Crazy
• “Endless Vibrations”—Lord Shorty
• “This Melody Sweet” —Baron
• “Soucouyant”—Crazy
• “Free Up”—Tambu (Christopher Herbert)
• “Rock It”—Merchant
• Woman on the Bass—Scrunter

Two lists. Each list holds ten spots. And still, it doesn’t feel like enough. Who’s missing? Who would you bump up or add?  Maybe that is the point Kenny Phillips was trying to make to Mr. Desmond during their conversation. If you choose a subjective score of ten, how do you evaluate the remaining entries in the disputed Top 100 Calypsos of all time?  The conversation will surely continue...

I was hoping to include a mixtape from Mr. Desmond in the post, but I haven't heard back from him yet. If he does send a mix, I will add it to the post. In the meantime, I've included a YouTube video featuring several well-known classic calypsos. We’d love to hear your thoughts!  

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Topic Discussed: The Calypso Conundrum: Can We Really Choose a Top Ten of All Time?

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. Sokah2Soca/Soca 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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Joan and James: Mighty Bomber’s Calypso of Self-Discovery

We continually strive to present Trinidad and Tobago's music and culture in an easily understandable format, incorporating both written thoughts and music to enlighten those who wish to immerse themselves in the culture. Soca music is a staple of this blog, but we also feature Calypso music. Calypso music today and Calypso from past decades are different in many ways. The older generation (Baby Boomers) will argue that the calypso songs they grew up listening to are far superior to the calypsos released today. There are no Calypso stars today, but people still reference the greats and classify their timeless songs as "Calypso Classics." People still remember and sing the lyrics of songs from that era today. Sparrow, Kitchener, Invader, Blakie, Shadow, Stalin, Rose, and so many others still rule with their music from decades ago. Today, for this post, we look at a very special song from the great one, Clifton Ryan, whose Calypso sobriquet was "Mighty Bomber." He won the 1964 Calypso Monarch with two songs, "Joan and James" and "Bombers Dream." For this post, we feature "Joan and James," a well-written, witty and beloved song that brings together social commentary and humor. We hope you appreciate this endeavor. This track is a Calypso Classic!

Growing up in Trinidad in the sixties was special. Boys and girls played 'dolly house' together, (but the boys would never admit to their peers that they did). The tiny teapots and cups were part of the 'game.' Boys and girls played together and had enjoyable, clean fun. Going on hikes and even to the beach brought the youth together, sharing cherished moments. During this period, the Mighty Bomber captured in song the mood of the population and the lost innocence of childhood. We are forever grateful for his creative genius and ability to piece together social elements with humor that lasts to this day. "Joan and James," also known as "Dah-in, Dah-in" (Darlin, Darlin), encapsulates a unique, playful moment between two young people on the beach.

This charming and insightful song offers themes of self-discovery and youthful innocence navigating the complexities of life and love. Released in the 1960s, this song captures a moment of playful exploration between a young boy and his female companion at the seaside.

Bomber skillfully captured the period and the way community life evolved. When he sings his song, one can see the story unfold with clarity. The lyrics of this classic calypso tell the story of the future and its outcome. Bomber highlights the dreams and aspirations of this youthful couple, Joan and James, as well as his reference to Dah-in in a song. Dah-in (darling, darling) brings the period and this story to life. 

Although the Mighty Bomber, the calypso monarch for 1964, passed away in 2022, his songs showcase his exceptional ability to blend humor, social commentary, and relatable stories, solidifying his status as one of the greats of Calypso. Joan and James not only secured him the Calypso Crown in 1964, but also solidified his illustrious career among fans of Calypso and songs from this era. The song is a time capsule for a time when growing up in Trinidad was enjoyable and without the perils that the youth face today. 

Listening to "Joan and James" today, one can't help but appreciate the timeless quality of the song. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to tell stories that transcend generations, connecting us to the shared human experience of growing up and discovering who we are.

Sometimes, in my quiet moments, lines from some of these outstanding calypsos pop into my head. "Dah-in, Dah-in" had a significant impact on me, but I was unable to recall the correct title of the song. Kenny Phillips saved me from the constant search for the song's name and also performed it for my curious Trini co-worker. "Where did you get these songs? I never heard that!" Indeed, "Joan and James" takes a look at growing up in Trinidad from a bygone time; it explores our childhood innocence and our journey of self-discovery after observing our parents, our surrogate neighbor-parents. This timeless message in song is a beloved classic, and we are proud to rekindle sweet classic calypso memories for all our fans. The song conveys a life lesson painted in music that makes you tap your feet and sing along. Please share this post with your social media peers.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Joan and James

Singer: Mighty Bomber (Clifton Ryan)

Year: 1964 

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.

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We present this music here for promotional purposes only; we do not own the rights to it. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; however, please do not download or share their work, as this robs the artists of essential income! This blog and I don't own the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used in this post; they belong to their respective owners.

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

Live Video Performance

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On Air: DJ Del Spins “Calypso Too Sweet”—A Love Letter to Kaiso

Today's carnival society is obsessed with Soca music. Don't get me wrong, I love Soca music. After all, this blog's name is Sokah2Soca. Today we are featuring a mixtape by DJ Del. She loves Calypso music, and once, it was the only carnival music. So today we pay tribute to the music that started it all, Calypso, and, as you will come to realize, Calypso 2 Sweet!

So, on Sunday afternoon, we plan to have a nice time, and we hope that this mixtape and music selection will inspire you to play more Calypso music. There is a specific time and place for everything, and we encourage you to incorporate calypso music into your home gatherings and observe the results. You will see people chipping to the music, and the wiser, older heads actually engaging each other and dancing, not whining to the music, as is the norm for Soca. 

We don't know much about Dj Del, but it appears that, judging from her contact number, she is based in Trinidad. Now about the mixtape: Calypso 2 Sweet is a mixtape by DJ Del that honors the nostalgic sounds of vintage calypso music. Regardless of your generational affiliation, this compilation honors the classic songs that have influenced our music memories. Get the mix from DJ Del's website and lose yourself in the nostalgic rhythms of calypso music.

We love our culture, and we love Soca music, but please show some respect to the music that Soca came from. If you don't vibe to this mix, then you are lacking an invaluable Caribbean music gene. Long live Calypso music, and yes, Kaiso too—damn sweet! Enjoy...

Notes from Dj Del's YouTube Post:

A mix dedicated to the sweet sounds of calypsos of yesteryear that we grew up listening to, no matter the generation.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Mixtape Title: Calypso 2 Sweet

Curated and mixed by: DJ Del

Genre: Calypso 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.

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We present this music here for promotional purposes only; we do not own the rights to it. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; however, please do not download or share their work, as this robs the artists of essential income! This blog and I don't own the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used in this post; they belong to their respective owners.

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

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Picker Patch: Lord Funny’s Lyrical Mischief in Full Swing

When I heard this Calypso, I thought to myself, "This is a classic, top-notch Calypso!" After posting "Doctor Kitch" by Lord Kitchener, I surmised that anyone listening to this song will immediately fall in love with Lord Funny's wit and singing style. The tune is a classic double entendre calypso written to put a smile on your face, make you laugh, make you giggle if you are a young lady, and just make you be amazed if you are a fan of Calypso music. We present today Lord Funny's "Picker Patch," released in 1969 on the local Antillana Calypso Record Label. 

We have back-to-back classic calypso songs. Doctor Kitch and Picker Patch can be accorded the crowns of classic juk-songs. We hope you love the post/song. We eagerly await your feedback and a list of Calypsos you believe deserve a revisit in a future Sokah2Soca post. 

Discogs Bio: Lord Funny (Donric Williamson born May 23, 1941)

One of Trinidad's best humorous calypsonians, Funny continues after three decades to be popular in the tents, where his outfit each year is often as entertaining as his song. Growing up in Morvant, he received his sobriquet as a childhood nickname from his big brother. From small, he sang and played guitar 'on the block' in his neighborhood. He entered a local calypso competition in 1965 with his composition Dozen Men on the Ground. 

He began his career in 1966 after King Solomon took action to support him. In 1966, he appeared in the CDC Calypso Theatre tent, singing his memorable patriotic number "Sweet Sweet Trinidad" and the suggestive song "Vicey." Sweet Sweet Trinidad remained popular and reappeared years later on his first album. Funny remained at the Calypso Theatre for two additional years, performing "Food is Food" and "Good Advice" in 1967, followed by "Supposing It Happened True" and "Girl Days" in 1968. 

He took third with Buy Local Man in the 1969 competition. More importantly, he had a huge hit with Father Brown at OYB that year and it was released as a single alongside his other song of the year, Pick 'n' Patch, on Antillana. He continued to release at least one single each year for several on Antillana.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Picker Patch 

Trinidad-based Calypso label: Antillana/A-917

Year recorded: 1969

Music: Ed Watson & Orchestra

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.

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We present this music here for promotional purposes only; we do not own the rights to it. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; however, please do not download or share their work, as this robs the artists of essential income! This blog and I don't own the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used in this post; they belong to their respective owners.

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

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Saint Lucian Calypso Finds New Life on YouTube

Soca frequently overshadowed and overlooked calypsos during the recent Trinidad and Tobago carnival. Media houses, with the exception of WACK Visual Radio, have largely neglected Calypso music, unlike the attention it receives in Saint Lucia. Calypso is thriving in Saint Lucia, and Sokah2Soca is ensuring that it receives the spotlight it deserves!

Calypso enthusiasts will appreciate this post, as we anticipate listing 100 performances in the YouTube music player. When you listen to these songs, you'll have the chance to laugh a bit while thoroughly enjoying Saint Lucian Calypso. This music embodies rhythm, wit, and storytelling, and the latest YouTube playlist is a testament to its growing energy. Featuring 89 performances (with more being added daily!), the voices of Saint Lucia’s calypso artists are resonating loud and clear. Some of the artists on the player include Delicious B, Dragon, Kcey, Lil Richie, Selena, Super D, Ashe and many more. 

With 89 songs and performances already posted, you will hear tracks that deliver social commentary set to infectious melodies. We are not just about soca and steelband music; we continuously support and promote calypso that is available for posting. Not all the artists have their songs promoted on YouTube or send MP3 files for posting. We continue to highlight available music. 

We encourage all fans of calypso music to bookmark this post and return daily for new calypso performances added by the promoters of this YouTube player. After all, the phrase "Long Live Calypso" will only have meaning if we hear the music!

We will continue to promote Calypso music alongside Soca. Calypso needs a home where people can go and play the songs "on demand." We want to be the portal where people can come not only for soca but also for sweet calypso music from across the Caribbean basin. This post, while highlighting Saint Lucian calypso, continues that tradition and adds to our mixes of Trinidadian calypso music. If you want your song featured, please contact us, and we will facilitate your desire to be heard. We will ensure that the vibrant rhythms and storytelling traditions of calypso continue to resonate in today's music landscape.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

YouTube Music Player Title: Saint Lucia Kaiso 2025

Artist/Performed by: Various at Kaiso Pros Tent (KPT) 

Venue: National Cultural Centre

Origin: Saint Lucia 

Genre: Kaiso/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.

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We present this music here for promotional purposes only; we do not own the rights to it. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; however, please do not download or share their work, as this robs the artists of essential income! This blog and I don't own the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used in this post; they belong to their respective owners.

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

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Lord Melody’s ‘Sugar Jam’—A Taste of Trinidad’s 1980 Calypso Groove

Today is a special day to remember. I was listening to Mr. Desmond, one of my favorite DJs for Trinidad's retro music, play Lord Melody's 1980s Calypso monster hit "Sugar Jam." That song brought a smile to my face, and I felt compelled to travel back in time to share this musical gem with you. Considering the current state of Calypso music in Trinidad and Tobago, I had to do this post. Why? Simply put, this song is a perfect illustration of the colorful and upbeat calypso dance style that was popular on dance floors decades ago.

Today's calypsonians excessively prioritize political and social commentary songs. While there's nothing wrong with calypsos reporting on current events or criticizing politicians for their misdeeds, overexposure to Soca music, which dominates today's carnival music scene, has been detrimental to the calypso music genre. If you want to restore harmony in your relationship, attend a party and request calypso dance music. This situation's mood will help you rekindle positive memories and reconnect with those timeless vibes. Only calypso music, not Soca, can recognize that sweet spot! I can assure you that people will choose a dance-calypso vibe over a Soca song. Simply put, dance calypso brings catchy melodies, lively percussion, and vocals that make it impossible to just stand by without getting involved. 

Lord Melody's captivating melody and voice in this song compelled me to post it. This song captures the vibe and celebrates community life in sweet Trinidad and Tobago. This song, when played at a party, is timeless and just beckons patrons to get on the dancefloor. That's the power of a well-constructed calypso. The music for this masterpiece was arranged by Art DeCoteau, whose genius is unrivaled today. Those were the wonderful old days. 

Compared to today’s calypso, which often incorporates modern elements like electronic beats and fusion with other genres, the 1980s style had a raw, organic feel. The use of traditional instruments like steel pans, congas, and brass gave the music a rich, textured sound that resonated deeply with listeners. The communal aspect of calypso, where the music was a shared experience at festivals and gatherings, added to its infectious nature.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Sugar Jam

Artist/Performed by: Lord Melody

Album: Sugar Jam

Arranged by Art DeCoteau

Distributed by: Charlie's Records Inc.

Licensed from: Eddymel Records

Recorded at: K.H. Studios

Mixed at: Music Farm Studios, New York

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Year: 1980

Copyright owner: Charlie's Records Inc.

Genre: Calypso (Dance Calypso Music)

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

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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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Dirty Jim's Club Nights: Lord Relator Ignites the Stage with ‘Shame and Scandal in the Family’

Image via Bing Images © Calypso @ Dirty Jim's music project 

Shame and Scandal in the family is a classic calypso that has been covered by many artists over time. This version presented here is done by a classic calypso singer who is also a very versatile calypsonian. The Lord Relator (Williard Harris) is not only a gentleman but is also a brilliant singer. He sings calypso in a traditional style and did this song as part of the Dirty Jim's Swizzle club and calypso grandeur album.

The album is part of a film documentary and comes with eighteen songs sung by legendary calypsonians. "Shame and scandal in the family" is track number two on the album. This album is a tribute to singers who sang wonderful songs during a very trying period of Trinidad's development. The album is a tribute to these singers and is set in the reconstituted  "Dirty Jim's Club" that was the place to be in Port-of-Spain Trinidad. The following songs are listed on the album.

1. Introduction by Holly Betaudier
2. Lord Superior - White Man Wife
3. Relator - Shame And Scandal In The Family
4. Bomber - Ugly Woman
5. Rum & Coca-Cola (Instrumental)
6. Mighty Sparrow - Spoken Interlude
7. Lord Superior - Jean & Dinah
8. Bomber - Bam Bam
9. Relator - Nora
10. The Mighty Terror - Interlude
11. The Mighty Terror - Life In London
12. Relator - Matilda
13. Bomber - Doctor Kitch
14. Lord Superior - Never Ever Worry
15. Mighty Sparrow - Memories
16. Rum & Coca-Cola (Instrumental - Bonus Track)
17. Superior, Bomber & Relator - Extempo
18. Lord Superior - Glamour Boys Again
19. Bomber - United States Of The West Indies

"The "Calypso @ Dirty Jim's" boxset contains a CD of Calypso classics since the 30s by the most famous artists of the genre and a DVD of a musical documentary - colorful and moving - both of which are a sensible and original evocation of the Golden age of Calypso." via Mondomix Music.

The original song was done by another son of the soil,. Sir Lancelot originally wrote and sang the song during the 1940s. It is reported that he returned to Trinidad to his hometown of Cumuto where he was not accepted because he chose to sing Calypso. This was not the kind of song a gentleman would sing. Apparently, he came from a 'well-to-do' family who did not take kindly to his singing of calypso. Lancelot Victor Pinard took the sobriquet 'Sir Lancelot' for his calypso career. Sir Lancelot was a pharmacist by trade but instead took a different path in New York. This scorn led to the song "Shame and Scandal in the Family". Sir Lancelot went on to have a very successful singing and acting career in the US. The song, Shame and Scandal also known as "Fort Holland" was sung in the movie "I walked with a Zombie (1943) by Sir Lancelot.

Now let us sit back and relax and listen to the unique singing style of the Lord Relator as he tells the story of a young man looking for a wife. This is a very funny story in that every woman the man meets turns out to be one of his father's 'outside children' (Trini for illegitimate children). In the end, it turns out the man's mother adds the ultimate punchline giving him permission to marry the woman: "Yuh daddy ain't yuh daddy but yuh daddy don't know" Not if that isn't 'Shame and scandal in the Family,' then what is?  What a wonderful tribute to a classic song.

Composed by Lord melody in 1940, this calypso gives a humorous account of a man looking for a woman to marry but who always ends up meeting one of his father's illegitimate children until his mother solves the problem with a startling revelation. Various artists, including Sacha Distel, Joe Dassin, The Surfs, and even Bob Marley & the Wailers, have recorded and adapted this song.
via Calypso@Dirty Jim's

Link here  for "Dirty Jim's Documentary information: Calypso at Dirty Jim's," a short documentary

Featuring the last of the great calypsonians, bringing them all together to sing such classics as "Rum & Coca Cola," "Jean and Dinah," and "Shame and Scandal in the Family," to name a few, the film provides an opportunity to recapture the sound of classic calypso in all of its splendor. Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Terror, Bomber, Superior, and Relator are gathered around Syl Dopson's orchestra on the scene at Dirty Jim's Club, specially recreated for the film. Lively and touching, this musical documentary provides a sensitive and original rendering of calypso, its culture, and the legendary singers of Dirty Jim's.

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).

Top: "Shame and Scandal in the Family," sung by Lord Relator. Bottom: Here are the songs on the "Calypso at Dirty Jim's," courtesy of Lord Superior's YouTube Page (RIP Lord Superior) Updated 11/30/2022

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