From Mia Mottley’s Words to Calypso’s Voice: Crisis of Truth

A Calypso Anthem for Justice and Accountability!

We truly live in troubled times! Look around and watch the news; conflict and tribulation are now on the doorsteps of the Caribbean. Every day, new revelations compound the inhumanity of man. As small nations, we lack the power to effect world change and are likely unable to solve global problems from our Caribbean context; however, we do have the voice of the people. In true griot style, our Calypsonians address these issues, and today we feature a song that calls for justice and accountability: "Call for Justice,"  sung by Kassy. 

Calypso, as the voice of the people and the news source they trust, has always served as the conscience of our Caribbean community. Speaking truth to power, this genre and the voices that fuel the admiration of the people challenge the contradiction of this new world order. 

Songwriter Rowan Lewis (Tempo) penned a song that makes the listener stop and listen, drawing inspiration from a speech given to the UN by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. It's a call for justice, integrity and accountability. However, it feels like those in power relish the fact that the little man is being hounded and punished simply because of their status... going back to a time when the ruling class had their knees on the neck of  those less fortunate. 

The music is solid, produced by Kenny Phillips of K.M.P. Music Lab out of San Fernando, Trinidad. The result is music one can consider classic calypso  style. 

Brilliant songwriting by Tempo with lyrical licks like "mankind faces the crisis of truth." Statements like that capture the urgency of this time capsule.  It is a call for humanity to confront lies (obvious fake news and gaslighting the populace), prejudice, and injustice before trust and hope collapse entirely.

Kassy has a powerful song to wield for the Carnival 2026 calypso competition. Notoriety may hold her back, but the powerful lyrics channeling Mia Mottley's speech into rhythm and rhyme may be the key to her success and a place at Calypso Fiest, Skinner Park, and San Fernando. 

With Kassy’s commanding delivery, Tempo’s sharp pen, and KMP’s masterful production, “Crisis of Truth” stands out in this era of wannabe authoritarian leaders. It reminds us that calypso is not just entertainment—it is resistance, reflection, and the rhythm of truth.

YouTube Notes:

“Crisis of Truth,” written by Rowan Lewis (Tempo) and produced by Kenny Phillips (KMP), is inspired by the powerful speech of Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley. The song exposes global contradictions and echoes her call for justice, integrity, and accountability. True to calypso’s role as the people’s watchdog, it seeks to awaken conscience, spark dialogue, and bring her message to life where truth meets rhythm.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Crisis of Truth

Artist/Performed by: Kassy

Written by: Rowan Lewis aka Tempo

Produced by: Kenny Phillips

Recording Studio: K.M.P. Music Lab

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

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

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

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The Mischief Maker Takes the Wheel: Sparrow’s Calypso Ride Begins

Publication Note: This piece was first shared on Sokah2Soca (March 24, 2025) and is now presented in a reformatted version for Kaiso Dial.

Gone are the days of witty and mischievous Calypsos, the type that the Mighty Sparrow gave to us. We took so much for granted, and now that he has retired, we look back at his work and smile continuously as we listen to his witty songs. One song in particular that I really like is "Steering Wheel." The 45 RPM single featured "Steering Wheel" on side 1 and "You Don't Love Me" on side 2. The original release was in 1965, from the album titled "Sparrow's Carnival 1965."

Sparrow, in his mischievous ways, showcased his wit, charisma, and so much humor while describing his adventures as a philandering young man. "Steering Wheel" masterfully tells a story and creates a playful and provocative song that will resonate for generations. Sparrow's masterful wordplay telling about the woman's feet on the steering wheel while her father laments the chastity of his daughter is priceless. Sparrow in the garage, demonstrating his "wukking up, wukking up and wukking up with she foot stick up in the steering wheel blowing the horn!" 

Though not as mobile as he once was as a younger man, his voice is as beautiful as ever. You would be shocked at how well he can sing at his current age. He was a wonderful cultural figure, the King of Calypso, and his song had you hooked." "Steering Wheel" is one of many songs Sparrow gifted us. It paints a picture of a society that was and is still relevant today. In today's world, we all need to laugh a little—laugh at ourselves and society in general. This song paints a picture of our society with splashes of humor and Sparrow mischief. This song perfectly captures the essence of our society. Yes, he is still the King of Calypso!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Steering Wheel

Album: Sparrow's Carnival 1965

Artist/Performed by: Sparrow 

Label: National Recording Company NLP 5050A

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Year: 1965

Genre: Calypso 

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/.

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

Mighty Sparrow · Steering Wheel

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Feel It, This Is Calypso: A Song, A Feeling, Home

We are going back to bring you something special, or at least it is a song I like a lot. As I sit and consider what music to present for this new blog, I am reminded of the decades of Calypso music available for posting. I recently posted a new music release by Mical Teja singing alongside Karene Asche. That song is titled "We Calypso," but I can recall V'ghn's song simply titled "Calypso." I decided that I had to post 'Calypos' by V'ghn. This post celebrates that beautiful song by Grenada's amazing singer, V'ghn. In November 2023, Grenadian artist V’ghn released a track simply titled Calypso. But in its simplicity, it makes a strong statement: this music is not just rhythm and dance; it is identity, belonging, and joy.

The Lyrics as a Compass - let's see what direction this song takes us. 

From the opening lines—“Take me to the islands, where calypso plays; Lord, this feels like home to me”—the song situates calypso as more than entertainment. It is a return to roots, a reminder that the Caribbean’s heartbeat is carried in steel pan rolls, waistline movements, and the communal act of dingolay. Even Shadow will be proud of this young artist's ability to deliver sweet music. 

The verses celebrate Caribbean culture and the sweetness of island life. Yet the refrain insists on one truth: “Feel it; this is calypso.” That repetition is not just lyrical—it is a mantra, a call to recognize the genre’s power to unite and uplift. The mother music is alive and thriving, and even though Soca is the predominant music of choice, Calypso has a sweetness that never goes unnoticed. 

Why This Matters for Kaiso Dial

Launching Kaiso Dial was and is a dream come true. Sokah2Soca became a 'go-to site' for Soca music and culture and with V’ghn’s Calypso, it feels fitting to celebrate the launch of Kaiso Dial with this beautiful song. The blog is envisioned as a home for stories, history, and celebration of the art form. 

This song embodies exactly that spirit:

• Homecoming: Calypso as a place of belonging, echoing the blog’s mission to preserve heritage.
• Celebration: Lyrics that revel in dance, steel pan, and island joy mirror the blog’s cultural vibrancy.
• Identity: By repeating “This is calypso,” V’ghn affirms the genre’s centrality to Caribbean life—just as Kaiso Dial seeks to affirm its legacy.

The Sound of Resonance

Musically, Calypso is irresistible. It blends modern soca energy with traditional calypso motifs, creating a track that is both contemporary and timeless. TThe flourishes of the steel pan remind us of Carnival mornings, while the danceable beat ensures that the song lives not just in memory but also in motion.

A Perfect Beginning

As Kaiso Dial steps into the digital space, Calypso provides a soundtrack for this journey. Calypso is about joy, community, and home, not just critique or commentary.

This is calypso. This is resonance. This melody is the beginning of something bright.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Calypso 

Artist/Performed by: V'ghn x Tano x MSK MuSIK

Written by: Tano x MSK MuSIK

Produced by: Tano x MSK MuSIK

Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by: Parry Jack 

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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Freetown Collective Ignites Calypso’s Flame: Reaching Out to the Spirit of Our Ancestors

This is "Calypso"—no, really, not just a Calypso song but a song named "Calypso" brought to us by Freetown Collective. We believe you will love it because it's a powerful ode to storytelling, memories, and musical legacies. 

Now, this just in. I received a call from Mr. Desmond this morning and he mentioned that I'm putting too much writing into these posts. As a result, we will be as brief as we can from now on. 

The song was written by Muhammad Muwakil, Lou Lyons, Mevon Soodeen, and Kitwana Israel, featuring rich layers of live brass, guitars, and bass vibes.  This production by AdvoKit Productions feels like a bridge between eras. The energy recalls classics like Machel Montano and Kerwin Dubois' "Possessed," while honoring the giants who shaped our sound.

So there you have it, and Deso, I do hope this review fits your reading criteria. This song, dear friends, feels like one we can describe as 'a keeper of the flame'—carrying mother calypso's spirit forward with reverence and embodying the spirit of our ancestors.' 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Calypso (Keepers Of The Flame)

Artist/Performed by: Freetown Collective

Written by: Muhammad Muwakil, Lou Lyons, Mevon Soodeen & Kitwana Israel 

Additional Background Vocals by: Muhammad Muwakil, Lou Lyons & Kitwana Israel 

Guitars by: Lou Lyons 

Bass by: Rodney Alexander

Brass Arrangement by: Kenny Phillips 

Live Brass Played by: Sax. Oral Rodriguez, Bone. David Jacob’s & Tpt. Roger Jaggassar

Produced, Mixed & Mastered by: AdvoKit Productions

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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Not Venezuela by Alana Sinnette: Calypso’s Dance with Geopolitics

Baila mami, baila... and just like that, the reprise of the Calypsonian explodes on the scene with a bold new entry. Today we present a song with political intrigue, music to dance with and packed with Geopolitical drama. So let's celebrate the debut of "Not Venezuela" by Alana Sinette. The tune is the type of calypso that fills the space with rich newspaper intrigue and party vibes and delivers more than just music to dance and celebrate for this Christmas season but also our upcoming carnival. But then again, it is more than all of that —it delivers a message.

Now let's get into the production of this gem. So, what exactly is the story behind "Not Venezuela"? For that, we have to get into the writer's mindset. Now we understand that while we cannot know everything, we can still make assumptions based on the lyrical content. Penned by Lyndon Peters, the song conveys the uneasy reality of Trinidad's economic and political relationship with Washington, DC. In other words, our economic navel string is rooted in the economic tantrums of the United States... so what can you do to resist? There is absolutely nothing, and for that reason, this song paints a vivid picture of a nation caught in the crosswinds of international conflict. What I know for sure is that we party hard in Trinidad and we are not looking to entertain any conflict or participate in anything relating to the invasion of Venezuela! The song's music, lyrics, and vocals are informative, and as I previously mentioned, we have a strong party culture in Trinidad. 

Like it or not, the current administration had to cooperate because of a signed agreement by the previous administration. However, Alana reminds us that our history is intricately linked to the interests of the US, regardless of your agreement or disapproval. But then again, calypso does not ever shy away from what is true. It echoes the genre's tradition of social and political commentary while keeping the rhythm and the vibe irresistibly lively... thanks to Kenny Phillips, who composed and arranged the music. Alana Sinette does a wonderful job with the vocals... yes, Kaiso!

Let's do a quick mic drop check:

• The Sound of Resistance
• The production is rich with live instrumentation:
• Rodney Alexander's bass provides a steady pulse to the track.
• Kenny Phillips plays the guitar, adding sharp melodic lines that dance around the percussion.
• Kenny Phillips' arrangement skillfully blends Latin flair and calypso fire.

After hearing the song, you'll love the message and the sweet soundscape that recalls the time when calypso ruled carnivals. In other words, it is music that makes you move while making you think... nice calypso, eh!

This marks a new beginning, signaling the rebirth of music that reminds the Soca and Zess generation that sweet music originates from the mother genre. The song is thought provoking and while many are critical of the country's Prime Minister, they should know that her actions put Trinidad in the safe zone with the decision-makers in Washington. Our citizens living there won't be harassed and they can party in America without icebreakers on the lookout. "Not Venezuela" continues that legacy, reminding listeners that even in the most complex geopolitical entanglements, art remains a powerful way to process, critique, and resist. 

"Not Venezuela" is not just a song to dance to—it’s a song to reflect on.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Not Venezuela 

Artist/Performed by:  Alana Sinnette 

Written by: Lyndon Peters 

Arranged by: Kenny Peters

Bass by: Rodney Alexander

Guitar by: Kenny Phillips 

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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Troubled Times, Calypso Rhymes: Silver Lining and the Spirit of Merchant

Publication Note: This piece was first shared on Sokah2Soca on July 24, 2025, and is now presented in a reformatted version for Kaiso Dial.

It is time to pause and reflect. There is so much pain and uncertainty in the world today; sometimes we are burdened by self-doubt and burdened with pain, division, and uncertainty pressing on every side. However, there is always hope, and I have discovered a song that will undoubtedly aid in our healing. There's a timeless Calypso that reminds us to keep moving forward. Merchant's 1989 classic, "Silver Lining," serves as a soothing anthem for the fatigued and the disheartened. Arranged by Leston Paul, the track doesn’t shout—it soothes. It doesn’t demand—it offers. In a climate of chaos and cultural dilution, it reminds us that even in the darkest hours, Calypso knows how to comfort.

I was sold the moment Merchant sang, "There's always a glimmer of hope hidden behind every dark cloud." So don't give up hope now; we got to keep on trying. We got to keep on going. We got to keep moving on.”

Simple. Profound. Caribbean. It’s a lyrical mantra carved from struggle and stitched into hope. This song isn’t just music; it’s medicine—mending broken hearts and soothing quivering souls. It’s a rhythmic reminder that resilience lives in every beat, and hope shines even through the darkest skies.

At Sokah2Soca, we don’t just archive tracks—we amplify their relevance. Silver Lining is more than throwback nostalgia—it’s a living testament to the emotional intelligence embedded in Calypso’s DNA. This intelligence teaches survival through style and resilience through rhythm.

Whether you're navigating heartbreak, financial pressure, or the harshness of humanity itself, this tune meets you where you are. It offers comfort without cliché, strength without shame, and most of all—a call to keep going.

So when the world feels heavy, play this tune. Let the words be a symbol for optimism. Allow the arrangement to envelop you, akin to a gentle breeze sweeping through a bamboo grove. Let Calypso do what it’s always done: carry us—not away, but forward.

Merchants’s words reveal a truth we all recognize: music has the power not only to celebrate but to sustain. The positive aspect is not a mystery. It’s audible.

Now share this post. Tag someone who needs the reminder. Let Silver Lining find its way back into the hearts that need healing.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Silver Lining 

Artist/Performed by: Merchant (Dennis Franklyn Williams)

Album Title: Inner Visions

Arranged by: Leston Paul

Year: 1989

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and 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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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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