The calypso is the voice of the people, and when that voice tells a story worth hearing, we stop and listen. Today we feature a political commentary by Derrick Seales about the young African leader “Ibrahim Traoré.” The song is rooted in Africa’s long struggle against exploitation and its ongoing fight for unity and self‑determination. While strength in numbers can conquer all, in this case, it is one man, one leader, and his display of military leadership that is steering this ship to success.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Kaiso Dial Feature: “Ibrahim Traoré” – Derrick Seales
The calypso is the voice of the people, and when that voice tells a story worth hearing, we stop and listen. Today we feature a political commentary by Derrick Seales about the young African leader “Ibrahim Traoré.” The song is rooted in Africa’s long struggle against exploitation and its ongoing fight for unity and self‑determination. While strength in numbers can conquer all, in this case, it is one man, one leader, and his display of military leadership that is steering this ship to success.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Kaiso Dial Feature: “Jawbone Lock” – Orlando Octave
Soca artists are now venturing into the realm of Calypso, the mother of music. Orlando Octave boldly enters the political kaiso arena in "Jawbone Lock," delivering an uncompromising commentary. He introduces his takedown using the stick fighters' war cry, "No Boi Man Doh Fraid No Boi Man!" He makes it clear that he is out for war and doesn't care who comes back at him with sparring vocals! Written by Lyndon Peters and produced by the veteran Kenny Phillips, the track channels the classic calypso tradition of calling names, exposing contradictions, and challenging public figures to account for their words and actions.
- The singer calls out Calypsonians who remained silent for years but suddenly became loud critics after the government changed. He accuses them of exhibiting hypocrisy and political expediency, only speaking when it aligns with their stance.
- The song boldly proclaims that some critics harbor bitterness due to their loss of contracts, positions, or influence.
- Again, the song tells the listener that these critics previously ignored public issues but now pretend to be "champions of the people."
- Then again, the refrain tells them to “lock back”—meaning hush, reflect, and examine themselves.
- Overall message: if you weren’t speaking when the country needed you, don’t pretend to be righteous now.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
More than a Mic: She is "The Legal Diva"
Meet the Calypsonian: Crystal Charles—The Legal Diva
With over a decade of experience as a member of the Divas Calypso Cabaret International, Crystal has consistently demonstrated that Calypso is not just entertainment but also a form of education, resistance, and healing. Her performances are marked by lyrical precision, commanding stage presence, and themes that challenge societal norms while uplifting the marginalized.
Beyond the stage, Crystal Charles is a qualified Attorney-at-Law, having practiced for over eight years. This legal foundation informs her music—earning her the sobriquet "The Legal Div"—as her compositions often read like sharp legal arguments set to rhythm: evidence-based, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.
Crystal is also a former Miss Sangre Grande Carnival Queen, a title she used not merely for pageantry but as a platform for advocacy and community engagement. Her commitment to service is further reflected in her role as the Founder and Principal of Cogni Centre Academy, the only school of its kind in Sangre Grande dedicated to children with diverse learning needs. She has established herself as a respected voice for the differently-abled community, advocating for inclusion, access, and dignity through this institution.
Musical MilestonesThis offering is not just a song; it is a statement, a memorial, and a demand for better. It reflects Crystal’s evolution as an artist who uses Calypso as a tool for justice, aligning seamlessly with her real-life work as an advocate, mother, educator, and legal professional.
More Than a CalypsonianIn every sense, Crystal Charles is not just performing Calypso —she is living it
A Dance Calypso at Last: Hilford Hurst’s ‘Broom Bram’ Moves the Season
Finally, there is a dance-calypso in the mix!
With so many social and political offerings this season, Hilford Hurst’s “Broom Bram” stands out on its own. It’s a breath of fresh air—reflective, a little melancholic, but irresistibly dance‑driven.
The video follows an artist slipping back into a familiar state of mind he hasn’t felt in years. Steelband music takes over his headspace, pulling him into movement he can’t control. The song captures that moment when rhythm overrides reason, tenors, guitar, and bass pans swirling in his head—when the broom bram, broom bram washes over his senses and he has to surrender to the sweet melodious vibe of the steelpan!
By the time he reaches the repeated phrase “Heat. Heat,” the music has completely taken control of him. It serves as a beautiful reminder of how calypso continues to engage both the body and the spirit.
Mistah Shak Decodes the Madness: “D’Code—F.A.F.O.”
Today’s post features a song by Mistah Shak titled “D’Code,” led by the stinging acronym “F.A.F.O.” This one is a stinger, calypso at its best, sharp, contemporary language to make social commentary hit harder, and FAFO fits that lineage perfectly. It may be modern slang, but its spirit is pure calypso—calling out wrongdoers with wit, bite, and rhythm. When Shak uses the term "FAFO" in D'Code, he's referencing the widely recognized meaning of "F Around and Find Out"—a cautionary tale about the consequences of crossing boundaries.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Trinity Celebrates Caribbean Womanhood in “Dat Is Woman”
Monday, January 5, 2026
Luta Sweeps Away the Chalk Dust: A Calypso Controversy Ignites
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Megulla Simon’s My Child: A Powerful Calypso on Motherhood and Responsibility
- The refrain about sharing both “fame” and “pain” is the emotional anchor of the song.
- The code, which should teach manners, prayer, survival, and respect, adds depth and honesty.
- Always reflect and ask: “where did I slip?” Clearly, this shows vulnerability and accountability rarely expressed so plainly in calypso.
We would appreciate hearing your thoughts on the potential impact of this well-written song. Please share the post with your social media contacts.
A Calypso Clapback for the Ages: Don't Judge We - Diana Chapman
We are taking cues from our readers and will create short 'social media' posts for those who just want the basics of a song. Today we feature a song that tells it like it is. What the older generation did, the youth are repeating with some subtle differences. The Calypso is "Don't Judge We" by Diana Chapman. Written by Osei K. Clarke and produced by Joshua Nedd with the engineering done by Hope Rocks Studio, this tune is a Calypso that beckons the people to treat the younger generation as the future, not as a threat.


















