Shake Yuh Bong Go Low - Rebellious Yardfowl

Part of our rapid Carnival 2026 catch‑up series—short notes now, full features later.

If you are expecting a lyrically intriguing calypso, then this is not the one you expected. Instead, you will be entertained by a calypso that delivers pure Carnival spirit in motion—a simple calypso with one clear message: shake your body, dance, and enjoy yourself. Rebellious Yardfowl conjures the heat of the season with rhythmic repetition and a chant‑like groove that invites movement from the very first beat.

The song paints a picture of Carnival filled with characters from the past, echoing J’Ouvert traditions and the raw, joyful energy of Trinidad’s street celebrations. It’s not trying to be clever—it’s trying to be felt. And in that simplicity, it delivers.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the song. Is it overly simplistic, or is it exactly what we need in a season dominated by Political Calypsos? Trinis don't hold back, so tell it like it is… you have the final say; make it count. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Shake Yuh Bong Go Lo

Artist/Performed by: Errol "Rebellious Yardfowl" Bailey

Written by: ***

Produced by: ***

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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Steady Steps, Strong Spirit: The Race Is Not for the Swift - Bass

This is one of our quick catch‑up posts as we work through the Carnival 2026 wave of new releases.

As we begin catching up with the new music, we start with an  uplifting calypso that leans into perseverance, self‑belief, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward when the burdens of life feel like weights on your shoulders. 

This is a steady, motivational groove. It is a song that encourages the listener to rise up and face the challenges of life after every stumble; we continue to rise and conquer life's difficulties! It beseeches everyone to trust their worth and to keep pushing toward the finish line with resilience and pride.

"The race is Not for the Swift" is a calypso that reminds everyone that progress isn’t always fast—but it’s always possible. A positive, empowering message for the season.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: "The Race is Not for the Swift"

Artist/Performed by: Adrian "Bass" Hackshaw

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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A Note to Our Kaiso Dial Readers

Carnival 2026 has brought an unexpected wave of new calypso releases—a beautiful problem, but one that has outpaced our usual posting rhythm. To ensure every artist gets their rightful place on Kaiso Dial, we’ll be sharing quick posts for each new release over the coming days.

These posts will include:

• a short caption about the song
• the essential production notes

Once we’ve caught up with the flood of new music, we’ll return to our usual in‑depth features and cultural analysis.

Thank you for your patience and for supporting the calypsonians who keep the artform alive.

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/.

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Remembering Mother Singing Sandra: The War Goes On

Music producer Leston Paul and vocalist Roger George have joined forces to honor the late calypso icon Sandra DesVignes-Millington, better known as Singing Sandra, with a moving new rendition of her 1991 classic, “The War Goes On.” Renamed “Remembering Mother,” this release pays homage not only to Sandra’s unforgettable voice but also to her unmatched gift for storytelling.

This song feels more relevant than ever in a moment when governments tighten their grip and global tensions ripple close to home, especially for Trinidad and Tobago amid recent U.S. involvement in Venezuela. Tobago Crusoe (Ortneil Bacchus) originally penned the song, which sheds light on the themes of might is right, power, conflict, and domination that continue to shape our world.

Roger George’s rendition is amazing. As a blogger focused on our music and culture, I can only say that this is a "brilliant production and performance." "This updated version breathes new life into these words, carrying forward Sandra’s legacy with reverence and emotional depth. The Baptist chants of Sandra at the end of the song show the brilliance of Leston Paul. “Remembering Mother” (The War Goes on) is so relevant today. This song now becomes both a tribute and a reminder of the struggles and resilience of nations under siege around the world. The past becomes present, and we can only hope that the voices of reason can prevail. 

One can only hope that this rendition inspires reflection, unity, and a renewed commitment to peace—because as the song reminds us, the story is still unfolding, and only time will tell what comes next. Then again, greed and world dominance superseded our humanity.

YouTube Music Release Notes:

The War Goes On by Singing Sandra on In Total Command (1991) Devastation and destruction from ever since time began Has been inflicted time and time and again by man against fellow man Yet man wouldn't learn from history, it makes him more violent Producing deadly weaponry with nothing but evil intent

Song Lyrics: https://songsear.ch/song/Singing-Sandra/The-War-Goes-On/3831728

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title:  The War Goes On - Remembering Mother

Written By: Ortneil Bacchus (Tobago Crusoe)

Performed by: Roger George

Produced by: Leston Paul

Year: 2026

Original Song: The War Goes On

Singer/Performed by: Singing Sandra (Sandra DesVignes-Millington

Written by: Tobago Crusoe

Arranged by: Errol Ince 

Year: 1991

Recorded At – Rawlston Recording Studio, Brooklyn

Mixed At – Rawlston Recording Studio, Brooklyn

Distributed by – Wads Music

Distributed by – Charlo's Productions

Distributed by – Crosby's Music Centre

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/.

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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. 

The song takes a look at a history of exploitation. It reflects on centuries of imperialist extraction, the suppression of leaders who pushed for African unity, and the rising momentum of a continent reclaiming its destiny. The imperialist powers ensured that they enslaved the minds of the people through religion and pitted nation against nation. The Calypsonian positions Captain Ibrahim Traoré as a symbol of modern resistance—a leader portrayed as protected by ancestral spirits and driving revolutionary change in just a few short years. Online videos show the positive impacts of Ibrahim Traore's economic, social, and political decisions. 

Economic liberation is the only hope for Africa today; he reminds the listeners that Africa already holds the gold, oil, minerals, and human brilliance needed to build its own future. Thinking big with a shining vision for the future is the only way: one Africa, one flag, one currency, and a continent strong enough to shake the earth.

The music production is excellent and Derrick delivers on the vocal end. To conclude, we think this song is a call to consciousness—a reminder of the past, a critique of the present, and a declaration of the Africa that could be. It could happen, but the people need to unite because foreign imperial forces will continue to keep the continent dependent. 

What does this message say to you?

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Ibraham Traore

Artist/Performed by: Derrick Seales

Written by: ***

Produced by: ***

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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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.

Hold on now, spare me a moment—Jawbone Lock refers to the tribal and partisan 'no comment' regarding events or speeches that were absurd, yet silence proved to be valuable. Now, those who were previously silent have found their voice and are speaking out against anything related to their opponents, even when the decisions made by their adversaries are positive. 

The songwriter positions Orlando as a witness to shifting loyalties and sudden awakenings. There has been a real sudden awakening, and people who were previously silent are now becoming vocal. In this case, prioritizing loyalty to the party took precedence. The song criticizes calypsonians and commentators who, according to the narrative, were silent during one administration but regained their voice when the political landscape shifted. Through sharp storytelling and pointed humor, the piece questions selective outrage, political convenience, and the ease with which some voices fall quiet when their preferred side holds power. The refrain—urging certain critics to “look back” and reconsider their stance—echoes the long-standing kaiso ethic: if you’re going to talk, talk consistently. If you’re going to defend the people, defend them regardless of who sits in office.

Supported by Tricia Hamilton’s harmonies and Phillips’ unmistakable production touch, “Jawbone Lock” blends melody with message, reminding listeners that calypso remains one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most potent tools for social and political examination.

Kaiso is doing what he does best, which is keeping the mirror steady.

A brief, direct summary of "Jawbone Lock"

• 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.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Jawbone Lock 

Artist/Performed by: Orlando Octave

Written by: Lyndon Roberts

Produced by: Kenny Phillips 

Brass Instruments:

Trumpet—Roger Jaggasar

Saxaphone—Oral Roberts

Trombone—David Jacob

Background vocals by Tricia Hamilton

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/.

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More than a Mic: She is "The Legal Diva"

Meet the Calypsonian: Crystal Charles—The Legal Diva

Crystal Charles, widely known on the Calypso circuit as “The Legal Diva,” is a formidable force whose artistry is deeply rooted in purpose, intellect, and fearless truth-telling. A calypsonian from the age of 12, Crystal represents a rare blend of cultural legacy, professional excellence, and social advocacy—a combination that sets her distinctly apart in Trinidad and Tobago’s musical landscape.

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 Milestones

Crystal’s breakout competitive success came with her powerful calypso “Standing My Ground,” a song that resonated nationally for its fearless stance on integrity, self-worth, and resilience. The performance propelled her to 13th place in the National Calypso Monarch Semi-Finals, firmly cementing her as a serious contender and a voice of substance within the art form.

2026 Season: Till There Is No More

For the current season, Crystal returns with “Till There Is No More,” a deeply emotive and socially urgent calypso addressing the ongoing violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago. The song confronts the painful reality of domestic abuse and femicide, refusing silence, excuses, or complacency. With haunting honesty and lyrical strength, Crystal calls for accountability, cultural change, and an end to generational cycles of violence—till there is no more.

This 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 Calypsonian

Crystal Charles stands at a unique intersection—law, culture, education, motherhood, and music—embodying the modern calypsonian who is as effective offstage as she is commanding on it. Whether she is in a courtroom, a classroom, or under the stage lights, The Legal Diva remains unwavering in her mission: to speak truth, defend the vulnerable, and use her voice to spark meaningful change.

In every sense, Crystal Charles is not just performing Calypso —she is living it

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Till There is No More

Artist/Performed by: Crystal Charles 

Composed by: Ife Allen

Arranged by Kenny Phillips

Bass Rodney Alexander

Background vocals by Tricia Hamilton

Brass-Roger Jaggassar, Oral Rodriguez, David Jacob

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Soca 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/.

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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.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Broom Bram 

Artist/Performed by: Hilford Hurst Sr. 

Lyricist, Composer: Hilford Hurst

Produced by: Hilford Hurst 

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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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.

Mistah Shak's "D'Code (F.A.F.O.)" is a sharp and uncompromising political commentary. Using FAFO as its anchor, the song frames a season of global and local leadership failures, exposing the fallout of reckless governance. He was unrelenting in his criticism of the current administration governing the country. 

Shak calls out international political chaos, the return of controversial figures, and the ripple effects of American influence. At home, he confronts incompetence, scandal, and economic damage, questioning the return of a troubled government to "finish off the country."

Shak highlights the inappropriate ministerial appointments, abuses of power, and leaders who manipulate systems while demanding blind loyalty. Even non‑voters aren’t spared; the song suggests they, too, helped shape an outcome that ultimately left many feeling betrayed.

F.A.F.O. is pure political-bois, sharp, and fearless; shots fired—D’Code

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: D'Code 

Artist/Performed by: Mistah Shak 

Written & Performed by: Selvon "Mistah Shak" Noel

Produced by: Shawn "Ma$termind" Noel 

Arranged by: Selvon "Mistah Shak" Noel

Live Guitars & Bass by Shawn "Ma$termind" Noel

All background vocals are by Selvon "Mistah Shak" Noel.

Mixed & Mastered by Shawn "Ma$termind" Noel

Live Horns by Oral Rodriguez, Charles Williams & David Jacob

Horns Arranged by: Oral Rodriguez

Horns Recorded by Garvin Marcelle @ G-NOTE 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).

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