Just Fab Deltones & Ellsworth James: Breathing New Life into Calypso Music

Calypso Music by the Just Fab Deltones is a very intriguing song indeed. It was done during a period of Trinidad's history when the music was in flux. Just about every known musician/artist was experimenting with fusions of Calypso, American funk, Indian rhythms, and anything that would 'improve the music' to compete against the tidal wave of Reggae/Dancehall and funk music that the radio jocks were pushing on the radio. For clarity, it should be noted that Calypso Music is simply another interpretation of Zapow's popular song titled "This is Reggae Music." 

We must also keep in mind that during this period when Ash Wednesday dawned, it was sacrilegious to play Calypso music on the radio! However, all other genres of music were played while Calypso music was sidelined until the next year. The main people attempting change were Lord Shorty, King Wellington, Shadow, and other well-known arrangers. However, it should be noted that in the end, the name "Sokah," misquoted as "Soca" in the press, took hold, and with that, Lord Shorty with Endless Vibrations cemented his place in the "Soca Music History" books. He originally experimented with a mixture of Indian music and Calypso rhythms and eventually added a funky style to his music. He removed the Indian instruments but retained the accent of the instruments on the drum set. That is the Soca beat that lives on to this day!

When the song (Calypso Music by JFD) was released, it was described as "Killer funky calypso from Trinidad." Later on after the death of Lord Shorty, just about everyone laid claim to the music genre. Eddie Grant claimed to have created the genre, while King Wellington proposed that his 'Russo Funk' was the origin of Soca; additionally, Ellsworth James briefly mentioned that Lord Shorty heard and loved a chance encounter with JFD in the studio, which inspired him to develop his Soca beat. The story keeps turning indeed.

Here is a short commentary on the song by Socapro; he is a DJ/radio presenter originally from Trinidad but now based in the UK:

The above track, performed by the now-defunct Trinidadian group JFD and featuring Elsworth James on lead vocals, is a remake of the famous 1972 Zap Pow reggae release titled "This Is Reggae Music," which has been removed from this post.

JFD recorded this trendy Calypso version in Trinidad in 1973, while Perez arranged the music and chorus. Elsworth James has cited it as one of the tracks that inspired Lord Shorty in his journey to introduce Soca. 

In response, I believe it can be argued that the track "Calypso Music" mentioned above may have inspired Shorty in developing his 1974 Soca vibe, "Endless Vibrations," and consequently the Soca music genre as a whole. However, it is important to remember that Shorty recorded the tracks "Soul Calypso Music" and "I Who Have Nothing" in 1972, a year before the JFD track "Calypso Music," which features Elsworth James. Both of Shorty's tracks also had a similar Soca vibe to the JFD track and can be considered inspirational experimental works for Shorty on his journey to introducing Soca. 

Production Notes:

Title: Calypso Music

Label: JFD

Performed by: Just Fab Deltones with Ellsworth James (vocals)

Produced by:

Island Funk 45 Just Fab Deltones - Calypso Music HEAR! Island Funk 45 Just Fab Deltones - Calypso Music HEAR!

Elsworth James & Just Fab Deltones

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).

OK, here is the original track by Zappow; I remember that this song was very popular on the radio stations back home when it was released... enjoy the vibe!

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Calypso Unbound: A Mighty Duke Perspective

"With Calypso, our stories are told!" We’ve heard those words countless times, and yet the question still echoes: What is Calypso?

This post isn’t a scholarly review of the genre’s beginnings or its evolution in today’s world. Instead, it’s a moment to pause—and feel. It’s about the emotional impact of Calypso: how it moves you, teaches you, makes you laugh, and makes you think.

Today, we will examine it from the perspective of the Calypsonian. In fact, we explore it through the music of Kelvin Pope, The Mighty Duke—one of the greatest performers in calypso history.

So, pull up a chair. Take a breath. Let’s talk about Calypso. Calypso isn't just a genre you listen to on a playlist; it's a sound that resonates deeply within you, evoked by your grandmother's laughter, the sting of political injustice, and the sweetness of Carnival love. To this day, people are searching for the music of the bards of generations past; those songs are still relevant today. 

We now turn to the singer with that unique golden voice, Kelvin Pope. Back in 1968, the legendary Mighty Duke asked a question so simple, yet so profound: “What is Calypso?” And then—he answered it in song. He questioned whether or not most people know what Calypso was and is today. With the calm and soothing tone of a caring father, he sang to the audience, emphasizing that "it's a feeling that comes from deep within"—a statement that truly resonated! That year, he won the Calypso Monarch title, and a memorable line from the song serves as the central theme of this article.

“An editorial in song of the life that we undergo.”

What does that single line mean? That’s it. That’s everything. It’s Calypso as storytelling, Calypso as resistance, and Calypso as a love letter. Duke didn't provide a conventional definition. He gave you a vibe. A memory. A mission. It means Calypso is our voice when the news forgets us. It’s our side of the story, sung in melody. It’s commentary with rhythm. Protest with harmony. He delivered the celebration with a wink. The Mighty Duke wasn’t just telling us what calypso is—he was showing us how to listen. Watch the Dimanche Gras winning performance to fully understand the meaning; his expression conveys the essence of true storytelling. 

Duke knew exactly what his audience needed to hear; he mapped out an emotional link to the calypso that will live on. Duke’s voice was smooth like morning cocoa tea, and his delivery—cool, confident, deeply rooted in knowing. He spoke to the soul of Calypso with each verse. The genre did not evolve to be pleasing; rather, it aimed to be newsworthy, often sharing picong and sometimes with biting lyrical content akin to sharing bois blows. It was born to be real, to be the voice of the people. The style was the way Caribbean folks—especially Trinidadians—expressed to the world, “This is who we are.”

He didn’t just sing; he chronicled.

From the streets of Laventille to the stages of Skinner Park, calypso shaped public opinion, sparked debate, made people laugh, cry, dance, and think.

Types of Calypsos, the Duke Way

If you listen closely to Duke’s songs, you’ll hear Calypso’s many voices:

• Social Commentary Calypso: Sharp and thoughtful. Similar to Duke's "Black is Beautiful," Calypso creates songs that inspire, provoke, and instill dignity.
• Political Calypso: Bold and unapologetic. It is a genre in which power is questioned and history is corrected.
• Humorous Calypso: Witty, mischievous, clever. Punchlines and nuanced interpretations elicit laughter and provoke contemplation.
• Romantic & Party Calypso: Pure joy. The music embodies celebration, carnival, and passion. We embrace life without any regrets.

And Duke didn’t pick one lane—he mastered them all.

While you contemplate it all, keep in mind that Calypso is timeless because the struggles are still real, the love is still deep, and the stories are still ours. Duke’s: “What is Calypso?” is more than a song—it’s a guidepost for our understanding and for those who love Kaiso. 

So next time you hear a sweet melody wrapped in clever lyrics, don’t just nod your head. Listen closer. It might be telling you something profound. It suggests that Calypso is not just the medium but the companion to our storytelling. It feels like a shared experience, a collaboration between voice and rhythm. Kaiso, Kaiso? Yes, Kaiso!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: What is Calypso

Artist/Performed by: Kelvin Pope

Sobriquet: The Mighty Duke

Written by: Kelvin Pope 

Arranged by:

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Year: 1968

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

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A Calypso Time Capsule: Lord Blakie’s Send Them Back Still Resonates Today

For a while now, immigrants have faced challenges, with one notable exception: the importation of African slaves to the Americas. Recently, in the United States of America, Democrats' lack of concern for open borders led to the collapse of their campaign. Currently, the opposition leader in Trinidad and Tobago is discussing the deportation of Venezuelans who have misbehaved or broken the law. This situation prompts us to consider the lyrics of a song by Lord Blakie. Back in the 1960s, he recorded a classic calypso titled "Send Them Back." This song remains relevant, and the topic of deporting immigrants is rapidly gaining momentum on social media.

Joseph Francis, also known as Lord Blakie, penned this memorable song, which remains relevant today; it was part of the early recordings on the Columbia Recording Label. Blakie was likely teasing Sparrow, a Grenadian by birth—a common practice at the time (Calypso picong was the norm during that period). Even though Blakie's Calypso, which ridicules Grenadians residing in Trinidad, may elicit laughter today, the reality is that these issues continue to be a source of contention due to social media and political pressure. This calypso fully aligns with the current predicament, which tackles the social and political concerns associated with immigrants. Blakie's ability to use humor while dealing with a serious topic illustrates the value of the Calypsonian and Calypso as a communication tool.

While we applaud the value of Lord Blakie's Calypso, we would like to take this opportunity to remind people that each of us can and should use independent thought and not fall prey to 'false prophets' preaching a way forward when they are breaking the rules. Instead of making excuses for them, we should confront their bigotry when it is evident and unmistakable.

It was indeed a pleasure listening to this old-school style of Calypso and the singing style of one of our finest Calypsonians. At Sokah2Soca, we celebrate this classic calypso infused with a catchy melody, witty lyrical content, and music that you can dance to, unlike many of the calypsos sung today. Let me conclude with the following: many calypsos made fun of the small islanders and especially the Grenadians, but without the Grenadians, Trinidad Calypso would not be what it is today. We are thankful to the country and people of Grenada for their development of Trinidad's Calypso culture.

From Danny Fitzgerald's YouTube Post:

Carlton Joseph, also known as Lord Blakie, produced early '60s calypso. The Warlord wanted to send migrants back to Grenada, including "The Mighty Sparrow"!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Send Them Back

Artist/Performed by: Lord Blakie 

Written by: Joseph Francis (Lord Blakie)

Music by: Frankie Francia

Record Label: Columbia

Origin: Trinidad 

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

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From Brooklyn to the Islands: DJ Jo Jo Lo’s Calypso Revival

Kaiso, Kaiso, yes, Kaiso—welcome to the Calypso Vault—celebrating the timeless artistry of Kaiso. This is a space dedicated to Calypso’s wit, rhythm, and spirit of rebellion. From vintage picong to contemporary creations, Kaiso Dial shines a light on the voices, verses, and visionaries shaping Trinidad and Tobago’s rich musical legacy—one clever chorus at a time.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant soundscape of classic Calypso! Press play and take a journey through legendary tunes, thoughtfully mixed and curated by some talented DJs who love Calypso music. 

We’re especially grateful to our friends at Sokah2Soca, who have generously shared their collection of Calypso mixtapes for your listening pleasure. Mr. Desmond originally curated and mixed these beloved mixes, which were produced and featured on Sokah2Soca, and they will now find a permanent home right here on Kaiso Dial.

As we continue refining the site’s layout and format, we’ll keep releasing more Calypso mixtapes—so you’ll always have music to enjoy. Pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back, and let the rhythms of Calypso fill your space. Kaiso Dial aims to be your go-to Calypso music source.

DJ Jo Jo Lo kicks off our journey with some memorable Calypso music on Deso's online radio station, "Mr. Desmond."  

Dial in, and let the music play on and on!

Credits:

Mixtape Title: DJ Jo Jo Lo's Calypso Revival 

Curated, mixed and presented online via Mr.Desmond.net Radio Station

Origin: Brooklyn, New York, USA

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).

Sokah2Soca · DJ Jo Jo Lo’s Calypso Classics on OSS via MrDesmond.net

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Vintage Calypso Mix: Volume 2

We are back with all the good-stuff and today we continue our journey through the golden age of calypso with Volume 2 of our vintage series. These timeless tracks remind us why calypso is more than music—it’s storytelling, social commentary, and pure Caribbean joy wrapped in rhythm and wit.

Like the sign at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital that reads, "good things are happening here," we sincerely hope you’ve been enjoying the mixtapes as they unfold, each one carefully curated, mixed, and presented by Mr. Desmond. Deso is my friend, affectionately known as Deso; he is not just an international DJ—he is a cultural ambassador who thrives on bringing back the good stuff. He prides himself as it relates to knowing his music; his selections are never random; they’re chosen with intention, weaving together classics that still spark laughter, nostalgia, and dance decades later.

Those of us who follow him on WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM and his very own site, MrDesmond.net, know that Deso has a gift: he reads the room, senses the vibe, and knows exactly which tune will lift spirits or stir memories. Whether it’s a backyard lime, a Carnival warm-up, or a quiet evening of reflection, his mixes create the perfect soundtrack. With Vintage Calypso Mix: Volume 2, expect witty lyrics, irresistible rhythms, and the kind of music that makes you pause, smile, and say, “Yes, this is the heart of calypso.”

So press play, let the steelpan echoes and clever verses wash over you, and celebrate the artistry of calypso legends who paved the way. This is heritage you can dance to, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.

Credits:

Mixtape Title: Vintage Calypso Mix Volume 2

Curated and Mixed by: Mr. Desmond

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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).

Sokah2Soca · Vintage Kaiso Mix Episode 2 | Mr. Desmond x Sokah2Soca

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🎙️ Welcome to Kaiso Dial

We are so pleased that you made it to this site, our latest blog addition that celebrates our first music, Calypso. Did you realize that you just dialed in to your new home for Calypso music? This website is the place where you can say, “Kaiso, Kaiso, yes, Kaiso!”

Step onto the signal stage. Kaiso Dial is your nonstop portal to the heart and soul of Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso tradition. Whether you’re chasing the echo of Sparrow’s wit, the fire of Chalkdust’s commentary, or the groove of a midnight tent performance, you’ve found your frequency.

As we progress, we will continually adjust the blog flow and concept to meet the needs of the people coming to the site. Please leave your comments to help us make the changes that you deem necessary. We want you to tune in at any time to listen to excellent calypso music via mixtapes and new calypso releases. 

We are looking to add a radio station or online radio station dedicated to calypso music. We will write and post articles that interest you. If you have an article to post, talk to us. We will have all the information posted. 

📻 Dial in to the Kaiso vault, the Kaiso Dial, for sweet calypso mixes, artist spotlights, and cultural insights—all rooted in the rhythm of Carnival and the legacy of lyrical storytelling.

🕒 24/7/365 access means the music never sleeps. From vintage vinyl to digital vibes, we’re always on air.

📞 Dial into kaiso—your signature call to action. Share it. Shout it. Live it.

🎭 Carnival heritage and classic calypsos form our cultural grounding. This isn’t just nostalgia; it is more than that—it’s a living archive, a celebration of resistance, humor, and truth.

🌍 Caribbean music storytelling is our broader mission. We amplify voices, preserve legacies, and invite new generations to tune in.

So, tell your friends, your crew, and any and all Calypso fans because Kaiso Dial is live. The mic is hot. The signal is strong.

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.

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🎙️ Vintage Calypso Mix: Volume 1

This is the first of three posts celebrating the timeless magic of vintage Kaiso. Curated by Mr. Desmond—known to friends (myself included) as Deso—these mixtapes offer something for every mood and moment. Whether you're reliving the golden age of calypso or simply grooving to classic tunes, Deso’s expert blends create a seamless, soul-stirring listening journey for all calypso lovers.

Mixtape, Volume One kicks off the series with flair, setting the tone for what’s to come. As you take in the music, we hope that your anticipation for the next two mixes keeps you coming back. Dial in for Kaiso, okay?

Credits:

Mixtape Title: Vintage Calypso Mix Volume 1 

Curated and Mixed by: Mr. Desmond

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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).

Sokah2Soca · Vintage Kaiso Mix by Mr. Desmond | Vol 1

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Kaiso's Legacy: The Essential 58 Years of Independence Classics

This is our second post and today, we feature one of Mr. Desmond's classic mixes. For those just dropping in, Kaiso Dial is a digital portal dedicated to Calypso’s wit, rhythm, and rebellion. From vintage picong to modern mixtapes, we spotlight the voices, verses, and visionaries shaping Trinidad & Tobago’s musical legacy—one clever chorus at a time.

Fans of calypso music, you’ll love this vibrant collection of mixes curated and mixed by Mr. Desmond in collaboration with Sokah2Soca. These playlists showcase some of the most beloved calypso classics from the past decade alongside fresh contemporary hits. You can enjoy hours of uninterrupted calypso, streaming online 24/7, absolutely free.

Prepare to press play and journey through the legendary tunes of Calypso, mixed with passion and expertise! This is episode one: 58 Years of Independence Calypso Classics. 

Credits:

Mixtape Title: The Essential 58 Years of Independence Classics 

Curated and Mixed by: Mr. Desmond

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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).

Sokah2Soca · 58 Years of Independence Calypso Classics | Mr. Desmond x Kaiso Dial

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