Roxy Singh Echoes the People’s Frustration in “Enough is Enough”

A calypso calling Parliament/Parliamentarians to account

Roxy Singh steps into the 2026 calypso conversation with “Enough is Enough,” a song that echoes the spirit of Lystra Nurse’s Dream Sellers while carving its own path. Instead of targeting campaign‑trail promises or the usual political theatrics, Roxy goes straight to the source—the Parliamentarians themselves, the elected officials who hold real power and too often forget who they are meant to serve.

Written by Mr. Treldon Layne and produced, mixed, and mastered by Ebony Sound Factory out of Moruga, Trinidad, this calypso is built on a foundation of accountability. Roxy calls out the cycle of promises, self‑interest, and political convenience that has become “politics as usual.” Her delivery is earnest, her message pointed, and her focus unwavering: leadership must answer to the people.

Yet, for all its clarity and conviction, Enough is Enough feels like one of those calypsos that may struggle to find favor with judges or even the wider listening public. It’s socially conscious, yes—but not flashy, not theatrical, and not engineered for competition. It’s a truth‑telling calypso in a season that often rewards spectacle over substance. After all is said and done... it's showtime, and that, right there is the problem!

Still, songs like this matter. They keep the tradition honest. They remind us that calypso’s backbone has always been commentary, courage, and calling things by name.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Enough is Enough 

Artist/Performed by: Roxy Singh

Written by: Mr. Treldon Layne. 

Produced, mixed, and mastered by: Ebony Sound Factory, Moruga.

Guitar: Mr. Kyle Peters.

Horns Recorded and Co-Arranged by: Mr. Garvin Marcelle at G Note Recording Studio, Fyzabad.

Trumpet: Mr. Charles Williams. 

Trombone: Mr. David Jacob. 

Background vocals: Roxy Singh.

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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Rivaldo London Flips the Proverb: When Loyalty Beats Blood in “Water Thicker”

In the Caribbean, as well as in many other cultures, proverbs influence the way people think. For that reason the calypsonian can bring relevant insight into the root of family dynamics and the relations that evolve from those relationships. Step in Rivaldo London; the young man comes with a bold correction to one of the Caribbean’s most sacred sayings. His new calypso, “Water Thicker,” flips the script on the old belief that blood is thicker than water, exposing a truth many know but few dare to sing: sometimes the people who share your DNA are the first to disappear when you need them most.

I listened to this calypso while traveling from New York to Hampshire College in Massachusetts on Saturday, but I only decided to do the post tonight. I was impressed with the maturity and delivery of the song by Rivaldo. And, I was impressed because this calypso is overflowing with wisdom and Rivaldo makes it clear—loyalty is not guaranteed by lineage, and family ties can be as conditional as the weather! This principle also applies to friends and family who are not always reliable. In his telling, water—the friends, mentors, neighbors, and chosen kin who stand by you—often proves stronger, purer, and more dependable than the blood relatives who only show up when there’s something to gain.

This is classic calypso territory: social commentary wrapped in melody, truth delivered with rhythm, and a message sharpened by lived experience. And Rivaldo handles it with the maturity of a man who has watched enough family politics to know that love and loyalty don’t always share the same surname.

Co‑arranged by the legendary Kenny Phillips, Water Thicker carries the unmistakable stamp of real calypso craftsmanship. Live instruments breathe through the arrangement—brass lines with authority, percussion with heartbeat, and bass with intention. Nothing here feels synthetic or mass‑produced. The result is a calypso built the old way, with hands, ears, and decades of cultural memory guiding every bar.

And Rivaldo’s delivery? Confident. Clear. Monarch‑ready. He sings like a man who knows exactly what stage he’s aiming for—and exactly what crown he intends to claim. Let me tell you, Rivaldo's voice and vocal delivery are smooth and silky. He will be a problem for this upcoming Calypso Monarch season. 

Water Thicker feels like a finalist before the judges even take their seats. The message is strong, the production is clean, and the authenticity is undeniable. Rivaldo isn’t just challenging a proverb; he’s challenging the audience to rethink who really stands with them when the music stops.

This calypso is one to watch. This is one we endorse. The result is calypso doing what calypso was born to do—tell the truth, even when the truth cuts deep.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Water Thicker

Artist/Performed by: Rivaldo London

Written by: Rivaldo London

Arranged by: Kenny Phillips and Rivaldo London

Keyboard—Emile Fortune

Guitars—Kenny Phillips

Bass—Master Rodney Alexander

Drum Kit—Charles Williams

Sax—Oral Rodriguez

Trombone—David Jacob 

Background vocals—Tricia Hamilton

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 Mozart of Pan — A Brilliant Calypso Tribute to Boogsie Sharpe by Pharaoh

Calypso­nians have the unique ability to craft stories that capture the imagination of the people. Take, for example, that quirk of learning music—the similarity between B‑sharp and C‑sharp. B‑sharp does exist in music theory, but when it comes to playing an instrument, it is effectively C‑sharp, a concept known as enharmonic equivalence. Now step into the spotlight, calypsonian Pharaoh, with his humorous twist that “B” is for Boogsie—a cheeky line that delivers classic kaiso mischief.

This clever and musically literate calypso, titled “The Mozart of Pan,” turns this music‑theory quirk (yes, we had to look it up online to grasp it properly) into a tribute to the beloved Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. Boogsie, as he is fondly known, is a pan genius and the legendary musical arranger for Phase II Pan Groove. Co‑written with Morel Peters, better known as King Luta, the song is a witty, affectionate salute to the arranger whose genius has shaped generations of Steelband music.

So how did the songwriters deliver such a compelling gem? It began with a conversation between an elder and the panman about B‑sharp and references to Mozart and other classic European music arrangers. The elder spoke about B-sharp, but Pharaoh, the mature panman, insisted that “there is no B-sharp in music” and responded with “B is for Boogsie”—because when you’re talking about brilliance, innovation, and melodic imagination, Boogsie is the note above the rest. It’s a line that lands with both humor and respect, grounding the joke in deep musical truth.

Witty lyrical content shines brightest when paired with strong musical backing. On steelpan was Boogsie himself, supported by a range of live instruments (see the production notes below). The music was produced by Future Sounds Productions and mixed and mastered by GQ Maxzimum. The track is clean, warm, and performance‑ready—a fitting sonic frame for a song honoring a man often described as the Mozart of the steelpan.

To summarize why this salute to Boogsie is so compelling, here are the key points:

• Witty music‑theory wordplay that musicians will love
• This is a heartfelt salute to Boogsie Sharpe, one of pan’s greatest arrangers—who also performs on the track.
• Strong vocal storytelling from the Pharaoh, co-written by King Luta.
• Classic calypso humor blended with cultural reverence, keeping the art of the calypso conversation alive.
• High‑quality production from Future Sounds, featuring live instruments rather than digital substitutes

Songs like this are the reason Kaiso Dial exists. This is the kind of calypso that reminds listeners how deeply music, humor, and heritage intertwine in Trinidad & Tobago—and why Boogsie’s name continues to ring out across the pan world.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: The Mozart of Pan 🎼

Artist/Performed by: Darwren “Pharaoh” Greenidge

Written by: Morel Peters “King Luta”

Co-writer: Darwren Greenidge “Pharaoh”

Double Tenor Pan Solo: Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe

Keyboards: Keishon Jack

Bass—Andy Garcia

Trumpet—Junior Frank

Trombone—Lincoln Henry

Saxaphone—Irwyn Roach

Background vocals—Safiya Chinnama and Morel Peters, “King Luta”

Mixing and Mastering—GQ Maxzimum

Produced by—Future Sounds Productions

Artwork—Nu. Kreativ Media House

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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Small Conventional Semis Deliver Nail‑Biter at Victoria Square: Carnival 2026 Panorama

The sweet sounds of steelband music filled the air as Trinidad's Panorama competitions unfolded. The Small Conventional steelband semifinals took place yesterday at Victoria Square, Port of Spain. The entire show was streamed via Pan Trinbago’s Pay‑Per‑View platform for US $25. Pay-per-view customers complained about camera angles but more importantly, poor audio quality. The quality issue was not the case for those who attended and enjoyed the captivating performances. 

Clearly, the competition was fierce, with quality musical arrangements separated by the tonal quality of the pans. Some may disagree with that statement, but every biased supporter has a "bush judge" sense of judgment when it comes to our national instrument. The score sheet reflected the closeness of the competition. Just two points separated the top four bands, underscoring the quality and competitiveness of this year’s field.

Top Performers

1. Southern Stars Steel Orchestra—Let's Build A Nation Together by Merchant, arranged by Duvon Stewart
2. Uptown Fascinators—Band From Space by Crazy, arranged by Ojay Richards
3. Golden Hands—All Aboard by Atlantik with lead vocals by Tony Prescott, arranged by Vanessa Headley-Brewster
4. T& TEC New East Side Dimensions—Water De Garden 
5. Fascinators Steel Orchestra—Both of Dem 
6. Tunapuna Tipica—Hot Hot Hot

Indeed, it was a tight race with more surprises in store for the finals, high musical standards, and a lineup that promises to deliver real excitement. Everyone will be out to clip Duvone Stewart and his Southern Stars Steel Orchestra that rose to the top at the Semis. Get ready for a finals that promises all the drama we love for steelband panorama finals performances. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Competition: Small Bands Panorama Semi-Finals Carnival 2026

Venue: Victoria Square, Port of Spain

Date/Time: Saturday, 20th December, 2025/4:00 PM

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Steelband music. 🎶

Code:  SCBPS2026

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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WeCapture.... Panorama Live · Small Band SEMI Finals_2026

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A Dating Mix-Up, A Calypso Twist: Wrong Order

Lady Aisha has a belly full of laughs in store for you. She returns with a playful, story‑driven calypso titled Wrong Order, a cheeky take on mix‑ups, expectations, and surprises in the world of modern dating. The song follows her humorous tale of requesting an “ageable man” to ease her loneliness—only to receive a much younger match instead. Clearly, she puts in an order for an “ageable man”… The dating agency mixed up her order and she got more than she could handle... Licks and steamy endings!

What follows is a hilarious tale of getting more than you ordered: wink, wink! She was disappointed at the start, but that disappointment quickly turned into a twist she didn’t expect, delivered with Lady Aisha’s trademark boldness and theatrical flair. It’s a straightforward double‑entendre piece, lighthearted and built for audience reaction rather than subtlety.

Early listeners commenting on the YouTube post are already embracing the fun of it, and many are excited to hear how it lands in the calypso tent. As always, calypso finds a way to spark conversation, laughter, and surprise—and Wrong Order is shaping up to do just that.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Wrong Order

Artist/Performed by: Lady Aisha

Written by: Ronald Forde

Produced & Arranged by: Kendall Houlder

Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by: Kendall Houlder

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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Callaloo Vibes: A Calypso Feast from DJ Aaron 868

Don’t you know that Trinis love their callaloo & calypso? Oh yes, they do! This presentation by DJ Aaron 868 serves up a rich, flavorful blend of classic and contemporary Calypso from one of WACK Radio’s most beloved selectors. We’re confident you’ll have these selections presented here on the Dial for your listening pleasure.

DJ Aaron 868 has a gift for stitching songs together with smooth transitions and deep cultural intuition, and the YouTube comments already show how much listeners appreciate this well‑curated Calypso mix. While everyone is out searching for Soca mixtapes, we believe Calypso mixtapes are long overdue. Many DJs don’t realize what they’re missing, but Aaron is tapped directly into the heartbeat of the culture—and we are the beneficiaries of this excellent musical selection.

This is the kind of set that reminds the diaspora why Calypso remains the heartbeat of the people—storytelling, rhythm, and heritage simmering in one pot. We love it, and we’re pleased to bring it to you today to spark that Calypso fire in your soul. So dial into the music, enjoy, and let your friends know you found it here at the Dial—your Calypso dial!

YouTube Artist's Note:

Callaloo is a mix-up pot where we combine many different ingredients to create one of the most enjoyable dishes, and similarly, kaiso brings together various topics to form a wonderful genre of music. More importantly, whoever gave you the impression that kaiso can’t mix like soca hasn’t listened to a Callaloo & Calypso Mix from DJ Aaron 868.

Mixtape/Track List:

• Kurt Allen—Your Turn Now
• Machel Montano—Soul of Calypso (Calypso Monarch 2024)
• Black Stalin—In Times (Calypso Monarch 1995)
• Gypsy—Little Black Boy (Calypso Monarch 1997)
• Singing Sandra—Voices From De Ghetto (Calypso Monarch 1999)
• Yung Bredda—We Rise
• Erphaan Alves—I Am
• Wendell Goodridge —Who To Blame
• Kenny Phillips—Ah Next Song
• Karene Asche —No Excuse
• T’zayah O’Connor—Sing Hallejuah (Calypso Monarch 2023)
• Terri Lyons—Obeah (Calypso Monarch 2020)
• Mistah Shak—Take Time
• Black Stalin—Look On The Bright Side (Calypso Monarch 1991)
• Ras Kommanda—Trinbago Is Mine
• Johnny King—Appreciation
• Mighty Shadow—Columbus Lied
• David Rudder—Dedication
• David Rudder—Rally Around The West Indies
• David Rudder—High Mas (Calypso Monarch, Road March, Soca Monarch 1986)
• Freetown—Take Me Home
• Black Stalin—Sufferers
• Lady Gypsy—Meet We On De Pavement
• Tigress—Wajang
• Mistah Shak—Rogue
• Mistah Shak—Bois!
• Anslem Douglas—When Ah Dead
• Ella Andall—Black Woman
• Andre Tanker—Sayamanda
• Brother Resistance—Cyar Take Dat

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Mixtape Title: Callaloo & Calypso 

Curated & Mixed by: DJ Aaron 868

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

DJ AARON 868 Contact Information

Instagram: @djaaron868

Twitter: @djaaron868

Facebook: @DJAaron868

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/DJAaron868

Bookings: djaaron868@gmail.com

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. This is your 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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DJ Aaron 868 · Callaloo & Calypso - Volume 2

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Dream Sellers: Gaslighting the Masses & Turning Hope into Deception

Every political cycle, politicians unexpectedly become your closest allies. They’re everywhere—often seen shaking hands, kissing babies, and making themselves accessible. But once in the office, the story changes. You can call, write letters, or send emails daily, and you’ll be lucky if anyone responds. This is the reality of modern societies. It’s not just an island issue—gaslighting the public has become the norm for politicians worldwide.

Enter today’s featured Calypso: “Dream Sellers.” The voice of the people, telling it like it is, calls the shots. This song doesn’t just call balls and strikes—it delivers griot‑style political and social commentary with a knockout punch aimed at politicians of every stripe.

Written by Roxy Singh and Carver Thompson, Dream Sellers not only chastises politicians but also highlights the gullible citizens who fall for false promises, only to lament when leaders reveal their true colors. Some even bury their heads in the sand because, as we say in the islands, “We Like it So!”

Musically, the track is vibrant and infectious, produced by Carver Thompson of Ebony Sound Factory. It’s a song with a message, yet it’s lively enough to make you dance—or at least tap your feet if you choose to sit and listen. A sweet Calypso vibe, carrying weight and joy in equal measure.

We can't forget to share some flowers for the singer: Lystra sings her heart out and delivers an excellent vocal performance with calm assurance and quiet confidence, qualities that bode well for her journey into the Calypso Monarch competition. We hope to see her perform this piece at Skinner's Park in San Fernando for Calypso Fiesta.

As Carnival 2026 approaches, we celebrate this Calypso for its message, its music, and its delivery. Share this post with your social media contacts to help spread the word and give Dream Sellers the recognition it deserves.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title:  Dream Sellers 

Artist/Performed by: Lystra Nurse

Background Vocals: Roxy Singh and Carver Thompson 

Written by: Lystra Nurse/Lady Lystra

Produced by: Carver Thompson of Ebony Sound Factory

Mastered by: Carver Thompson of Ebony Sound Factory

Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) 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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Ah Nation on Medication - Shirlane Hendrickson

In her newly released calypso, Ah Nation on Medication, Shirlanee Hendrickson offers a deceptively simple yet piercing reflection on Trinidadian life.  The song's message is basic: she states that every nation has its problems, but in Trinidad, we meet ours with a peculiar mix of complaint, humor, and resignation. The production by Jr. Soy Production Studios is lively and foot-tapping, making this one a song that will eventually 'creep up on you!'

She explains that this is a Trini thing and  that “we like it so.” It’s a well-known Trini phrase about how we complain about just everything on a daily basis—griping about issues yet accepting them as part of the rhythm of daily life. Rather than dramatize or despair, the singer frames the nation’s response as one of quiet endurance, likening it to taking a Tylenol or Panadol.  As simple as the message is, the idea is clear: medication dulls the pain but doesn’t cure the cause, and in the same way, society finds ways to cope without demanding any major attitude change. 

This calypso is not about grand solutions or fiery protest. Instead, it mirrors the everyday attitude of “such is life.” It’s a commentary on resilience, but also on complacency—how a people can normalize dysfunction while still finding joy in the music, the humor, and the shared experience of survival. C'est la vie!

Shirlanee’s delivery is light; the video makes everything look humorous with contorted facial expressions, making the message resonate beyond politics or policy. A simple song? Listening to her rendition, one may think so, but listen carefully and you will understand that it is a  reminder that calypso thrives not only on sharp satire but also on capturing the subtle ironies of Caribbean living.

Ah Nation on Medication is a mirror held up to Trinidadian society: witty, understated, and deeply familiar. It asks us to reflect on whether our coping mechanisms are a strength or a weakness—and whether “liking it so” is a cultural badge of resilience or a symptom of deeper malaise.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Ah Nation on Medication 

Artist/Performed by: Shirlane Hendrickson 

Written by: Pending

Produced by: Jr. Soy Productions Studios

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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Land of the Smart Man – Chromatics hints to Deception in the Market

Oh my goodness, the myth of the Trini Smart Man just got debunked by Chromatics! "Land of the Smart Man" is a hilarious song that guarantees a belly full of laughter—I absolutely love it!  This song is a sharp cultural commentary wrapped in an old‑school calypso feel. Written and sung by Chromatics, produced by DJ Sly Dx Artist, and featuring background vocals by Sherisse Collymore, the track draws on the Trinidadian archetype of the “Smart Man”—the scoundrel, hustler, or trickster who thrives on deception and opportunism.

Cultural Resonance is crucial. Of course we knew what a 'smart man' was, but we went online for the dirt and came up with the following bullet points:

• In Trinidadian slang, a “Smart Man” is not a compliment. It describes:
• Deceptive opportunists who exploit trust for personal gain.
• Small‑time hustlers selling fake tickets or promises.
• Corrupt figures who manipulate systems for profit.
• Respectable pretenders who look polished but hide dishonest motives.

Chromatics employs this archetype to create a vivid portrayal of a society where trickery is normalized, reflecting the everyday frustrations of citizens living in what many refer to as a “smart‑man society.”

The production notes highlight the musical elements, reflecting our interpretation of the song's feel.

• Andre Tanker’s “Linstead Market” sample grounds the track in Trinidad’s musical heritage, bridging folk tradition with modern commentary.
• The intro and outro's guitar strumming harkens back to the golden age of calypso, a period when rhythm and wit effectively conveyed storytelling.
• Sherisse Collymore’s harmonies add warmth and depth, balancing Chromatics’ sharp lyrical delivery.
• DJ Sly Dx Artist’s production blends old and new, keeping the groove rooted yet fresh.

This isn't just an ordinary calypso. Oh hell no, it is Caribbean-style storytelling that feels like you are at home in a backyard lime and someone is strumming a guitar and telling this very compelling story. CChromatics is not just a radio host; he is one of Trinidad’s most talented artists, possessing a unique gift for narrative calypso storytelling. His voice carries both critique and celebration, exposing the scoundrels while honoring the resilience of ordinary people. The approval of the song by listeners underscores its cultural weight: it serves as both a throwback and a timely reminder of the challenges Trinidadians face.

This project feels like a modern calypso parable—a reminder that wit, rhythm, and sharp social commentary remain the backbone of Trinidadian music. I keep saying it, but I have to repeat: I am so pleased to have created Kaiso Dial to feature Calypso music alongside our sister blog, Sokah2Soca. Kaiso, Kaiso... Yes, Kaiso!

Oh, what a night, what a night, what a Saturday night: Youtube/Linstead Market by Andre Tanker 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Land of the Smart Man 

Artist/Performed by: Chromatics 

Written by: Chromatics

Produced by: Dj Sly Dx Artist

Background Vocals by: Sherisse Collymore

Contains a sample of Andre Tanker's "Linstead Market"—1965.

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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