The 2023 Carnival season is officially over and here I am again to share my favourite picks in calypso. Surprisingly, none of these grabbed the Calypso Monarch title on Dimanche Gras night but I found them to be some of the best contributions to calypso and definitely playlist worthy.
Heaven ‘Snakey’ Charles – What Yuh Need Again, Trinbago?
This song is truly a celebration of all the wonderful things that make our country great. It highlights our accomplishments over the past 60 years as an independent nation, and the lyrics are full of precious memories and moments. But it is the smooth and majestic melody that truly captivates the listener. It is no surprise that this song was crowned the Diamond Jubilee Independence Calypso Monarch. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dance moves for the performance on Dimanche Gras night.
What yuh need again
to know your worth?
And your significance
on planet earth?
What yuh need again
Red, White and Black?
Sixty runs on board
And we not turning back
Lyrics from Snakey’s What Yuh Need Again Trinbago
People Man – Maria Bhola
We all enjoy a little bachanal sprinkled on our calypsos and this one did not fail to deliver. Maria Bhola is a brilliant song writer and her contribution to the season was very entertaining. The song cheekily invites the “outside woman” to join the family by participating in the running of the marital home.
Wednesdays dem children have lessons
Daniel catchin’ he tail with maths
I hope you at least have some passes
so maybe you could help him with dat
Lyrics from Maria Bhola’s People Man
Tameika Darius – Susheila’s Jahaji Bash
Tameika’s contribution was the only political commentary that made it to the finals this season. She highlighted Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s comment about a fellow politician’s name being that of the slave master, while her own name comes from her ancestry. The lyrics and melody were simply classic, and really showcased the style of political commentary we all know and love!
So many years since Jahaji Bai
She kiss race relations goodbye
Fling we history back
in a vicious way
Lyrics from Tameika Darius’ Susheila’s Jahaji Bash
Chuck Gordon – Maths Eh Mathsin
I would have loved this to be the winning monarch on Dimanche Gras night. Not gonna lie, I definitely called robbery when I heard the results. Chuck delivered a pore-raising performance singing on the matter of rising prices and other matters that just don’t seem to add up in our daily lives as Trinbagonians. This calypso has ‘wine-bottom’ rhythm while delivering relatable lyrics. Chuck yuh get on!
99 percent suffering
and it eh adding up for sure
cause the 1 percent
controlling 100 percent
of the lives of the poor
Lyrics from Chuck Gordon’s Maths Eh Mathsin
Now that I’ve shared my top picks for calypso music this year, I’m curious to know what songs are on your calypso playlist? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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