Providence Girls Catholic School Library Media Centre Presents

Providence Girls' Catholic School Library Media Centre Presents Carnival Greats from then till now

History of Calypso newspaper in times traditions of The Calypso in Trinidad and Tobago, is mainly of African origin, and can be traced to the traditions of West Africans in terms of music , structure and function. Calypso , which has been called a poor man’s when literacy was not wide spread , traces its roots to African improvised songs of self-praise and scorn for others, brought here by enslaved peoples. It developed to become both a dance and cultural record of events at first in single tone style with implicit meanings and a spicy flavor. The roots of “Calypso” are diverse. Some argue it came from “kaiso” a Hausa word for “ bravo” ; some say the word came from the French “carrousseaux” a drinking party; or the Spanish “ calliso” a tropical song ; or the Carib “ carieto”, meaning the same thing. meet The first wave of professional calypsonians became known as the Old Brigade, including singers such as Growling Tiger, Lord Beginner, Atilla the Hun , the Roaring Lion and Lord Pretender. By 1945 a new wave of singers rose to the demand for more entertaining songs. This Young Brigade included Lord Kitchener , Mighty Spoiler , Mighty Dictator and Lord Wonder, and later the Mighty Sparrow. The Black Power marches in 1970 once again triggered a new generation of singers such as Black Stalin and Brother Valentino. A broad range of voices and musical experimentation was ushered in by Shadow, Maestro, Merchant and Explainer. In 1978 saw the Calypso Monarch competition being won by a woman for the first time. Calypso Rose signaled the entry of many more women on the Calypso stage. Over the years the calypso art form has been transformed and presented in various categories the major ones being; Political Commentary, Social Commentary, Humorous, Soca, Ragga Soca, Chutney Soca , and Nation Building. (“Roots and Traditions” produced for NCC)

CALYPSO MUSIC IN T&T ORIGIN OF THE TERM 'CALYPSO' The term 'calypso' arose after the art form had been in existence for sometime. Initially the majority of songs were sung in patois. However, during the turn of the century when the people of Trinidad were struggling with the fading of the French patois and the emerging dominance of English, many terms were simply anglicized. Thus the language of the music began to change and, according to some, so too did its name. There are in fact several theories and controversies surrounding the origin of the word. This discussion will focus on those versions outlined in the works of Daniel Crowley, Raymond Quevedo, Errol Hill and Hollis Liverpool. Nobody seriously contends that it has anything to do with the Calypso of Greek mythology, though one commentator, after reviewing the various possible origins and conceding that "the name Calypso is a misnomer and bears no direct relation whatever to the folk music of Trinidad itself, " does venture to add, "[…] it is still not certain that the English or Americans on coming to Trinidad and hearing the expression used for the folk music and feeling its enchanting effects did not misinterpret the word to mean ‘Calypso’ of Greek mythology. “

The following are the main theories put forward over the years on the origins of the term Calypso: It came from the Carib word 'carieto, ' meaning a joyous song, which itself evolved into 'cariso'. It originated from the French patois word 'carrousseaux' (which was originally from the archaic French word 'carrousse') meaning a drinking party or festivity. This word was later transformed into other variants, namely cariso, calypso and cayiso. It may have come from the Venezuelan/Spanish word 'caliso' which referred to a topical local song. ‘Caliso' has a similar meaning in St. Lucia; The word 'careso' also refers to a topical song but mainly in the Virgin Islands; It was derived from the West African (Hausa) term 'kaiso', itself a corruption of 'kaito', an expression of approval and encouragement similar to 'bravo'. This last version is the derivation that has found the most favor. Hence we find Raymond Quevedo, the knowledgeable calypsonian of the early half of the 20 th century, claiming that ‘kaiso’ was the first term he knew. It then evolved into 'calypso' via 'caliso, ' 'rouso' and 'wouso'. This last term 'kaiso' has also survived alongside its derivation 'calypso' which, according to Errol Hill, first appeared as the term denoting the Trinidad Carnival song, only in 1900. ‘Kaiso’ is still used to show appreciation for a calypso that is well composed and executed. Thus Quevedo’s statement about 'kaiso' being used to describe the song when sung, as well as a means of expressing ecstatic satisfaction over what was, in the opinion of the audience, a particularly excellent 'kaiso', is still valid today. The dual existence of an original word alongside its etymological derivative 'kaiso' is nothing new. Hence 'kaiso', in addition to its main role as indicator of appreciation and approval, is at times also used interchangeably for 'calypso'. In such a case, it has the connotation of 'genuine' calypso. Recently, there has been in some circles a favoring of the term 'kaisonian' to designate one who sings ‘genuine' calypsos, as opposed to 'calypsonian' for the run-of-the-mill. Be that as it may, the term 'calypso' as we know it is now well entrenched in contemporary vocabulary as evidenced by its definition in The Concise Oxford Dictionary: Calypso – a kind of West Indian music or song in syncopated African rhythm, typically with words improvised on a topical theme.

TRIVIA Who was the second Female to win the 'Calypso Monarch' title in 1999? and The only female Calypsonian to win the “Calypso Monarch” title twice?

Singing Sandra took the crown in 1999 and again in 2003. She is the only female calypsonian to win the Calypso Monarch twice. Voices from the Ghetto Click to play

Singing Sandra Des Vignes was born in 1957 in East Dry River, and raised in Morvant. She was born in a poor family and faced many hardships through her early teenage years. Singing Sandra was the only child of the family and her singing talent was evident from an early stage, given that her grandmother was the best singer in her village in Tobago. She was baptized in Spiritual Baptist church when she was fifteen years old and during her later stage of her life she became a practicing Orisha. In her mid 20 s she was approached in 1984 by calypsonian Dr. Zhivago to perform two of his songs, and the following year was recruited to Mighty Sparrow's Youth Brigade tent at the carnival. Her exceptional talent and persistence in hard work and in music resulted in her winning the National Calypso Queen in 1987. From that moment and after, her career accelerated at an exponential rate. She went on to win the Carifesta Monarch and Calypso Queen of the World titles in 1992 and she performed at the Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1992. Later, she formed the group United Sisters along with Lady B, Tigress, and Marvellous Marva. As a result of her career as an artist, she was a well-respected musician of calypso and also soca. Her achievements were numerous.

Singing Sandra She was the second woman to win Trinidad's Calypso Monarch title, Winning In 1999 with the songs "Song for Healing" and "Voices from the Ghetto". She was able to finish in third place in 2000 and in fifth place during 2001's festival. In 2003 she won the Calypso Monarch title for a second time, with "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Ancient Rhythm" becoming the first female Calypsonian to win the title twice. Singing Sandra was an A-star cast member of Kaiso House calypso tent. As one of the pioneers in the Calypso industry, Singing Sandra's trajectory has empowered many listeners, especially women. She influenced people in a positive way by giving them something to think about.

CALYPSO MONARCHS YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET SONG 1939 NEVILLE MARCANO GROWLING TIGER LABOUR SITUATION IN TRINIDAD 1956 SLINGER FRANCISO MIGHTY SPARROW JEAN AND DINAH 1940 RAFEAL DE LEON ROARING LION RISE AND FALL ON THE BRITISH EMPIRE 1957 ALDRIC FARREL LORD PRETENDER 1941 CLIFFORD MORRIS MIGHTY DESTROYER ADOLPH HITLER 1958 PERCIVAL OBLINGTON MIGHTY STRIKER QUE SERA DON'T BLAME THE PNM/ CAN'T FIND A JOB TO SUIT ME 1959 PERCIVAL OBLINGTON MIGHTY STRIKER BAN THE HULA HOOP/ COMPARISON 1942 1946 RAYMOND QUEVADO ATTILA THE HUN DAILY MAIL REPORT 1960 SLINGER FRANCISO MIGHTY SPARROW MAE/ TEN TO ONE IS MURDER 1947 RAYMOND QUEVADO ATTILA THE HUN MILLION DOLLAR JAIL 1961 CLATIS ALI DOUGLA LAZY MAN/ SPLIT MEH IN TWO 1948 THEOPHILUS PHILLIP MIGHTY SPOILER ROYAL WEDDING 1962 SLINGER FRANCISO MIGHTY SPARROW FEDERATION/ SPARROW COME BACK HOME 1949 FITZROY ALEXANDER LORD MELODY GLORY MAMA GLORY 1963 SLINGER FRANCISO MIGHTY SPARROW KENNEDY/ DAN IS THE MAN 1950 FITZGERALD HENRY MIGHTY TERROR CHINESE CHILDREN 1964 CLIFTON RYAN MIGHTY BOMBER DREAM/ JOAN AND JAMES 1951 FITZROY ALEXANDER LORD MELODY JONAH AND DE BAKE 1965 MERVYN HODGE SNIPER MORE PRODUCTION/ PORTRAIT OF TRINIDAD 1952 CARLTON GUMBS SPIT FIRE POST 1966 FITZGERALD HENRY MIGHTY TERROR PAN JAMBOREE/ LAST YEAR HAPPINESS 1953 THEOPHILUS PHILLIP MIGHTY SPOILER BED BUG 1967 DILLARY SCOTT MIGHTY CYPER IF DE PRIEST COULD PLAY/ LAST ELECTION 1954 FITZROY ALEXANDER LORD MELODY SECOND SPRING 1968 KELVIN POPE MIGHTY DUKE WHAT IS CALYPSO/ SOCIAL BACHANAL 1955 THEOPHILUS PHILLIP MIGHTY SPOILER PICKING SENSE OUT OF NONSENSE 1969 KELVIN POPE MIGHTY DUKE BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL/ ONE FOOT VISION

CALYPSO MONARCHS YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET 1970 KELVIN POPE MIGHTY DUKE 1971 KELVIN POPE SONG YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET SONG 1984 SEADLEY JOSEPH PENGUIN WE LIVING IN JAIL/ SOFT MAN 1985 LEROY CALLISTE BLACK STALIN ISM SCHISM/ WAIT DOROTHY BAHIA GIRL/ THE HAMMER MIGHTY DUKE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN/ SEE THROUGH MATHEMATICAL FORMULA FOR PEACE/ MELVIE & YVONNE 1986 DAVID RUDDER 1972 SLINGER FRANCISO MIGHTY SPARROW DRUNK AND DISORDERLY/ ROPE 1973 SLINGER FRANCISO MIGHTY SPARROW SCHOOL DAYS/ SAME TIME SAME PLACE 1987 LEROY CALLISTE BLACK STALIN 1974 SLINGER FRANCISO MIGHTY SPARROW MISS MARY/ WE PASS THAT STAGE 1988 WINSTON RAWLINS CRO 1975 ALDWYN ROBERTS LORD KITCHENER 1989 HOLLIS LIVERPOOL MIGHTY CHALKDUST 1976 HOLLIS LIVERPOOL MIGHTY CHALKDUST SPREE SIMON/ FEVER THREE BLIND MICE/ AH PUT ON MEH GUNS AGAIN 1990 WINSTON RAWLINS CRO 1977 HOLLIS LIVERPOOL MIGHTY CHALKDUST JUBA DABAI/ SHANGO VISION 1991 LEROY CALLISTE BLACK STALIN PARTY/ POLITICAL DICTIONARY AH FEELIN TO PARTY/ LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 1978 ROSE MCARTHUR LEWIS CALYPSO ROSE I THANK THEE/ HER MAJESTY 1992 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW SURVIVAL/ BOTH OF THEM 1979 LEROY CALLISTE BLACK STALIN CARIBBEAN UNITY/ PLAY ONE 1993 HOLLIS LIVERPOOL MIGHTY CHALKDUST KAISO IN DE HOSPITAL/ MISCONCEPTION 1980 WILLARD HARRIS LORD RELATOR TAKE A REST MR. PRIME MINISTER/ FOOD PRICES 1994 MOREL PETERS LUTA GOOD DRIVING/ LICENSED FIREARM 1981 HOLLIS LIVERPOOL MIGHTY CHALKDUST THINGS THAT WORRY ME/ I CAN'T TAKE IT 1994 FRANZ LAMBKIN DE LAMO THIRTY-ONE YEARS OLD/ TRINITY IS MY NAME 1982 IRWIN JOHNSON SCRUNTER THE WILL/ LI KEE TING 1995 LEROY CALLISTE BLACK STALIN 1983 ORTHNIEL BACCHUS TOBAGO CRUSOE DON'T CRY NOW/ SOUTH AFRICA 1996 WINSTON RAWLINS CRO MR. PAN MAKER/ BUN DEM THREE BO RATS/ CORRUPTION IN COMMON ENTRANCE CHAUFFEUR WANTED/ CARNIVAL IS DE ANSWER IN TIME/ SUNDAR ALL YUH LOOK FOR THAT/ SUPPORT COMMENTARY CALYPSO

TRIVIA He is one of the few Calypsonians to have the honor of being crowned multipletimes as the Calypso Monarch (originally Calypso King) competition. Who is he?

Dr. Hollis Urban Lester Liverpool a. k. a The Mighty Chalkdust won the title nine (9) times between 1976 and 2017. Misconceptions – Click to play

CALYPSO MONARCHS YEAR 1997 1998 1999 NAME WINSTON PETERS ROY LEWIS SANDRA DES VIGNES SOBRIQUET SONG SINGING SANDRA RHYTHM OF THE PEOPLE/ LITTLE BLACKBOY LOOK BEYOND THE SURFACE/ VISION OF T&T IN THE YEAR 2010 SONG FOR HEALING/ VOICES FROM THE GHETTO GYPSY MYSTIC PROWLER 2000 WINSTON BAILEY SHADOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME/ SCRATCH MEH BACK 2001 DENYSE PLUMMER HEROES/ NAH LEAVING 2002 MICHEAL OSOUNA SUGAR ALOES 2003 2004 SANDRA DES VIGNES SINGING SANDRA HOLLIS LIVERPOOL MIGHTY CHALKDUST CONTRIBUTION/ JUBILATION FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS/ ANCIENT RHYTHMS TRINIDAD IN THE CEMETERY/ FISH MONGREL 2006 MOREL PETERS LUTA I IN TOWN TOO LONG/ AH DOH RHYME CHECK THE FOUNDATION/ KAISO 2007 WINSTON RAWLINS CRO NO BODY AIN'T GO KNOW 2008 MICHEAL OSOUNA SUGAR ALOES REFLECTIONS 2009 HOLLIS LIVERPOOL MIGHTY CHALKDUST MY HEART AND I 2010 KURT ALLEN TOO BRIGHT 2005 YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET SONG 2011 KARENE ASCHE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR/ UNCLE JACK 2012 DUANE O'CONNOR THE HUNT IS ON/ LONG LIVE CALYPSO 2013 ERIC TAYLOR PINK PANTHER TRAVEL WOE/ CRYING IN THE CHAPEL 2014 ROBERT GORDON CHUCKY WAH YUH THINK/ WEDDING OF D CENTURY 2015 ROBERT GORDON CHUCKY I BELIEVE/ THE ROSE 2016 DEVON SEALE 2017 DR. HOLLIS LIVERPOOL 2018 HELON FRANCIS CHANGE THE CHANGE 2019 RONALDO LONDON MAN'S IMAGINATION 2020 TERRI LYONS OBEAH/ MEGHAN MY DEAR SPIRIT OF CARNIVAL/ CHALKDUST LEARN FROM ARITHMETIC

TRIVIA Who is the only Calypsonian to win all 3 of the Calypso Monarch, Soca Monarch and Young King Titles as of 2021?

Dr. David Michael Rudder The Hammer - Click to play

David Michael Rudder , born 6 May, 1953, is a Trinidadian calypsonian, known to be one of the most successful calypsonians of all time. He performed as lead singer for the brass band Charlie's Roots. Nine years later, Rudder stepped outside the band, entering the calypso tent as a solo calypsonian in 1986, which was followed by an unprecedented rise to fame. "Almost overnight he became a national hero of the order of Marley in Jamaica, Fela in Nigeria and Springsteen in New Jersey, " wrote Daisann Mc. Clane, American journalist and Worldbeat correspondent for Rolling Stone Magazine. His music quickly became the subject of music critics around the world: "From New York to London to Tokyo, where the Japanese have released a CD of Rudder's greatest hits complete with lyrics translated into Japanese, Rudder has been described as modern calypso's most innovative songwriter. " Career Born in Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, one of nine children, Rudder spent much of his early life with his grandmother, a devout Baptist. He began singing with a calypso band at a young age, and in his teens sang backup vocals in a calypso tent run by Lord Kitchener, while earning his living as an accountant with the Trinidad Bus Company. In 1977, he joined Charlie’s Roots, a leading band in Trinidad and Tobago, which launched with help and sponsorship from New York-based record producer Rawlson Charles, and Rudder spent many years as one of the band's vocalists. In 1986, he came to prominence on Andy Narell's album The Hammer, which produced two big hits: "The Hammer" (a tribute to the late pannist Rudolph Charles) and "Bahia Girl". This was followed in 1987 with "Calypso Music", a brilliant encapsulation of the history of calypso. In 1988 Rudder released what is widely considered his best album to date, Haiti, which included the title track, a tribute to the glory and suffering of Haiti; "Engine Room", which captured the energy of the steel band; and "Rally 'Round the West Indies”, which became the anthem of West Indies cricket. In 1991, four tracks performed by Rudder were included in the soundtrack of the film Wild Orchid: "Dark Secret" (two versions), "Children Of Fire (Call Of Xango)", and "Just a Carnival", which includes Rudder in the final scene in the movie "performing" on the beach. In 2008, Rudder did a Soca collaboration with fellow Trinidadian Machel Montano, "Oil and Music" on Machel's 2007 album Flame On. In 2011 David Rudder performed a soca collaboration called "Glow" with Barbados' "Queen of Soca" Alison Hinds.

Carnival Road March The Carnival Road March is the musical composition played most often at the "judging points" along the parade route during a Caribbean Carnival. Originating as part of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, the term has been applied to other Caribbean carnivals. There it was and is still viewed as a musical genre. In Trinidad and Tobago the Road March title has been officially given out every year since 1932 (with the exception of the years affected by World War II when Carnival did not officially take place). Popular Unofficial Road Marches have also been recognized in T&T from since 1834 after slavery was abolished. Prior to World War II, T&T Road Marches were referred to as "Leggos" or "Breakaways" by the general population but were rebranded by the Carnival authorities as the Road March from 1946. Scoring is based upon a register-and-count system devised by a Carnival committee before the start of the parade. After a German pop song “Happy Wanderer" by the Obernkirchen Children's Choir won the Trinidad & Tobago Road March title in 1955 the rules were amended to restrict songs eligible to be in the road march competition to only songs vocalised by local Trinidad & Tobago artistes. The Road March title is among the most prestigious in Trinidad Carnival. First Calypso recordings were made in 1912 so Trinidad & Tobago Road Marches prior to 1912 were not recorded that year but may have been recorded years later after recording technology became available to Calypso pioneers of the 1910 s to 1930 s. In 2019, Skinny Fabulous of St. Vincent & the Grenadines created history by becoming the second foreign artiste (after the German Obernkirchen Children's Choir) and the very first foreign soca artiste to win the prestigious Trinidad & Tobago Road March title with a song called "Famalay" which was vocalised by Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin.

ROAD MARCH MONARCHS YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET SONG 1932 NORMAN SPANN KING RADIO TIGER TOM PLAY TIGER CAT 1948 NORMAN SPANN KING RADIO WHO DEAD CANAAN 1933 NORMAN SPANN KING RADIO WASH PAN WASH 1949 VICTOR ATWELL LORD WONDER RAMGOAT BAPTISM 1934 WALTER DOUGLAS RAILWAY DOUGLAS AFTER JOHNNY DRINK ME RUM 1950 CEPHAS ALEXANDER KILLER IN A CALABASH 1935 RAPHEAL DE LEON ROARING LION DINGOLAY OY 1951 FITZGERALD HENRY TERROR TINY BLOW YOUR TRUMPET 1936 RAPHEAL DE LEON ROARING LION ADVANTAGE COULD NEVER DONE 1952 CARLTON GUMBS SPIT FIRE POST ANOTHER LETTER FOR THELMA 1937 RAPHEAL DE LEON ROARING LION NETTY 1953 CARLTON GUMBS SPIT FIRE BOW WOW 1938 RAPHEAL DE LEON ROARING LION NO NORAH DARLING 1954 CARLTON JOSEPH LORD BLAKIE STEEL BAND CLASH 1939 NORMAN SPANN KING RADIO MATILDA 1955 NORTH AMERICAN BALLAD (FOREIGN) HAPPY WONDERER NORTH AMERICAN BALLAD 1940 EGBERT MOORE LORD BEGINNER RUN YUH RUN 1956 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW JEAN AND DINAH 1941 RAPHEAL DE LEON ROARING LION WHOOPSIN 1957 NELSON CATO DOCTOR NELSON 1942 TO 1945 NO CARNIVALWORLD WAR 1958 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW PAY AS YOU EARN 1946 NO COMPETITION 1959 EMMANUEL PIERRE LORD CARUSO RUN THE GUNSLINGERS 1947 ANDREW BERNARD 1960 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW MAE PHAROAH PORTUGESE DANCE

ROAD MARCH MONARCHS YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET SONG 1961 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW ROYAL JAIL 1974 WINSTON BAILEY SHADOW BASS MAN 1962 CARLTON JOSEPH LORD BLAKIE MARIA 1975 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER TRIBUTE TO WINSTON SPREE 1963 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER THE ROAD 1976 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER FLAG WOMAN 1964 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER THIS IS MAS 1977 ROSE MC CARTHA LEWIS CALYPSO ROSE TEMPO 1965 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER MY PUSSIN 1978 ROSE MC CARTHA LEWIS CALYPSO ROSE COME LEH WE JAM 1966 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW OBEAH WOMAN 1979 SYLVESTER LOCKHART POSER AH TELL SHE 1967 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER SIXTY SEVEN 1980 AUSTIN LYONS BLUE BOY SOCA BAPTIST 1968 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER MISS TOURIST 1981 AUSTIN LYONS BLUE BOY ETHEL 1969 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW SA SA YEA 1982 SEDLEY JOSEPH PENGUIN DEPUTY 1970 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER MARGIE 1983 AUSTIN LYONS BLUE BOY REBECCA 1971 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER MADISON SQUARE 1984 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW DOH BACK 1972 SLINGER FRANCISO SPARROW DRUNK AND DISORDERLY 1985 EDWIN AYOUNG CRAZY SOUCOUYANT 1973 ALDWYN ROBERTS KITCHENER RAINORAMA 1986 DAVID RUDDER BAHIA GIRL

Lord Kitchener ("Kitch") - The Grandmaster Record Holder: Road March Tunes. . . (10 times) Tunes. . . . (18 times) Panorama Lord Kitchener ("Kitch"), the Grandmaster, was born April 18, 1922, as Aldwyn Robertsin Arima, Trinidad and Tobago ("T&T; "), into a family of six. He started composing calypsos at the tender age of 10 and also learnt to play the guitar. Bees Melody - Click to play

• His first job as a singer was in 1936, when he was hired to serenade the employees of the Water Works. He got his first break in 1937 while he was performing in an old time bamboo calypso tent in Arima. • In 1938, he ventured into the realm of big time calypso, and in 1939 he produced a hit called "Shops Close Too Early". In 1942, he joined the Roving Brigade, a traveling group of young calypsonians who appeared at cinema houses in different districts in T&T. • Kitch was making one of these appearances when Johnny Khan, the manager of a calypso tent, spotted him and recruited Kitch for his first professional tent appearance. • He appeared at the Victory Calypso Tent on Edward Street with some of the great calypsonians of the day, such as Tiger, Roaring Lion, Atilla the Hun, Destroyer, Pretender, Caressa and Iere. His song then was *Green Fig*. • It became a hit. In those days, Kitch was paid a dollar per night. Kitch has been a major force in the world of calypso since then, destroying all challengers year after year with his incredible wit, humor, and lasting melody. Lord Kitchener ("Kitch") – The Grandmaster

Lord Kitchener ("Kitch")– The Grandmaster In 1938, Kitch won the first prize in a calypso competition organized by the Arima Borough Council. He held the title until 1942. At the outbreak of World War II, Carnival in T&T; was stopped until 1944 but the calypso tents were kept opened. It was around 1944 that a friend, Alric Farrell, better known as Pretender, reportedly persuaded Kitch to turn professional and join the great calypsonians of those days --- Beginner, Destroyer, Growling Tiger, Attilla the Hun, Executor, Invader, Growler, and Roaring Lion --- in Port of Spain. Apparently, Kitch followed Pretender's advice. He came to Port of Spain, and sang a calypso he called "Mary, I am Tired and Disgusted, " before the critical and exacting calypso lovers of Port of Spain. That calypso took Port of Spain by storm. Realizing the talent of the young calypsonian, The Growling Tiger christened the "Bean" "Lord Kitchener. " In 1945, Kitch scored again in Port of Spain with "I am a Worrier. “ However, it was not until 1946 that he had his first big success. He had a hat trick consisting of "Tie Tongue Mopsy, " "Chinese Never Had a VJ Day, " and "Jump In the Line. " By then, he had achieved enough stature as a calypsonian to open his own tent. The first full year of the tent was 1947. Kitch called it the "Young Brigade. " Some of the calypsonians in the tent were Lord Zigfield, Melody, Mighty Killer, Sir Galba, Spoiler, and Viking. Their only competition was another tent, organized by the Roaring Lion and Attilla, staffed with some of the Calypso giants of those days. In 1947, Kitch was proclaimed the best calypsonian of the year. His big tunes for that year were "Scandal in St. Ann's, " "Mount Olga, " and "Tie Tongue Mopsy. “ Kitch started writing calypsoes again in 1953, and in that year he wrote "Africa My Home, " "Beware Tokyo, " and "If You Not White, You Considered Black. " Soon, Kitch opened his own club in Manchester, and also received a six month contract to tour the U. S. where he appeared in New York, Washington D. C. , and other cities on the East Coast. Kitch returned to England, and in 1958 he made his first of several recordings for the Melodisc record label. .

ROAD MARCH MONARCHS YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET SONG 1987 KELVIN POPE DUKE THUNDER 2000 AUSTIN LYONS SUPERBLUE PUMP IT UP 1988 CHRISTOPHER HERBERT TAMBU THIS PARTY IS IT IWER GEORGE CARNIVAL COME BACK AGAIN 1989 CHRISTOPHER HERBERT TAMBU FREE UP 2001 WINSTON BAILEY SHADOW STRANGER 1990 CHRISTOPHER HERBERT TAMBU WE AIN'T GOING HOME 2002 NAYA GEORGE & INVASION BAND NAYA GEORGE TRINIDAD 1991 AUSTIN LYONS SUPERBLUE GET SOMETHING AND WAVE 2003 FAYE ANN LYONS DISPLAY 1992 AUSTIN LYONS SUPERBLUE JAB 2004 SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER DE BAND COMING 1993 AUSTIN LYONS SUPERBLUE BACHANAL TIME 2005 SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER 1994 BARNETT HENRY PREACHER JUMP AND WAVE 2006 SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER MACHEL MONTANO & PATRICE ROBERTS BAND OF THE YEAR 1995 AUSTIN LYONS SUPERBLUE SIGNAL TO LARA 2007 MACHEL MONTAANO MACHEL MONTANO JUMBIE 1996 NIGEL & MARVIN LEWIS MOVIN 2008 FAYE ANN LYONS GET ON 1997 MACHEL MONTAANO MACHEL MONTANO BIG TRUCK 2009 FAYE ANN LYONS MEET SUPERBLUE 1998 WAYNE RODRIQUEZ FOOTSTEPS 2010 JASON WILLIAMS & ANCIL ISAACS JW & BLAZE PALANCE 1999 SANELLE DEMPSTER RIVER 2011 MACHEL MONTAANO MACHEL MONTANO ADVANTAGE DEAD OR ALIVE

ROAD MARCH MONARCHS YEAR NAME SOBRIQUET SONG 2012 MACHEL MONTAANO MACHEL MONTANO PUMP YUH FLAG 2013 AUSTIN LYONS SUPERBLUE FANTASTIC FRIDAY 2014 MACHEL MONTANO MOR (MINISTRY OF ROAD) 2015 MACHEL MONTANO LIKE A BOSS 2016 MACHEL MONTANO MONK MUNTY WAITING FOR THE STAGE 2017 EDGHILL THOMAS ULTIMATE REJECTS FULL EXTREME 2018 MACHEL MONTANO/ AUSTIN LYONS (SUPERBLUE) SOCA KINGDOM 2019 MACHEL MONTANO/ IAN ALVAREZ (BUNJI GARLIN) GAMAL DOYLE (SKINNY FABULOUS) FAMALAY 2020 NEIL "IWER GEORGE" & KEES DIEFFENTHALLER STAGE GONE BAD 2021 NO CARNIVAL – COVID 19

Most Road March Wins Winner’s Circle - The most such titles have gone to: • • The Late Lord Kitchener with eleven (11) wins Super Blue with ten (10) wins Machel Montano also with ten (10) wins The Mighty Sparrow with eight (8) wins In the mid-1970 s, a woman officially broke through in the male dominated Calypso arena. Calypso Rose was the first female to officially win the Trinidad and Tobago Road March competition in 1977 with her song "Give More Tempo". The following year 1978 with "Come Leh We Jam" in addition to winning the Road March title again, Calypso Rose also won the "Calypso King" competition, the first time a woman had received that award. As a result, the "Calypso King" competition was officially renamed the “Calypso Monarch" competition to take into account that females also take part and have won titles.

Calypso Rose Named after the American general Douglas Mac. Arthur, Rose’s earliest years were a crowded environment – 19 people in a one-bedroom house. When she was 9, she moved from Tobago to live with an uncle in Barataria. Rose’s father was a leader with the Spiritual Shouter Baptists. Her family was very traditional and opposed her singing in Carnival Tents. Career She began writing songs at the age of 15, turned professional in 1964 and has written over 800 songs and recorded over 20 albums. Rose's father was a leader with the Spiritual Shouter Baptists. Her family was very traditional and opposed her singing in Carnival Tents. She composed her first Calypso in 1955 after seeing a man steal the spectacles off of a ladys face in the Croisee, San Juan. In the song, she advises Tobagonians to stay at home, because Trinidad was no place for them. Originally she used Crusoe Kid as her stage name, the name Calypso Rose was given to her by the Spoiler, and tent members Piggy and Spike. Travelling outside of Trinidad and Tobago for the first time in 1963, Rose covered The islands from Grenada to St. Thomas. She won the Calypso King contest and the Road march in St. Thomas with her first recording, Cooperation. In 1966 she wrote the song Fire in Me Wire, the first calypso ever sung two years running at the Trinidad carnival, in 1966 and 1967. Born Mc. Cartha Linda Sandy-Lewis began writing songs at the age of 15, turned professional in 1964 and has written over 800 songs and recorded over 20 albums. Early life and education Calypso Rose born Mc. Cartha Linda Sandy-Lewis, 27 April 1940 in Bethel, Tobago is a Calypsonian. Soca Tempo Click to play In the mid-70 s, as well as dominating the race for the Calypso Queen Title, a title she won five years running from 1972 to 1976, Rose had major hits with Constable Rose and Do Dem Back which became her first gold disc. Rose was the first female to win the Trinidad Road March competition, in 1977 with her song Gimme More Tempo and in 1978 she took the title again with Come Leh We Jam. In the same year she won the Calypso King competition, the first time it had ever been awarded to a female. The competition's title was changed to Calypso Monarch in her honour. She has lived in New York, since 1983. In October 1996, Rose underwent surgery for breast cancer and in 1998 undertook therapy for a malignancy in her stomach.

Calypso Rose Honours & Awards • Receiving more honours than any other living Calypsonian, Calypso Rose has been the recipient of the Medal of Honour from the government of Trinidad and Tobago, and a Lifetime Achievement Award was given to her from the city of Chicago. Her other awards include: • 1977: Meritous Achievement Award by the city of Los Angeles, California, USA Everybody’s Magazine, Woman of the Year Award. 1978: Award for Unprecedented Achievement by a Calypsonian from the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance of the USA. 1978: Distinguished Achievement Award for the First Triple Crown Calypso Monarch of the World by The Tobago Benevolent Society. 1979: Award for Magnanimous Contribution to the Culture by the Caribbean Arts and Culture Council. 1982: Album of the Year Award, Mass In California. 1982: Made an honorary citizen of Belize in recognition of her work to raise the country's international awareness on the cultural front. 1983: Top Female Calypsonian by the Smithsonian Institute, Washington D. C. 1984: Queen of Soca and Calypso Award by Super Jocks Records. 1985: Best Female Recording Artist Award by C. E. I 1986: Recognition for Achievement in Human Progress from the Concerned Citizens of Liberia Organization. 1987: National Belize Music Award 25 th Anniversary of Independence Ward by Stag Beer & Vat 19 Rum. 1987: Recognition of Achievement for 30 years of Music by Rick Records. 1988: Gratitude and Commendation for the Development of Arts and Culture in Belize by the National Arts Council of Belize. 1988: Appointment as Foremost Ambassador of Culture by the West Indian Day Association. 1989: Humanitarian Award by Sunshine Music Awards. 1989: Recognition for contribution to the steelpan by the Calypso and Steel-band Music Awards. 1989: Best Party Song by the Sunshine Music Awards. 1989: Best Female Vocalist by the Sunshine Music Awards. 1990: Nafeita Lifetime Achievement Awards. 1991: Outstanding Female in the Field of Music Award by the National Women’s Action Committee. 1991: Most Outstanding Woman in Trinidad and Tobago by the National Women’s Action Committee. 1993: Inducted into the Tobago Walk of Fame as a charter member. 1993: Honored by the mayor of St. Catharine’s, Ontario, Canada, with the keys to the City. 1999: Tobago House of Assembly decrees that the new hospital built in Tobago shall be named after Calypso Rose (Mc. Cartha Lewis Memorial Hospital. 1999: International Caribbean Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. • • • • • •

Extempo is a lyrically improvised form of calypso and is most notably practiced in Trinidad and Tobago. It consists of a performer improvising in song or in rhythmic speech on a given theme before an audience who themselves take turns to perform. It is inherently competitive and success is judged by the wit and ingenuity of the performance. It is similar in form to what has been defined as traditional African song: "a recitative or chants with a short chorus”. The soloist gives the melody while a chorus sings a refrain. As the melody is given out, they turn to one another, each improvising in turn. Extempo tends to comprise topics from current events treated with mockery, ridicule and sarcasm, or with flattery or praise. ”

Winner’s Circle – Extempo 2006 Sheldon John 2007 Joseph "Lingo" Vautor-La Placeliere 2008 Joseph "Lingo" Vautor-La Placeliere 2009 Joseph "Lingo" Vautor-La Placeliere 2010 Winston “Gypsy” Peters 2011 Sheldon John 2012 Lady Africa (Leslie Ann Bristow) 2013 Lady Africa (Leslie Ann Bristow) 2014 Brian London 2015 Joseph "Lingo" Vautor-La Placeliere 2016 Winston “Gypsy” Peters 2017 Winston “Gypsy” Peters 2018 Myron "Incredible Myron B" Bruce 2019 Brian London 2020 Brian London