Calypsonian

A Calypsonian is a musician, usually from Trinidad, who has studied

Related Topics:
Musician - Trinidad

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calypso and memorised its traditional tunes and stanzas. A Calypsonian composes calypsos on topical subjects. The best can sing extemporaneously, that is improvise a calypso on any subject.

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Calypsonians traditionally take on important sounding names, although this practise is becoming less common.

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Calypsonians compete with each other, originally in ad-hoc sessions during Trinidad's carnival but since the 1950s in organised calypso competitions. A traditional calypso form, War, would close calypso shows with the calypsonians taking turns to improvise verses lauding themselves and disparaging the others.

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Leading calypsonians of the 20th century include Lord Kitchener, Roaring Lion, Lord Invader and Mighty Sparrow.

Related Topics:
20th century - Lord Kitchener - Roaring Lion - Lord Invader - Mighty Sparrow

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The above traits distinguish a calypsonian from a calypso singer, such as Harry Belafonte, who interprets calypsos but does not compose them.

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