Before there was Soca...there was Calypso

The sound, the energy, the life of the island of Trinidad and Tobago.....or any other land in the Caribbean is the PEOPLE.

Soca Music, a popular movement today by way of artists such as Machel Mantano, SuperBlue, Kes, Patrice Roberts and others derived from the sounds of Calypso....steel pan playing an instrument that is historically unique to the islands made from industrial waste: paint points, dustbins, oil drums, biscuit bins, car parts, and others.

To be a Calypsonian is to embrace the richness of life on the islands, tell stories amongst family and friends, recall events of the day, make jokes and carry on with people in the community.
After storming the band, dancing liming and feting with friends during Carnival the feathers began to weigh in on me. The sounds of popular songs played on the radio, the mention of Soca Kingdom and the familiarity of it all began to dull my excitement and enthusiasm. I felt like there was a part of that was missing, The Spirit of Carnival and the People is what mean the most to me. With the exception of a few elderly making their presence known in the crowd with matching outfits and costumes from time before...the majority you could find hangout on the front porch watching the Masquerading go by.

To remedy the situation I discovered the legendary Calypsonian figure "The Pretender".
A singer, performer, comedian, politician and proud Trinidadian.
He is the Fela Kuti, the James Brown, the Ray Charles, Pablo Neruda....of Trinidad & Tobago.
Take a look....

Comments

Don't Board that PLANE! ...without knowing this Travel Trick.

Are you ready for this one Travelers?? Did you guess it? – It’s bedbugs. Where do they come from and how do you get rid of them? Could you imagine flying across the country to be with loved ones or family members and bring Critters into their homes? into your Hotel room? or worse…all the way back home with you? Going from Holiday Cheer and laughter to itchiness, swelling red marks all over your Body. How does this even happen? Bedbugs can cling to clothing or other personal items (like backpacks or jackets) undetectably and be transferred into suitcases in the airport, on the train, bus, or likewise. International Travel renders diverse unhygienic practices, foods, smells, and contamination. Enjoy a Trip to Paradise for the Holiday Season: Book Your Next Trip with Kayla Bedbugs can crawl into luggage if a suitcase is placed on or near an infested area or if a Hotel room goes uninspected upon arrival. Placing luggage on the bed or floor instead of using a luggage rack (they ...

The Best of DC: Busyboys and Poets

A STAPLE of Washington DC. For any Artist, happens to the be thee "Busboys and Poets". Yes, they serve Mambo Sauce here too. This place is near and dear to my heart because it was where I got one of my first jobs while in my youth over the summer. I wasn't quite drinking age which was required for serving alcohol as a Waitress, but Terrance hired me anyway. There, I didn't quite get the essence of being within a TRIBE which is their model instead of "STAFF"--until after I left the job. But I loved it with every ounce of me. I paid close attention to the flow of things and enjoyed the vibe of Mediterranean Culture mixed with Soul Food cuisine while local-made art hung on the wall and performed during the nearest open mic. I was enamoured by how the restaurant held the essence of DC right there it's nook: corporate lunches held in the terrance, indoor and outdoor seating for friends having happy house a bookstore sponsored by Global Exchange--a non-pro...

The Encounter ||| ^^^ |||

Black History Month Dueces. 22 --- I felt some type of way... I'd just finished Breakfast ~ A French/Kenyan Crepe, Potatoes + Grilled Tomato, Steamed Carrots w/ Mango Juice, and a sip of Black Coffee. I longed for the beach, but there was work to BE DONE -- the warm water and waves, kites flying in the air, and White Sand so soft you melt into it with each step. But all in all, I knew I had TO get to it! I came to Malindi - not to witness a wedding but a Playwright, an Artist, a Friend, a Host. And every day since I agreed to jump on board, I'd be rocking and rolling. Time is over the Essence. This weekend is the COOL DOWN>>> Watamu, a PLACE so LOVELY + Serene. Energizing & Free. Tomorrow, I book it. Nairobi. Then HOOME. <3 to MD. Day #1 Well, I made it. The Motherland. God willing ~ you cross the Atlantic Sea + Land Safely and discover that there is no reason to Fear. The images of poverty, lack with strips of refugee camp life, beggars and thieves -- enlarged...

Kayla Harley

Search This Blog