Tony Guppy Steelpan Site

Calypso -
    Calypso music also known as 'Kaiso' (a shout of encouragement,
BRAVO ) originated in Trinidad. The Art-form was developed in the 
the 19th century during Trinidad's Carnival. It combines the skills 
of story-telling, singing, social commentary, and humor.
    The roots of the music lay in the arrival of African slaves to
Trinidad, who were not allowed to speak to each other during work.
They were allowed to sing so they communicated through songs.

  Many early calypsos were sung in a French Creole dialect called
patois ("pat-was"). In the old days Calypso singers were known as 
 "Giot" (Western African Storyteller). They later became known as 
the "Chantuelle" and today, they are called "Calypsonian."  

Soca -
        Soca is a form of dance music. A mix of calypso and Indian
rhythms - combining the musical traditions of the two major ethnic 
groups of Trinbago.
       Soca (with it's origin in Trinidad and Tobago) continues to
grow in popularity, and is the music generally associated with the
various carnivals in the Caribbean.
Soca was invented by Garfield "Shorty" Blackman.

Rapso.
        Trinidad dialect rap with bold lyrics and groovy calypso or
Soca rhythm  
  
Chutney
      Chutney music is an Up-tempo, rhythmic fusion of traditional
Indian percussion (dholak, harmonium, dhantal) and Soca beat with 
English and Hindi lyrics.
Ragga Soca
    Ragga Soca : A fusion of Soca music and Dancehall style Reggae. 
Pichakaree - 
  Pichakaree is an Indo-Trinidadian style of musical. The lyrics are 
generally social commentary, and are sung using a mixture of English 
Hindi and Bhojpuri words.
Parang -
 
        Parang is a lively rhythmic Christmas song, sung in Spanish
- influenced by our South American neighbor, Venezuela.
  The music is accompanied by  Cuatro (a four-stringe small Guitar),
Violin, Guitar, Mandolin, Bandolin, Chac-chac ( or Maracas) and the 
box bass (one string bass).
   The word "Parang" is derived from the Spanish word parranda which
means "the action of merry making"(Serenaders). Parang musicians are 
known as 'Parranderos'. Stage performances, "Parang Fiestas"
are held during the Parang-Season which begins in October and lasted
until the first week of January each year.
Soca-Parang -
         Parang has evolved in the course of time and new styles and  
influences (Soca, Calypso, East Indian instrumentation and melodies)
have also been mixed in with Parang.
    The most popular is "Soca-Parang", the fusing of Soca with Parang
- vibrant tempo with lyrics sang mostly in English.