New Music From Calypso on Calabash Music

Ernest Ranglin

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

Jamaican guitar virtuoso Ernest Ranglin recorded with Baaba Maal and other notable Senegalese musicians during a visit to Dakar.

Manuel Monestel

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

There's a revial of Calypso from Limon underway and Manuel Monestel has been instrumental in promoting this revival. In "One Pant Man", Monestel sings songs by Costa Rican calypsonians Walter Ferguson and Lenky, as well as original compositions, which touch on a broad range of Latin American styles.

Walter Ferguson

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

Costa Rican calypsonian Walter Ferguson is probably one of the last calypsonians in Central America who developed his art in verbal confrontations, duels of words and improvisations. He is not only a musician but also a great humorist, the greatest and more prolific calypsonian in Central America today. His songs honestly reflect the idiosyncrasy of the Afro Costa Rican community and a part of the country´s culture most ignored by institutions. Mr. Ferguson jokes about the calypsonian´s naïve spirit, often misunderstood and persecuted, taken advantage of by glamour girls who call him “sugar candy” or bullied by policemen, and portrays Afro Costa Rican life with simplicity and creativity.

Los Acustilocos

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

Original songs with Latin and Caribbean rhythms, beautiful melodies, vocal harmonies and multiple languages.

Silvana Magda

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

Silvana Magda was born in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. In 1984 she arrived in the United States a seasoned artist who had already reached her goal as a professional dancer/ choreographer but still brought visions of showcasing her talents in America.

Lord Invader

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

Lord Invader (Rupert Westmore Grant, 1914-1962) was one of the best known calypsonians of his time. He traveled around the world refining his art and promoting calypso music, in spite of his humble beginnings.

Mighty Sparrow

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

With his ultra-sweet vocals and lyrics that speak of romance and topical politics, Mighty Sparrow (born Slinger Francisco) has risen to the upper echelon of Trinidadian calypso.

Kobo Town

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

A pan-Caribbean sound where the lyricism and melodies of calypso meet the heavy bass grooves of dub and reggae.

Toto Bissainthe

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:46 -0500

Singer, composer and actress. Her innovative mixture of traditional music, contemporary arrangements and modern lyrics honoured the lives, the problems and the spirituality of the Haitian people, in particular the working class and the farmers.

3 Canal

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:08:47 -0500

3canal is a performance and visual arts collaborative rooted in Rapso music, a hybrid of Calypso and rap. 3canal exemplifies the way Rapso "gives voice to the voiceless" with the social commentary inherent to their often cutting lyrics.