CALYPSO: A WORLD MUSIC
HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA
Introduction
Calypso in Trinidad
International Calypso
Artists
Songs
Calypso Today

photo of Calypso tent
Calypsonians in a tent
 

Calypso in Trinidad:

Carnival and Musical Traditions
Calypso Tents and Calypsonians
The Composition of Calypso
Early Recordings of Calypso
Calypso in the 1940s and 1950s

Calypso Tents and Calypsonians

In the early 1900s, masquerade bands built "tents" in their yards during the Carnival season. These structures were typically made with bamboo poles and covered with palm fronds. Kerosene lamps provided illumination, while seating consisted of bamboo benches. In the evenings, one or more chantwells would sing calypsos for members of the masquerade band and passers-by from the neighborhood.

In 1921 a calypso singer named Chieftain Douglas opened a tent dedicated to the performance of calypso. Douglas rented chairs for his audience and sold tickets for his shows.

By the 1930s, there were several calypso tents in Port of Spain and other towns in Trinidad. Singers in the tents took turns performing on a stage and were accompanied by an ensemble of such instruments as guitar, cuatro (a small four-stringed guitar), violin, bass, flute and clarinet.

photo of Chieftain Douglas
Chieftain Douglas


Calypso tent, 1950s

photo of Calypsonians, 1935
Calypsonians, 1935

photo of Calypsonians, 1948
Calypsonians, 1948

By the 1930s, calypso singers were no longer simply chantwells for masquerade bands. Now known as "calypsonians," they had independent careers, performing in tents, movie theaters and other venues during the Carnival season.

Since the turn of the century, calypso performers had given themselves unique sobriquets. Among the best-known artists of the 1930s were Lord Executor, Atilla the Hun, the Roaring Lion and the Growling Tiger. Such names expressed the calypsonians' sense of grandeur and the forcefulness with which they competed in song.


Next: The Composition of Calypso