The soundtrack of the Trinidad and Tobago music, in particular of what it concerns the calypso music, has always been relevant, dealing with national and world-wide problems that have captured people's interest.
The music of Trinidad and Tobago is best known for its calypso, soca, chutney, and steelpan music. The popular genres of music associated with the carnival are known to be the calypso and soca. Calypso's internationally noted performances in the 1950s from native artists such as Lord Melody, Lord Kitchener and Mighty Sparrow. Chutney comes from the Hindi Folk songs brought to Trinidad by Indian immigrants, and features instruments like the sitar and dholak drums. The steelband, also known as pan (from "steelpan"), is a Trinbagonian invention and the only non-electronic music instrument created in the 20th century. The pan is most popular in carnival and also showcased at other times of the year in different festivals.
While the Trinidad and Tobago's physical 2021 carnival festivities have been cancelled, artists and performers have been releasing new materials, that are COVID-related. Here is a list of songs that has been released in the last month or so and enjoy the selection.
The song, "Cabin Fever" by Skorch Burn It, Kes and Sekon Sta is about the praise of a woman's wining ability described as "rocking like a boat at sea." Anyone who has been in COVID-19 lockdown can identify with the song title with a tune that simply puts a good feel to it.
The Honey Bee Project honor the sweetness of soca music with a collection of five blazing tracks. This project features performances from Problem Child, Shal Marshall, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, and more. Enjoy the song, "Horn Proof" by Kells and Sekon Sta.
The Origin Project brings us to a happy place where we can only experience it, in our hearts and minds. We can see a good amount of vibration for passion, life, freedom and adventure that we are craving for and it is the result of how everyone feels during the carnival seasons.
The song, "Private Party" by Machel Montano was inspired by the transition of the Caribbean music community virtualizing our party experience. Even though we are still at home and events are not occurring due to the pandemic, we are experiencing the nostalgia of Hasley Crawford Stadium from our living space at home.
The pandemic has brought the national festival back, summed up in the feel-good tune that captures all the nostalgia of how simple and authentic the celebration used to be. It's an ode to the flexibility and resilience of local culture and those who understand that Carnival is so much more than a revenue earner.
Many carnivals fans are missing this painful feeling of unrequited love and craving for what it has taken away from them. The carnival is usually the release of pressures from the every day life. With many events cancelled including the carnival, it is making the sound of Trinidad and Tobago hard even though artists are releasing songs.
The song, "One Wish" by Travis World and Iwer George depicts in the video clip a COVID-positive Iwer George struggling with medical staff as he is taken to the hospital. Its a good comedic commentary on the discipline the pandemic required.
With the song, "Better Days" by Patrice Roberts, it offers hope for the future. It is a great song that offer a good message about being humble, pray and moving forward for better days to come as the song title suggests. If the pandemic is making you depressed or lonely, you will need to hear that amazing song. It will lift your spirit, has it has a great melody and an amazing voice from Patrice Roberts that will make it a sweet music.
Who is your favorite Trinadad and Tobago artist? Let us know on our social media!
Instagram: @3300Climbing
Facebook: @3300Climbing
Twitter: @3300Climbing