By: Helen Grenade
January 20, 2023
CALYPSO AND THE FIRST CALYPSONIANS;
Some of the first distinctively Grenadian Calypsonians, Singers and Songwriters was legends such as Papitette, Melody, Dictator, Shadow, Stuffy, Splinto, Hurricane,Scaramouche and Flying Turkey, whose style was reminiscent of The Mighty Sparrow and Lord Kitchener.,
“Source credit Mister Dexter Mitchell”
These Calypsonians kickstarted the Calypso Music Scene and boasted one of the most vibrant waves to ever take Grenada by storm. These were the first Calypso Icons who went on to become huge national names in Grenada. Melody and Papitette dominated those eras. Other Calypso winners included Shadow, Stuffy, Splinto and Hurricane.
Dictator won his only Calypso title in 1969 with his song “Brightness Out Of Darkness” That song has remained, up to today, part of Grenada’s great Folkloric Culture.
Born performers whose charismatic personalities came to life on stage. Another Icon was “Scaramouche” who won the crown in 1970. With stunning 1950s themed costumes, these legends look every bit the part as they wowed audiences with their performances that provided fans with quality entertainment that they just couldn’t get enough of.
Other phenoms who also won competitions during the 1970s were “Unlucky”. The Original “Inspector”. And “Lord Slim” These performers made their fans very happy with their great voices. Their music gained notoriety among critics. Papitette, Melody, Dictator, Shadow, Stuffy, Splinto, Hurricane, Flying Turkey, made headlines during the 1970s calypso competitions. Singer, Songwriters with great poetic lyrics. The success of and freshness of their music was remarkable.
During the 1960s onwards, Grenadian popular music history got inextricably intertwined with American and British ones. But it didn’t completely forget its musical heritage.
Calypso And Reggae Regional Music:
Foreign influences and Grenada’s national local styles blended together in a mix that sometimes originated peculiar and unique musical phenomena. Not only single musicians or bands, but also a figure which became, and still is a distinctive feature of Grenada’s popular musicThe Calypso Art Form has been transformed and presented in various categories. Soca, Social Commentary, Political Commentary, Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions are still running today, though most critics consider it too mainstream and traditional, still, it’s an important appointment for both musicians, fans, and families.
The competition contests are broadcast on Grenadian radios and showcase on television channels. The rules of the competition have changed a little somewhat with the generations and the technology innovations.
Today’s music place focuses on compositions, rendition and delivery. Many foreign musicians captured the attention of Grenadians audiences which helped in the development of Grenada’s national tastes. In more recent years, the number of contestants has increased dramatically and constantly. And the competition has become a popular must see show down on national T.V, rather than a song contest.
Calypso and Soca singing competition, has launched the careers of many Grenadian Singers, famous in many countries throughout the world, such as Michael D Redman, Edison Mitchell “Ajamu”, Elwin McQuilkin “Black Wizard” Wilt Cambridge “Tallpree” Clifton Ryan “Mighty Bomber” Mr. Killa, Skinny Banton, Sean Niles “Sour Serpent” , Flyin” Turkey, Patrick Asa Paul “Praying Mantis”, living legends of the Calypso and Soca Art Form. These and other remarkable artists continue to release new sweet music to their fans’ heart delight.
This is certainly a most special occasion, an opportunity to honor Grenada’s true legends of the Calypso and Soca Art Form. Well known artists for their accomplishments. Artists who have dedicated their lives to delivering joy and entertainment to their fans worldwide,
GRENADA’S TOP CALYPSONIANS WHO HAVE MADE THE LIST:
The Mighty Sparrow
Ajamu
Black Wizard.
Flying Turkey
Papitette
Scaramouche
Defender
Sour Serpent
Scholar
Sheldon Douglas
Praying Mantis,
Tangler
Flying Clouds
Teacher Eddy,
Mister X
Gleason Glaze Andrews
Skylark
Natty Jude Taylor
Rootsman Kelly
African Teller
Unlucky
Persuader Adrian Thomas
Inspector
Smokey
Squeezie
Val Adams
Berbice
Randy Isaac
Papa Jerry
Beast
Darius
SOCA MUSIC THE NEW PHENOMENON:
Soca music’s impact is indisputable, placing it among the most important cultural phenomenon in a generation in Grenada.It is the most dominant style of music inside Grenada. Various Artists such as TallPree, Lavaman, Lil Natty, Thunda, Luni Spark, Electrify, Skinny Banton, Runi Jay, Ajamu, Sheldon Douglas, Lil Kerry,Finley Jeffrey,Boyzie, Alma Boy, Baby Killa, Terra D Governor, Skull Dawg, Thunda, Mandela Linkz, Soca Banton, Short Pree, Lavaman, Jab King,
These Soca icons have extended their popularity, producing many Albums containing crowd-moving hits. These ultimate Soca Icons, haven’t lost one bit of their magic with writing music and who have achieved legendary status in the local and international music scene. These awesome artists have become household names and are probably the most versatile Soca Musicians of the bunch.. Most of these Soca Artists have numerous Awards added to their names. They have won multiple awards and Citations from National and International Music Industries. They have received nominations for awards, both local and international.
The new sound that has emerged from the streets of Grenada, and it has come to be known as Soca and has developed a cult following. Soca is characterized by its focus on improvisation, borrowing from calypso and rooted in Jab Soca and African dance, is the foundation on which it was built…
OTHER NOTABLE MUSICIANS WORTH MENTIONING WHO HAVE AN AMAZING DIFFERENCE IN GRENADA’S. ART FORM AND CULTURE.
Grenada has numerous amazing Piano and Keyboard players throughout the world. They are creative with amazing technical skills. These Musicians are pushing boundaries with their undeniable talents. Some of Grenada’s most notable famous Piano/Keyboard players you should know about. Grenadian Keyboard virtuosos, a super distinction that takes them above most others. They are inspiring many other superb, and excellent artists who are coming after them and want to walk in their footsteps. This list is the perfect resource for you.
Steven Alexander, Eddie Bullen,Quincy Bullen, Gerard Mark, Orin Mc. Queen, Don Charles, Jeffrey Japal, Desmond Campbell, Valdan Mc Kie, Dr. Michael Regis, Derrick Clouden, Arnot Charles,Eugene Gittens, Lincoln Morgan, Victor Thornhill, Robin Seales, Sean Tamer.
Other Notable And Distinguished and undisputed musical legends:
Mister Ralph Bullen, Mister Chateau, Ali Belgrave, Ali Telpha,
GUITAR PLAYERS:
Phenomenal and talented.Downan Enoch Mitchell, Arundel Martin John, Lawrence Layne, Anthony Francois,Richard Nicholes, Jeremy Hector,, Quincy Bullen,Frank Whiteman, Martin Mitchell, Ellis Newton,, Ashley Hayes, Israel Noel, Rossi Whiteman, Lloyd Augustine, Curtis St. Bernard, John Law, Joe Lett, Roosevelt Johnson, Michael Locaine, Todd Payne, Egbert Felix, Ron Downs, Edison Mitchell Allan Sincere, Cecil Bartholomew, Aiden Slinger, Steve Scipio,, George Cummins,, Egbert Felix, Francis Edwards, Aaron Jones (Scalies), Leon Joseph, Baga Branch, Victor Bullen, Author Campbell, Ronny Maricheau, Hugh Joseph.
Peter King, Eugene Gittens, the late Dr. Trevor Friday, Franklyn Augustine, Gary Seales, David Andrews, Pearley Regis, Keith Neckles, Steven Roberts Syril Mitchell, Kaka Patay, Mr. Bullen, Val McQueen, David Duncan ”Laddy”, Jude Phillip, Fanty.
A GENIUS PROMOTER AND PRODUCER:
ROCKING J, the formidable Grenadian Music promoter and Record Producer, a Grenadian son, who is well known for working with Grenadian Artists. Many of today’s Soca and Calypso artists went on to release Albums and songs under the guidance of Rocking J. Pairing with him seemed to reinvigorate these artists who have gone on to release stellar music. He is a friend and collaborator to many, if not all of them.
He has helped to introduce Soca and Calypso repertoire. His amazing talents and capabilities have catapulted artists that he has worked with into stardom. He is a natural who has the ability and the opportunities to continue his exquisite work in music today. Rocking J is a mega talent which is overshadowed only by the amazing human being he is. He has that marvelous gumption that is one of the nice things that he has along with his tremendous artistic talent and his unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of Grenada’s calypso and Soca music.
His abilities are in great demand. Rocking J deserves recognition for his services performed during the many years, for his great contributions assistance and accomplishments in the field of music. He has stepped into different arenas, working on a number of fundraising campaigns, events and Grenadian community organizations in New York He has always been a support base for and to everyone who needs him, and for his loved ones. Rocking J is a precious gift to all those he has helped to become who they are today, a temporary gift in this world. Surely his accomplishments should be far remembered and everlasting.
He has done so much to help the less fortunate, while quietly supporting different causes.
GRENADA’S CABARET STAR:
LESLIE ARTHUR JULIEN HUTCHINSON was one of the biggest Cabaret Personality during the 1920s. He was born in Gouyave, on March 7th, 1900. He died in London, England on the 18th of March, 1969. More information on the great Leslie Arthur Julien Hutchinson here.
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