A
blend of African, Indian and European traditions dominates the music of Trinidad and
Tobago.Calypso
Calypso combines African
traditions of lively rhythm and a cleverly improvised "tell-it-like-it-is"
attitude with European languages, scales and musical instruments. Some famous calypsonians
include Lord Invader, Attila the Hun, Roaring Lion, Mighty Sparrow and Calypso Rose (the
first woman calypsonian to make her mark internationally).
Steel Pans
The steel pan originated
when African-style percussion bands, who had previously used brake drums, bottles and
other random objects, switched to oil drums. These metal barrels provide a wider range of
notes and greater volume. They are tuned to a European scale and have marvelous
versatility, playing everything from calypso to classical. Steel bands (an orchestra of
steel pans) are an important part of Carnival, and in the days before the event, musicians
gather in outdoor "pan yards" to rehearse together. Amazingly, most pannists
cannot read sheet music; instead, they rely on memory and practice to achieve the
precision required of the best steel bands.
Fact:
Steel pans are the only
family of acoustic instruments invented in the 20th century. |
Soca
A relatively young
development in the popular music of Trinidad and Tobago, soca reflects the influence of
international pop music on calypso. Soca can be described as calypso enhanced by exciting
arrangements of fast tempos, funky bass lines, hot horn sections, independent rhythms on
bass drum and snare, and assorted percussion to fill out the sound. Many contemporary
calypsonians have made the change to soca with great success.
Make your own
instruments! Trinidadians often get creative with their noisemakers. The steel pan was
invented from the bottom of an oil drum. Likewise, the tambo bambo instrument originated
from a length of cane from a sugar plantation. Other instruments have included hubcaps,
dried gourds, and spoons. What can you use to create your own percussive or melodic
sounds? |
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