October, Calypso History Month, is a time to celebrate one of T&T’s greatest cultural gifts to the world.
From the biting wit of Spoiler to the social commentary of Sparrow, the theatricality of Shadow, and the lyrical mastery of David Rudder, calypso has been both a mirror and a conscience of society. Yet, even as the art form’s storied past is being honoured this month, it is important to confront the uncomfortable truth that calypso’s future is far from secure.
As calypso struggles for airplay and visibility, with competitions that once filled tents now growing niche, the question to answer is clear: What must be done now to ensure calypso’s survival and revival?
The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) must lead this charge. As the body tasked with nurturing and protecting calypso, TUCO has both the responsibility and opportunity during Calypso History Month to not only celebrate the past, but to define a bold future for the art form.
Education must become a frontline priority. Calypso should be woven more deeply into T&T’s schools — not as an occasional music class project, but as an integrated element of cultural education. TUCO must lobby the Ministry of Education to embed calypso into the curriculum, teaching its history as well as its craft.
Digital transformation is urgent. In an era of streaming platforms and viral content, calypso cannot afford to remain confined to tents and competitions. TUCO should spearhead a digital archive of performances, support artistes in producing high-quality recordings, and partner with global platforms to make calypso easily accessible to younger, tech-savvy listeners. A presence on Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok is no longer optional; it is essential.
TUCO should prioritise capacity-building for calypsonians. Too often, talented artistes are let down by poor marketing, weak management, or a limited understanding of intellectual property rights. Training in business skills, branding, and music publishing would help calypsonians better navigate today’s creative economy.
In addition, TUCO must address the sustainability of competitions and tents. The calypso tent, once the heartbeat of the Carnival season, needs reinvention. Collaborations with theatres, community festivals, and even universities can widen audiences. As an example, hybrid models—blending live performances with live-streaming—can bring the tent to the diaspora and global fans.
TUCO should also deepen its role in research and documentation. Calypso’s archives are scattered and underfunded.
A dedicated research unit could work with universities and cultural institutions to preserve lyrics, recordings, and oral histories. Without serious investment in documentation, future generations may only know fragments of what this art form once represented.
Finally, there must be a renewed emphasis on calypso as social commentary. In an age of fake news and fleeting sound bites, the sharp, fearless voice of calypso is more relevant than ever. Encouraging calypsonians to tackle contemporary issues—from climate change to corruption, youth unemployment to regional integration —can remind society why the calypso voice matters.
Calypso is not dying; it is evolving. Its continued survival, though, requires deliberate strategy, innovation, and investment—led by TUCO in partnership with Government, business, and civil society.
Calypso History Month is more than an occasion to celebrate T&T’s heritage. It is also a time to commit to a future where calypso is amplified across T&T and far beyond.
