REGGAE: Pronounced RAY GAY, was first developed on the Caribbean island of Jamaica in the 1960's.  It was primarily performed by poor natives for entertainment.  It later became popular in Europe and through out the United States.  Reggae music has had a tremendous effect on the influence of soul, rhythm and blues, and even rock music.

Most reggae music lyrics reflect social concerns that deal with relationships, religious beliefs, world issues and poverty in the Caribbean.  Reggae songs are sung with strong native Jamaican accents accompanied with electric or acoustic guitars and drums which exude short repetitive rhythmic patterns.  The rhythms are sometimes complex and roar with a thumping base.

Reggae music is developed from two popular styles of Jamaican music SKA and ROCK STEADY.  Reggae music gained popularity outside of Jamaica in the late 1960's because of a number of musicians namely Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Issacs.  Bob Marley (The Legend), the most Popular Reggae star, formed a group called the Wailers.  He died in 1981 at the early age of 36.

Today Reggae music is known throughout the world as the most loved music ever. Whether you are age 9 or 99, you will enjoy the great sounds of Reggae music.  Open your hearts and feel the rhythm of JAMAICA.       

CALYPSO:  Pronounced KUH LIHP SOH, is a style of music that originated on the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean.  Calypso combines features of african music, spanish musical styles, american jazz and rhythm and blues.  They are usually accompanied by steel bands, which usually comprised of guitars, flutes, saxophones and groups of drums made from steel oil containers played with sticks.  

Calypso songs are mostly improvisations based on standard melodic types.  Lyrics are considered to be very a important reflection of the natives way of life.  Lyrics are formed to express personal philosophy, comments on local or world events and social problems.  The most commonly sung lyrics express gossips pertaining to male and female relationships.

Calypso was first originated in singing competitions by slaves during Carnivals in Trinidad.  After Great Britain abolished slavery in the 1830's, the competitions expanded. Originally Calypso sung in French-Creole dialect called PATOIS (pronounced PAT-WAS).  The most popular Calypso singer in the world today is Sparrow (referred to as The Mighty Sparrow).  The most popular recorded songs are "Day-O" or "Banana Boat Song" and "Mary Ann".

Try listening to Calypso music today.  You will enjoy the tantalizing effect it has on your entire body.  Better yet buy a C.D.; you'll be glad you did.        

CARNIVAL:  A time of masquerading in costumes and dancing to Calypso and Soca music in the streets to the exuberant sounds of steel bands and disc jockeys.  Some of the best known Carnivals are the West Indian American Carnival (Brooklyn NY), the Canadian Carnival (Toronto Canada), the Trinidadian Carnival and the Jamaican Carnival.  The Trinidadian and the West Indian American Carnivals are said to be the the two biggest street festivals in the world.

SOCA ("Soul of Calypso"):  came about when a calypsonian from Trinidad and Tobago known as Ras Shorty I was experimenting with mixing African and Indian rhythms to create a more up-tempo form of Calypso.  

Soca music has evolved and continues to evolve to even greater heights.  Today there are other forms of Soca, such as Chutney Soca, Ragga Soca, and Rapso, to name a few.  Chutney Soca which originated in Trinidad and Tobago as did Calypso is a blend of traditional Indian music and Calypso.  Dancehall reggae is what many think of when they hear Ragga Soca.  This was made popular by a Barbados Calypso singer known as Red Plastic Bag.  Rapso as the name portrays is a creative blend of Rap and Soca.

Some of the most popular Soca artist are Super Blue, Iwer George, Colin Lucas and Ronnie McIntosh.

So, "get something and wave" and enjoy the all the wonderful flavors of Soca.