The derivation of calypso rhythms can be traced back to the arrival of the first African slaves to Barbados and other Caribbean islands in the seventeenth century. The artform, which was developed in Trinidad, combines the skills of story-telling, singing and instrument making, and has since been influenced by European, North American and other Caribbean cultures. Calypso is a unique form of music that is an integral part of the Barbadian cultural landscape. The calypso usually involves some social commentary, typically a humorous satire on social and political events, with an infectious beat. Other calypsos are strictly for "wuking up"! Calypso became highly organized in Barbados in 1974, with the revival of the Crop Over Festival. Today, calypso is an integral part of the festival, with the Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Competition being one of the most popular events. During Crop Over, approximately nine calypso tents (organized groups of calypsonians) perform several times weekly. Eighteen of these calypsonians go forward to the semi-finals of the competition, with seven advancing to the finals to challenge the previous year's monarch. The youth of Barbados are also involved in calypso, with several children (under 16 years) taking part in the Junior Calypso Monarch competition, which serves as a training ground for the calypsonians of the future. Based on the talent and enthusiasm of these youngsters, the future of calypso in Barbados looks very bright.

Converted Calypso Since both reggae from Jamaica and soca from Trinidad are very popular in Barbados, a fusion of the two was always likely. This fusion came in the form of ragga-soca - a rhythm that is faster than reggae but slower than up-tempo soca. Ringbang is a fusion of all the music of the Caribbean with the focus is on the rhythm rather than the melody. Since it's creation in 1994, ringbang has grown in popularity in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. A number of Barbadian artistes have gained exposure and recognition throughout the Caribbean and beyond due to their natural talent, musical creativity and perseverance. Among those that have received such recognition are: The Mighty Gabby, David Kirton, Red Plastic Bag and John King, bands Krosfyah, Square One and Spice, and jazz saxophonist Arturo Tappin, who continues to thrill audiences throughout the world. On this small island in the sun, there is a diverse musical landscape that continues to produce outstanding artistes, welcomes international performers and influences the development of music worldwide. The derivation of calypso rhythms can be traced back to the arrival of the first African slaves to Barbados and other Caribbean islands in the seventeenth century. The artform, which was developed in Trinidad, combines the skills of story-telling, singing and instrument making, and has since been influenced by European, North American and other Caribbean cultures. Calypso is a unique form of music that is an integral part of the Barbadian cultural landscape. The calypso usually involves some social commentary, typically a humorous satire on social and political events, with an infectious beat. Other calypsos are strictly for "wuking up"! Calypso became highly organized in Barbados in 1974, with the revival of the Crop Over Festival. Today, calypso is an integral part of the festival, with the Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Competition being one of the most popular events. During Crop Over, approximately nine calypso tents (organized groups of calypsonians) perform several times weekly. Eighteen of these calypsonians go forward to the semi-finals of the competition, with seven advancing to the finals to challenge the previous year's monarch. The youth of Barbados are also involved in calypso, with several children (under 16 years) taking part in the Junior Calypso Monarch competition, which serves as a training ground for the calypsonians of the future. Based on the talent and enthusiasm of these youngsters, the future of calypso in Barbados looks very bright. http://www.barbados.org/music.htm Emerson, 8p6qa, (ilink 6922), spoke to us on echolink on 7/1/02. mailto://emersoncyrus51@hotmail.com