Trini Music

Hi Guys,

I don’t need to tell you just how much of an impact music is on any culture; and here in Trinidad there is much to enjoy when it comes to indigenous music.  Did you know that Steel Pan was invented in Trinidad and was the only musical instrument invented in the 20^th Century?  Made from old 55 gallon oil drums and tunes by natural musical geniuses, steel pan became such a beautiful piece off musical instrument that it is listened to all around the world. 

Steel pan Exodus performs at Panorama. Source: Trinidad Guardian Newspaper

Calypso another form of music invented in Trinidad back in the mid-19^th century is a splendid form of music and poetry all in one; known to most parts of the world.   Soca music late came as a faster pace party music from calypso and I am sure most of the world has heard of Marshall Montano and Bunji Garlin with their many international hits and Carnival of course.  Now those are music invented from former slaves so they had an African and French background.  On the other hand the East Indian indentured labors brought drums and modified it into Tassa which consist of clay pots covered by goat skin and some brass chime like instrument which provides a rhythm which makes you want to get up and throw waist (dance).  Most any festival and party one can enjoy Tassa, it’s very hypnotic.

Chutney is somewhat Hindi version to Calypso but complimented with traditional East Indian instruments to give it that oriental sound.  Maybe I am describing that one badly, you need to you tube chutney music from Trinidad and enjoy it yourself.  Of course there is variation to it in the form of Soca Chutney, Parang Chutney and traditional Chutney.  Tent singing is a form of religious East Indian music which sung like a poem in a unique style which I cannot really describe.  Also known as Classical singing, one would think it’s a religious symbol but I have seen many persons partying to this music and having more than one drink too.  Admittedly I am guilty of this as well; it’s a type of music which one either loves or hate, I have never came across anyone who is neutral towards it. 

Tassa performers. Source: Trinidad Guardian Newspaper

Parang is our version of Christmas Carols which sounds nothing like the original.  Spanish originally sung for the Christmas season a traditional folk music brought from Venezuela and Colombia by their Amerindian immigrants it has a fast pace and Spanish tongue which is delightful to enjoy.  Of course there is Chutney and Soca parang which gives a whole different party mood to the original but to each his own.  By now you can guess that Trinis are one of those people who just loves to fix everything regardless if it’s broken or not.

Trinidad had many musical icons that have made impacts at an international stage also such as Billy Ocean, Nicki Minaj and many others as well as many other types of music and splendor.  I will be sure to mention some of them on future post; in the mean time you can google Trinidad music and let me know what you think of it?  I recently heard that Soca music is very liked in Japan; I cannot see how that conservative culture, likes a music which makes one lose clothing and gyrates and wine beyond the limits of a human body, but I guess there are stranger things out there.

Calypso and Soca Icons. Source Trinidad Guardian Newspaper