Defining Calypso Pt.2

Wha I feel um is...

Reigning Calypso monarchs...The Might Gabby and Apollo c.2010...a year they were both crowned as Calypso monarchs Nationally and at UWI respectively.

In the previous post I utilised previous research to given insight into the origins of the Calypso as well as attempting to define it and its functions. Below I wish to offer a more technical and detailed definition of Calypso.

In my  analysis...
In my interpretation based upon existing research, theories, definitions and my own research and observations I choose to define Calypso as follows.

Calypso...

• A genre of music common throughout the English Speaking Caribbean characterised by a syncopated rhythm, call and response singing style and unique-for lack of a better term-phrasing of lyrics.
• Calypso content is often characterised by one or more of the following; topical, critical, lamenting, humorous, fantasy, celebratory, party...

Kaiso...

• Kaiso is the sub genre of Calypso which is characterised by the nature of its content being topical, critical and lamenting but can also be humourous, celebratory or fantasy
• Kaiso more specifically focuses on the delivery of topical, social and or political commentary and uses the aforesaid styles to present its content...
• Kaiso is often delivered with a slow to medium tempo, ranging from slow laboured tempos from around 69 bpms to the bouncier-often-sing along-120 bpms but cannot be strictly defined by tempo.

Soca...

• Soca is the sub genre of Calypso which is characterised by the nature of its content being celebratory and party oriented-especially in recent times-but are often topical, and employ fantasy and humour
• Soca more specifically focuses on the delivery of party and dance floor anthems and since the early 90's has often been characterized lyrically by instructions given to its listeners to; jump,wave,wine, grind, juck, wuk,pooch back etc, 

• It's lyrics are often highly sexualised focusing on the interaction of its female and male listeners  in their physical interpretation of the songs. 
• The 'rum' culture of the caribbean is also usually heavily endorsed in the content of these songs as well.
• Soca is often delivered from around a groovy 100 bpms to a frenetic pulsating,140-160 bpms and syncopation of the rhythm is key. The uptempo nature of Soca emphasises its dance-ability.                                                                                                                                                                         

The above represents a very basic, somewhat limited preliminary analysis of the genre of Calypso.The major points I wish to emphasise here however, are;

1. syncopation of the rhythm and call and response phrasing/nature of the vocal delivery
2. Identifying Kaiso- characterised by its commentary on social and political issues and its generally slower tempo -as a sub genre of Calypso
3. Identifying Soca -characterised by its emphasis on partying and celebration and its generally medium to fast tempo and resultant dance appeal as a sub genre of Calypso.

The grasping of these definitions will assist in the understanding of my further analysis and observations of Calypso in Barbados and the region.