The term “Calypso” arose after the art form has been in existence for some
time. Some theories suggest it came from the Carib word “carieto”, meaning a
joyous song, which itself evolved into “cariso” or was derived from the West
African (Hausa) term “Kaiso”, itself a conception of “kaito”,an expression of
approval and encouragement similar to “bravo”.
Calypso music was developed in Trinidad and Tobago in the 17th century, the music brought by African slaves imported into the Caribbean Island, as they worked on sugar plantations.
These slaves, brought to toil on sugar plantations, were stripped of all connections to their home-land, family and not allowed to talk to each other. They used calypso to mock the slave masters and to communicate with each other.
Calypso music was developed in Trinidad and Tobago in the 17th century, the music brought by African slaves imported into the Caribbean Island, as they worked on sugar plantations.
These slaves, brought to toil on sugar plantations, were stripped of all connections to their home-land, family and not allowed to talk to each other. They used calypso to mock the slave masters and to communicate with each other.
