calypso

A type of folk song, calypso is originally from Trinidad but is also sung elsewhere in the Caribbean. The calypso tradition dates to the early 19th century. The subject of a calypso text, which is usually witty and satiric, is an event of political or social importance, and the lyric often incorporates Spanish, Creole, and African phrases. The exaggeration of local speech patterns is matched by an offbeat rhythm. Favorite accompanying instruments are the shak-shak (maraca), cuatro (a string instrument), and tamboo-bamboo (bamboo poles of various lengths struck on the ground), and steel drums.