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Today we take a look at a classic Calypso entitled "Mama Look Ah Boo Boo". This song was written and sung by Lord Melody (Fitzroy Alexander) and released in 1956; however,  fame came to the American Harry Belafonte who is seen in the video clip singing "Mama Look ah Boo Boo" with another great American singer, Nat King Cole. This was the period when America was in love with Calypso. They could not get enough! The situation today is different with most Americas only identifying the Caribbean region with Jamaica and are aware of Reggae and Bob Marley. Trinidad 'who'? Trinidad what? ... What a Shame!

This second video clip (a segment from Calypso Dreams) is featured here in this post because of the reference to Lord Melody. Please pay attention, but especially about 4.5 minutes into the video clip where Harry Belafonte speaks honestly about Calypso and Calypsonians. If you were upset with Mr. Belafonte because you thought he stole something from the Calypsonians, to make a name for himself, then you must listen to him speak honestly about that period. I do believe that one can get a better understanding of the man and the music for that period in American cultural history.

I believe you will think differently of this man and realize that he did much to promote our beloved art-form, Calypso. I also listened to Kitchener speaking about Mr. Belafonte and in that interview the grand-master explained that it was because of Mr. Belafonte's American accent that he believed the North American audience took to Belafonte and not to the Caribbean singers/composers aka Calypsonians.