Image via Youtube music video © WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM/Kaiso Showkase/Mistah Shak.
Who said there are no love songs in Calypso? Mistah Shak demonstrates that Calypso possesses a tender and affectionate side, allowing you to rediscover your love for the genre. If you're tired of the same old and seeking something new, Mistah Shak is introducing you to the sweet and sensual side of the genre. But wait, hold on now; this is not a love song about unrequited love or love verses wooing someone from the opposite sex. Oh hell no, this is a voice crying in the wilderness for the love of his life...his love for Calypso music and an art form that needs guidance and a new path forward.
There was a time when Calypso suffered public participation in the tents, and the response for the music was even poor for the Carnival season, with the exception of one event, "Calypso Fiesta" at Skinner Park. That event always turns out to be a grand party celebrating Calypso for one day! Some can see a love for the genre, but how can we harness the potential "Calypso Fiesta" shows? Mistah Shak examines the mistakes made over the years and the need for change, the need for a 'new lover' of the artform.
He sang about selfish people who would come aboard the Calypso train for selfish reasons and, after achieving their goals, simply divorce the genre for another. Can we find a new path forward to ensure that Calypso music and Calypsonians reap the rewards and find the respect that the great ones, like Sparrow, Kitchener, Shadow, and Stalin, experienced? Introspection and a desire to change for the betterment of all, and especially for the future success of the genre, are paramount. However, selfish people who see change usurping their hold and their prized control of "the movement" will not easily do the right thing.
Meanwhile, we can acknowledge that we possess the solutions, but we are hesitant to initiate action. Mistah Shak gave us a beautiful song, a cultural love song with a message of empowerment. Then again, as my friend Gailos would describe as a "boss song," now if only we could do something to help ourselves. That is the question to be answered. Will we change, can we change, can we save ourselves from ourselves? Maybe we truly need a 'Brand New Lover'!
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Real Kaiso Love
Artist/Performed by: Selvon 'Mistah Shak' Noel
The Voice of Kaiso by LeAndra
Written by: Mistah Shak
Produced & Arranged by: Shawn "MA$TAMIND" Noel & Selvon 'Mistah Shak' Noel
Steelpan by: Darril 'Harp' Edwards & Shawn "MA$TAMIND" Noel
Guitars by: Selvon 'Mistah Shak' Noel
Background Vocals by: LeAndra & Mistah Shak
Live Horns by: Oral Rodriguez, Charles Williams & David Jacob
Mixed & Mastered by: MA$TAMIND
Horns arranged by: Oral Rodriguez
Artwork Photography by CURTIS "TRINI FOTO" NICHOLS @ Zion Organic
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso
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