Cherbz’s 2025 offering, “Thelma,” arrives with a quiet urgency, reflecting the grand tradition of calypso as a social mirror and moral compass, rather than with fanfare. Thelma was written by Tyrell Cherubin-Alleyne and brought to life by Centipede Island Records and arranger Roger Gittens. “Thelma” is a conversation that brings to life many ills affecting daily life in Barbados—it's a neighborly exchange that spirals into a list of national woes and a reminder to guard one’s peace amid the chaos.
🗣️ It is story time and it's all about an inquisitive neighbor named Thelma. At the heart of the song is a simple premise: Cherbz recounts a conversation with his neighbor, Thelma, a member of the press. She stops by to vent, to share, and to unload the weight of what she’s been witnessing in Barbados. From political missteps to economic strain, social unrest, to cultural erosion, Thelma’s words tumble out like headlines in a newsroom gone rogue.
But Cherbz, ever the calypsonian sage, listens and then offers a refrain that becomes the song’s emotional anchor: “Don’t get caught up in that!”
It’s not apathy—it’s survival. Every day, the news cycle feels like total dysfunction is taking place. Cherbyl's advice, while apparently avoiding the issues at hand, feels more like a coping mechanism. After all is said and done, Cherbyl, like most people, feels like 'making noise' is pointless and that the state will do what they want, when they want, so why bother?
🎶Ahh, the music—the sound is all about the brass, groove and grit of the Bajan Calypso. There is something special about Bajan music and though Bajan Calypso does not get the credit it deserves in the Caribbean, the songs are rich in lyrical and musical excellence. This song is a credit to the production team:
We have Mark Husbands on the track with the beautiful sounds of the trombone, keys, and drums that pulse with quiet intensity.
The guitar work stands out with John Matthew's steady, almost meditative rhythm—like the calm just before the storm, silent but full of meaning and vibe.
Background vocals by Orande Hamilton support and reinforce the vocals echoed by Cherbz.
Jerome "King Switch" Massiah finally polishes the production through mixing and mastering. All adding up to an excellent music production.
🧠 Calypso music is the voice of the people. Today this commentary serves as Cultural witness. “Thelma” doesn’t shout—it speaks. And in doing so, it honors calypso’s role as both storyteller and social critic. Cherbz doesn’t offer solutions; he offers perspective. The song maintains its specificity without naming names or assigning blame. This song provides a snapshot of a country, like many others in the Caribbean, of neighbors talking about 'what is wrong' but at the same time showing how disillusioned people have become.
🌀Some may say, "I've been there, done that, and heard this story before," while others may argue that this is a song for our time. In the end, Thelma, the song, suggests this: we should listen, reflect, and protect our peace. Cherbz’s delivery is understated but powerful, and the production is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Barbadian musicianship.
“Thelma” is not just a song—it’s a reminder. In the face of national turbulence, sometimes the most radical act is simply to say, “Don’t get caught up in that.”
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Thelma
Artist/Performed by: Cherbz
Written by: Tyrell Cherubin-Alleyne
Composed by: Centipede Island Records
Arranged by: Roger Gittens
Trombone, Keys & Drums by: Mark Husbands
Trumpet by: Andre Blackett
Guitar by: John Matthews
Background vocals by: Orande Hamilton
Mixed & Mastered by: Jerome "King Switch" Massiah
Origin: Barbados
Genre: Calypso 🎶
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