Lego! What does the word "Leggo" mean as it relates to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago? For those interested in Caribbean culture, it's important to note that "Leggo" differs significantly from "Let Go." Now let's talk about "Leggo" and the musical "Leggos" of yesteryear that ruled past carnivals!
During the early formative years of our carnival celebration in Trinidad and Tobago, there was no 'Road March' song. Instead, there was the "Lego" song! Both "Leggo" and "The Road March" allude to the same concept. During that specific carnival year, this song garnered the most popularity when played 'on the road.' What was the significance, and why was the name changed? Perhaps the establishment and management of Carnival by a recently established committee played a role.
Regarding our Leggo and Road March posts, we divided the listing into three segments: the early years from 1834 to 1931, the Leggo Years from 1932 to 1961, and the Road March years from 1962 to the present. This post focuses on songs from the years recorded as "Leggo Years" to provide clarification for those who may be unfamiliar with the term.
In its early years, "Leggo," akin to the road march, functioned as a 'breakaway song' that encouraged people to express themselves freely and have fun on the streets. Indeed, it was a very popular calypso that captured the imagination of the people and led to just about everyone being able to sing a verse from the song. It was the carnival's most popular song.
The Leggo made sure the masqueraders would embrace their freedom and appear uncontrollable as they celebrated the carnival's freedom. One must also keep in mind that Trinidad and Tobago had a governor, and it would not be until 1962 that the twin island state gained its independence. People used carnival time to unwind, enjoy themselves, engage in playful protests, or simply enjoy themselves. The "Leggo" juiced the celebration of those two glorious days.
When Trinidad and Tobago gained independence in 1962, they renamed the most popular street song, Leggo, to "The Road March." This new title symbolized a shift in national identity and pride, as the song became a central feature of the carnival festivities. As the vibrant rhythms filled the air, they resonated with the spirit of freedom and unity that defined the newly independent nation.
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The Leggo Years
1930's
1932 Norman Spann aka King Radio Tiger Tom Play Tiger Cat
1932 Norman Spann aka King Radio Tiger Tom Play Tiger Cat
1933 Norman Spann aka King Radio Wash Pan Wash
1934 Cletus Ali aka Dougla After Johnny Drink Me Rum
1935 Rafael Cairi Calls De Leon aka Roaring Lion Dingolay Oy
1936 Rafael Cairi Llama De Leon aka Roaring Lion Advantage Could Never Done
1937 Rafael Cairi Llama De Leon aka Roaring Lion Netty Netty
1938 Rafael Cairi Llama De Leon aka Roaring Lion No Norah Darling
1939 Norman Spann aka King Radio Mathilda
1940's
1940 Egbert Moore aka Beginner Run Yuh Run
1941 Rafael Cairi Calls De Leon aka Roaring Lion Whoopsin, Whoopsin
1942 No Carnival No Carnival
1943 No Carnival No Carnival
1944 No Carnival No Carnival
1945 No Carnival No Carnival
1946 Aldwyn Roberts aka Lord Kitchener - Jump In The Line or Chinese Never Had A VJ Day (Lai Fook Lee); information is confusing regarding which song actually won. Unofficial Road March!
1947 Andrew Bernard aka King Pharoah King Pharoah
1948 Fitzroy Alexander aka Lord Melody Canaan Barrow
1949 Victor Atwell aka Wonder Ramgoat Baptism
1950's
1950 Cephas Alexander aka Killer In a Calabash
1951 Fitzgerald Henry aka Terror Tiny Davis
1952 Carlton Gomes aka Spit Fire Post Post
1953 Carlton Gomes aka Spit Fire Bow Wow Wow
1954 Carlton Joseph aka Blakie Steel Band Clash
1955 German Composition made popular by BBC radio UK 1953/1954 Happy Wonderer (Valerie Valera)
1956 Slinger Francisco aka "The Mighty Sparrow" Jean and Dinah
1957 Carlton Gomes aka Spitfire PNM
1958 Slinger Francisco aka "The Mighty Sparrow" Pay As You Earn
1959 Caruso Run the Gunslingers
1960's
1960 Slinger Francisco aka "The Mighty Sparrow." Mae Mae
1961 Slinger Francisco aka "The Mighty Sparrow," Royal Jail
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