In the years before reggae or even ska was known outside of the Caribean, Byron Lee was the first band leader to achieve an international following playing Jamaican music, and played a vital role in popularizing it around the world. And when Bob Marley was a struggling young musician and of the little-known Wailers, Byron Lee was probably the... [+] Read More

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One of calypso's true intellectuals, Chalkdust (born: Hollis Urban Lester Liverpool) is known for his hard-hitting, politically tinged lyrics. The record holder for most years as a National Calypso Monarch finalist, he won the prestigious competition in 1976, 1977, and 1981. Chalkdust began writing songs as a student at St. Mary's College in... [+] Read More

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A severely underrated calypsonian who rarely makes it to the Monarchy finals but who nearly always releases an album of interest. His albums are always a talented mix of social commentary and (often risqué) party tunes. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

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Longtime arranger for Fonclaire Steel Band who has moved over temporarily(?) to Phase II Pan Groove, Philmore has written a song each year driven by pan and sung by a calypsonian on record. He has hit especially big on two occasions, in '88 and again in '93. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

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East Indian singer who nearly took the Road March in 1988 with "(Roll Up the Tassa) Mr. Bissessar," an Indian soca that was the motivation behind the following year's "Nani Wine" response by Crazy. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

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Hailing from Bradford in the U.K., Rootsman has moved from a fairly traditional roots reggae sound to an eclectic, experimental dub approach informed by African, Middle Eastern, and Asian sounds, as well as electronic dance music. After creating his own Third Eye label in the mid-'90s (about a decade after he first began recording and DJing in... [+] Read More

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Another calypsonian who presents a problem in deciding which of his records to list. He's so consistently good that all are recommended. He often presents social commentary, but his party music is what really stands out. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

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Sugar Aloes sounds like ... wears lots of gold like ... moves onstage like ... Baron. Nonetheless an entity unto himself who, since his entry in 1990, has consistently reached the Calypso Monarchy semi-finals (and usually the finals) with a biting political commentary while at the same time aiming at the road march with great party tunes. All... [+] Read More

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