Calypso music is captivating in many ways. Some calypso greats credit this nature of the art form to their developed love for the unique style of music.
Dave Martins, singer/songwriter, and Guyanese icon said, “Every music is distinctive in its own way." Reggae, Zouk, Dancehall, and Soca are no different. He also believes, however, that humor sets calypso apart from all other popular music.
In his view, this humorous culture, of Calypso, has led him to gravitate to it in the first place. He also said that calypso is amazing because it explores any issues in society.
Calypso song can even be formed from burning house or someone finding a thief. More particularly, he said that there are songs about ships sinking in Guyana and the ‘weed song’ [Bill Rogers]. These he believes exemplifies the versatile nature of the art form.
In addition, another local singer who fancies the calypso genre of music has similar views.
According to Roger Hinds known as ‘Young Bill Rogers’ said, “… for me calypso is a way of keeping my father’s legacy alive.” For Hinds, he wants to keep calypso running in the family as did his father, Augustus Hinds called Bill Rogers.
According to the icon he holds calypso close to his heart—that is what calypso means to him.
Hinds, too endorses the thoughts of Martins, in that the humor in Calypso is the key selling point—it drew him to the art form.
“I love calypso to the extent that I want to educate the younger generation and preserve the life of the art form,” said Hinds.
Though both men have earned notoriety locally and internationally, the true reward for them comes from the masterpieces they have coined—not the economic benefits it has brought them.
An extra-ordinary Guyanese… Augustus Hinds, a.ka.‘Bill Rogers’ – is Guyana’s first international recording artiste
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