The book Politicalypso, which chronicles the connection between politics and calypso in Montserrat, was published on October 21, 2024 on all Amazon platforms. Co-authored by Francelise N. White and Edwin L. Martin, the book profiles 25 impactful political calypso songs in Montserrat history. Each song is listed below, along with a sample recording (if available). The book provides a comprehensive back story about the evolution of each song with many interesting details. There is also a lyrical excerpt for every song. Here are the 25 songs that are profiled:
1. Lick Him Dr. Herbert, Alfred “Warrior” Christopher (1967): The song addressed Anguilla’s wish to end its coalition with St. Kitts-Nevis. What does that have to do with Montserrat? The book reveals several connections to the Emerald Isle. Note: The original recording was lost. Listen to a sample that was released in 2022 as part of a 1960’s Montserrat calypso medley.
2. PDP, Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell (1971): The lyrics celebrated the PDP’s landslide election victory in 1970 and criticized William H. Bramble, Montserrat’s first Chief Minister, who was defeated by his son. It was easily the most contentious election in Montserrat history.
3. Hold On To Your Property, Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell (1971): Montserrat’s real-estate boom in the 1960s was both beneficial and controversial. Many thought the “land by the shores” should be reserved for locals. W.H. Bramble opened the door to foreign investors, but there was a catch.
4. Bull Water For Power, John “Black Prince” O’Garro (1973): The song focused on a broken promise by politician Joshua “Joshie” Weekes of St. John’s during the 1973 election. It’s a funny story with a sad ending. Note: The song has disappeared from the archives. Lyrical excerpt available in the book.
5. PDP Must Go, James “Oh! Ryent” West (1977): The calypsonian called for the Austin Bramble-led PDP administration to be kicked out of office. The song was banned by Radio Montserrat, West was almost arrested, and the song caused a rift with some family members.
6. Manifesto, Justin “Hero” Cassell (1984): Hero adopts the persona of a typical politician who promises utopia amid their desperation to get elected. The book also reveals how the refrain, “Can you hear me? Can you hear me, people!” originated.
7. Leggo Me Bulldog, William “Ruler” Murrain (1984): The veteran calypsonian issues a dire warning to any politician planning to visit his home to lobby for his support.
8. Play Little More, Austin “Ratamba” Howe (1984): One of the most creative social and political commentaries in Montserrat history, sprinkled with a nursery rhyme twist.
9. De Priest, He Gone, Richard “Bachelor” Weekes (1986): Anglican Priest Father Alson Percival, a native of St. Kitts, was jettisoned from Montserrat for speaking out against the government’s plan to build a casino. Note: The song was banned on local radio and has disappeared. An excerpt of the lyrics is available in the book.
10. What’s Inside The Box, Herman “Cupid” Francis (1987): The writer crafts a song focusing on a ballot box controversy during the 1987 national election but introduces another angle. Note: This song was also banned. An excerpt of the lyrics is available in the book.
11. They Don’t Care, Everton “Reality” Weekes (1989): The singer shares the despair and suffering that took place in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo and how everyone seemingly had to fend for themselves.
12. Whey de Galvanize, Justin “Hero” Cassell (1989): Hero won the crown with this classic about the galvanize controversy that occurred following Hurricane Hugo. Who was the real culprit?
13. Power Brokers, Earl “Hustler” Browne (1990): Politicians were not the only target of this commentary by Hustler, who went after anyone in authority in Montserrat who was abusing power. The book also reveals the interesting story about Hustler got his calypso name.
14. Dear John, Curtis “Buck” Francis (1991): The song thanked Chief Minister John A. Osborne for his 25 years of service after Osborne lost in the 1991 elections and announced his retirement. Alas, Osborne returned and won again.
15. Berchie, William “Lord Meade” Meade (1996): Meade penned this tribute to his former boss, Hon. Bertrand Osborne, when Osborne assumed the post of Chief Minister in 1996. Meade explains in touching details why he wrote the song. Sadly, Osborne’s tenure lasted less than a year.
16. Vote for DFID, Silvina “Khandi” Malone (2000): Who is really pulling the strings of power in Montserrat – the politicians or DFID, the British office in charge of funding? Khandi made history as Montserrat’s first female calypso monarch.
17. Food Voucher, Caesar “Styles” Greenaway (2000): Greenaway delivered comic relief with this song, but the trend of entitlements following the volcanic crisis caused a serious shift in Montserrat culture.
The irrepressible Caesar ” Styles” Greenaway.
18. My Hands Are Tied, Anderson “King Andy” Kirnon (2006): Dr. Lowell Lewis, Chief Minister of a coalition government, uttered the phrase “My hands are tied” and opened the door for this song by King Andy.
19. Talk, Talk, Talk, Vickie “Storm” Locker (2010): Chief Minister Reuben T. Meade appeared on stage with Storm during the calypso finals as she outlined the vacant promises uttered by typical politicians.
20. Don’t Forget Your Juliet, Keithroy “De Bear” Morson (2014): Using the Shakespeare tragedy of Romeo and Juliet as his foundation, De Bear sends a message to the new Premier, Hon. Donaldson Romeo.
21. Pounding Story, Brian “I-Cultural” Charles (2016): Every sitting member of Parliament was roasted in this “call and response” performance that helped I-Cultural – known mostly as a soca artist – reach the calypso semifinals.
22. Delmaude Say, Baptiste Wallace (2018): Wallace was the original singer, but Hon. Delmaude Ryan – the Deputy Premier and Minister of Education and Health – stole the show at the calypso finals when she delivered the song as a guest artist and also proved to be a good sport.
23. Paging Dr. Sammy, Edwin “Red Ride” Martin (2018): Dr. Samuel Joseph, a science wiz, is asked by the singer to hold off on politics and return to the lab, where he could find a cure for bad mind and jealousy.
24. Call Daddy, Keithroy “De Voice” Morson (2020): After failing to gain a seat during the 2019 elections, De Voice urged the public not to complain to him when the government falls short of expectations.
25. Needs An Explanation, Kimari “Proklaima” Kirnon (2023): Montserrat’s governor is called out for many questionable decisions. The controversy increased when Her Excellency “crashed” the stage during the calypso finals. Get the full story in the book.
HOW TO ORDER “POLITICALYPSO”
CLICK THIS LINK to order through Amazon in the U.S., Canada or the Caribbean.
UK residents CLICK THIS LINK.
For residents of Montserrat or Antigua contact Francelise White at (664) 392-9560 (What’s App).
