Calypso's Responsibility

Calypso has carried with it, over hundreds of years, the responsibility of comment on what is affecting our lives. For Calypso History Month, Artiste David Rudder says that social and political commentary, shaped through the artiste's voice, is essential for creating the interest that has kept calypso alive. He says that his perspective of the globe has influenced what he sings about. He sees beyond the shores of this island and takes on board the myriad effects which can come from world events. Rudder says that these songs resonate even outside of T&T. He says a song he wrote called 'Jerusalem' has brought him many tokens from Palestine and Israel, as listeners from those lands show their appreciation of his genius.