For the first time in her illustrious 69-year career, veteran Trinidadian calypso singer Calypso Rose has earned a gold record.
Her song “Calypso Queen,” from the 2016 album Far from Home, was certified gold in France on Tuesday, July 16. The certification, commemorating 100,000 units in sales and streaming, was issued by SNEP (National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing).
- Advertisement -
This marks Calypso Rose’s second certification from SNEP; Far From Home was certified platinum in 2017. The album also won the 2017 Victoire de la Musique Award (the French equivalent of a Grammy) for World Music Album of the Year.
“Calypso Queen,” released on April 22, 2016, was produced by Because Music. Its official video has garnered more than 7.3 million views on YouTube.
Born Linda McCartha Monica Sandy-Lewis, the 84-year-old Calypso Rose grew up in Bethel Village, Tobago, and started writing songs at the age of 13.
Often hailed as the “mother of calypso,” Rose was the first female calypso star, and her lyrics frequently address social issues like racism and sexism. Her influence on the genre led to the renaming of the Calypso King competition to the Calypso Monarch.
Beyond her music, Rose is an activist. She was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for former child soldiers and has performed at numerous events for social change.
Currently residing in Queens, New York, Calypso Rose frequently returns to Trinidad and Tobago and tours regularly.
She is best known for her 1966 hit song “Fire In Meh Wire,” as well as “Come Leh We Jam,” “Voodoo Lay Loo,” and the 1975 classic “Do Dem Back.”
