The Culture Minister of Trinidad and Tobago recently celebrated the announcement that ten local Trinidadian artists were being considered for Grammy Awards in various categories. It was rightly hailed as a proud moment for the nation — a recognition of the island’s immense musical talent and creative reach. Yet, it is striking that none of these considerations were in categories that truly represent the indigenous musical forms of Trinidad and Tobago — Calypso and Soca.
This raises an important question that has lingered for far too long: Why is there still no Grammy category for Calypso and Soca?
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Back in 1982–83, Carib News took up this very cause, launching a campaign and petitioning for Grammy recognition of the Caribbean’s defining music forms — Reggae, Calypso, and Soca. Our effort was rooted in the belief that these genres, already rich in history and global influence, deserved to stand proudly among the world’s major musical categories. After much lobbying and international engagement, Reggae finally received its own Grammy category in 1985.
At that time, there was a sense of compromise — that Reggae would pave the way and that Calypso and Soca would soon follow. But nearly four decades later, that promise remains unfulfilled. The energy and advocacy that once propelled Reggae into recognition have not been matched for Calypso and Soca, even though both continue to define the Caribbean’s musical identity and global soundscape.
It is worth recalling that Calypso was the first music form from the Caribbean to sell over a million albums — thanks to the legendary Harry Belafonte, whose Calypsoalbum in 1956 captivated the world. That alone speaks to Calypso’s global reach and enduring influence. From the witty social commentary of Mighty Sparrow and Lord Kitchener to the electrifying rhythms of Soca pioneers like Lord Shorty, the evolution of these genres has shaped not only the Caribbean but also the pulse of popular music across continents.
It is therefore high time that the Grammy Awards — and its governing body, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) — recognize Calypso and Soca with their own dedicated category. The argument for such recognition is not merely nostalgic or regional; it is artistic, cultural, and historical. These forms have contributed immensely to world music, influencing everything from Afrobeats to dancehall, from Latin rhythms to global pop.
Over the years, Carib News has continued to advocate for this recognition, renewing the call at various points — most recently just two years ago. But now, more than ever, there must be a united and full-throated regional effort. Governments, cultural ministries, artists’ organizations, and diaspora communities must combine their voices to demand this rightful acknowledgment.
In recent years, the Grammys have added numerous new categories to reflect evolving musical expressions and cultures. There is, therefore, no justifiable reason why Calypso and Soca — foundational and globally recognized Caribbean genres — should continue to be overlooked.
It is time to roll up our sleeves and make it happen. Calypso and Soca are not mere offshoots of other genres — they are original, vibrant, and deeply rooted art forms that deserve to be celebrated at the highest level.
The Caribbean has given the world not just rhythm, but a soul. Let the Grammys finally recognize that truth.
Let us get the job done.
