FEEL THE
ISLAND
VYBE

Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!

We tell our stories with Calypso. Today we have a Calypso story to tell you. When Kenny Phillips challenged Kurt Allen to come up with an after-carnival calypso, he took on the challenge and gave us "Doh Puck We Around." Today, after Kurt challenged Kenny Phillips to come up with the concept for a song and produce the music, a video of the 'music build' was posted to YouTube. This is Challenge 2 completed, but the song itself took three parts to make one whole song. Kenny felt deeply hurt when people accused him of being a "lick-bottom African" for taking a job to broadcast UNC political meetings. Aha, how about "Lick Bottom African" by Cro Cro and "Sugar Bum Bum" by Lord Kitchener? These two songs inspired the concept for a song titled "Lick A Bum Bum." It is a political/social commentary that addresses partisan politics and the calypsonian's role as a fearless commentator on societal issues. Kurt Allen is a genius songwriter, and he came up with a cleverly written song that addresses the issues without taking sides. 

 

The role of the Calypsonian is to address any issue, regardless of how controversial, without giving in to the pressures of race and politics. Do you recall what happened when Kurt performed for the Calypso semis this year? Those who felt he should not have sung "Your Turn Now" greeted him with toilet paper. While many in attendance chose sides, Kurt realized that the role of the Calypsonian is not to succumb to political pressure but to sing for the people and remain impartial but certainly very fearless. Kurt understands that he is not just an entertainer but a historian, a messenger, and most certainly, the voice of the people. He makes sure to explain his thought process before recording the vocals for the song. We posted the unedited version apart from the YouTube video of the project. 

 

Kenny took his hurt feelings and produced a song along with Kurt's brilliant lyrics that should educate those who labeled him a 'Lick Bottom African.' Kenny took a concept of a song and replied to Cro Cro's song with a Lord Kitchener Sugar Bum Bum vibe. Then the song, the music takes off and we have a new after-carnival gem just in time for this rabid political season.

 

The video provides an insight into the production of a song. In the realm of Calypso and Soca, it's uncommon to witness such a process, but this video unveils the hidden formula! The video itself is a testament to the creative process and the power of collaboration. It showcases the dynamic interplay between Allen's lyrical prowess and Kenny's musical genius. Viewers get a front-row seat to the creation of a calypso masterpiece as they navigate the complexities of the song's theme.

 

This song serves as a poignant reminder for everyone. Kurt's idea to respond to Cro Cro's song is brilliant and should engage anyone listening to remind us that we should unite instead of trying to belittle those with different views. Kurt's message to the supporters of the People's National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC), who are increasingly pressured to pick sides based on race and identity politics, is unity makes us all stronger. In this charged atmosphere, Allen's vision is a call for calypsonians to rise above the fray and remind their audiences of the art form's true purpose.

 

This song, released after Carnival, is sure to stir up controversy and spark discussions. But that's precisely the point. Allen's challenge serves as a reminder of the calypsonian's enduring legacy as a fearless commentator and unifier, particularly in a time when politics threaten to create a rift between communities. We are about to learn a lesson from The Last Bardjohn of Calypso that we won't soon forget.