FEEL THE
ISLAND
VYBE

 

So let’s do this: long before Soca turned up the BPM and Carnival became a cardio workout, calypso reigned as the art of lyrical seduction—where wit was a weapon and double entendre was king. Recall Sparrow's song, "Sell The Pussy," another classic!

 

Now, for those too young to know, double entendre is the art of saying something—usually clean and witty on the surface—that means something entirely different underneath. In the world of calypso, it was often smut dressed in fine Sunday clothes, fit for royalty.

 

The calypso you’re about to experience comes from Black Prince. This one’s special. A master of musical mischief, he delivered the legendary tune "My Desire," aka "Kill Ah Cat." Do you know what cat he’s about to slaughter?

 

On the surface: a man lamenting the accidental demise of a feline. However, in the calypso tent, a place where metaphors are abundant and innuendo is considered an Olympic sport, the audience had a more profound understanding. “Kill Ah Cat” wasn’t about pet tragedy. It was about a form of pleasure so intense that it left a woman in a state of shock. And the “cat”? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t meowing. Maybe it was bliss and exhaustion—but end of life? Oh hell no!

 

What made this song iconic wasn’t just the cheeky premise—it was the delivery. Black Prince didn’t need crude language. He used clever phrasing and theatrical pauses and knowingly made eye contact with females in the audience. and winked to turn smut into satire. The crowd roared, not because it was vulgar, but because it was brilliantly disguised. You had to be sharp to catch the meaning—and even sharper to explain it to your granny without blushing.

 

Can you imagine something like this from today’s calypsonians? They’d be exposed early. Could you envision the youth of today? The youth of today often exhibit rudeness, crudeness, and vulgarity. Don’t believe me? Listen to Yung Bredda’s "Ambiance."

 

But the calypsonian of old? He was a lyrical genius. He made politicians cringe, but in the tent, he was hilarious. He was a teacher, a commentator, and a griot. He educated and delivered the news of the day with rhythm and rhyme. The griot held a dominant position, with only Kurt Allen remaining today. However, let's return to discussing Black Prince and his classic song...

 

What the hell? I’m going to repeat myself to make the point: this is the genius of yesteryear calypsonians. They could make you laugh, squirm, and applaud—all in one verse. They were cultural commentators, comedians, and poets rolled into one. And Black Prince? He was royalty in that realm.

 

So next time someone says calypso is just old-time music, play them Kill Ah Cat. And watch their expression when they realize that the cat had nine lives, but none survived the lyrical blade of Black Prince ?.

 

Now, before you run out bragging that you intend to “Kill Ah Cat” tonight, just remember—the owner of the cat might be pretending to lock you down. It’s the work of sweet rice, but in a pleasurable way. Then again, 'get that thought out of your head; it might be a divine thought, but you will only kill that pussy in your mind!' Just saying...

 

I do hope you enjoyed reading this post—and most of all, the song!