A calypsonian is a musician, usually from Trinidad, who has studied calypso and memorised its traditional tunes and stanzas. A Calypsonian composes calypsos on topical subjects. The best can sing extemporaneously, that is improvise a calypso on any subject. Calypsonians traditionally take on important sounding names, although this practise is becoming less common. Calypsonians compete with each other, originally in ad-hoc sessions during Trinidad's carnival but since the 1950s in organised calypso competitions. A traditional calypso form, War, would close calypso shows with the calypsonians taking turns to improvise verses lauding themselves and disparaging the others. Leading calypsonians of the 20th century include Lord Kitchener, Roaring Lion, Lord Invader and Mighty Sparrow. The above traits distinguish a calypsonian from a calypso singer, such as Harry Belafonte, who interprets calypsoes but does not compose them.
