Lord Kitchener

• Genre: Calypso

About

Among the most enduring and charismatic figures in the history of Calypso/Soca, Lord Kitchener demands a smile. Author of such international dance hits as "Sugar Bum Bum" and "Give Me the Ting," he won his first carnival road march competition in Trinidad in 1946. He is credited with fusing steel pan music and Calypso, and in 37 years of Panorama steel band competitions, 18 winners sang his compositions. With an ear towards commercial appeal, he managed to write popular songs that contained both humor and social commentary. Even while he lived in London, he returned to Trinidad every year with a new song for carnival, and his presence was always vital and relevant. Political satire and risqué jokes were standard fare. He continued to dance and sing his way through carnival until his death in 2000.

- Robert Leaver