Menoizikul; Midweek Musicalisms

Were you thinking, "Surely Yamini must be running out of countries to share music from?" No, dear listeners, I am that inveterate traveller, remember - the dromaniac, borderline vagabond.

Long-term readers may recall that, at different times, I have written about my trip to Saint Lucia, a tiny speck of an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is idyllic. A few may remember this image... that was me having won the hotel's dancing competition, both Limbo and Calypso (with the coconut on my head!). The prize was that LP of the local band's Calypso hits, Halcyon Nights.

Now, the sounds of the Caribbean all arise from the African heritage brought over by the slaves of that dreadful trade from the 17th to the 19th centuries. On some islands - and notably Jamaica - Ska arose and then developed with a drop beat into Reggae. Yeah, man... A little change in the beat emphasis, and Afrobeats becomes Calypso. Yet another beat away and we get Soca.

Saint Lucia has a thriving Calypso and Soca scene. Prepare yourself for a month of sounds that might just have you rocking those chairs! We'll begin with an early Soca classic from Lucian singer, Robbie Gil.

Sometimes I know I'll face adversity

But it won't get, its won't get the best of me.

Cuz I know there will be mountains to climb

There will be rivers to cross I know

But I'm gonna make it through

(For full lyrics, click here.)