One of the traditional musical features in this Carnival week is the Extempo Calypso Monarch competition, where Calypsonians battle for the Extempo title in a lyrical war, all in rhyme. What is this Extempo really about?
Listen to a duel between The Mighty Sparrow and Lord Melody
Extempo is defined as a lyrically improvised form of Calypso and is most notably practised in Trinidad and Tobago. It consists of a performer improvising in song or in rhythmic speech on a given theme before an audience who themselves take turns to perform. It is inherently competitive and success is judged by the wit and ingenuity of the performance.
It is similar in form to what has been defined as traditional African song: "a recitative or chants with a short chorus. The soloist gives the melody while a chorus sings a refrain. As the melody is given out, they turn to one another, each improvising in turn. Extempo tends to comprise topics from current events treated with mockery, ridicule and sarcasm, or with flattery or praise.”
There are many different melodies which can be used for Extempo, as in the video with Sparrow and Melody above, but the most popular one over the years has been the "Santimanite" which is really a mispronunciation of the French words "Sans Humanité" which literally means "without humanity" as many of the "picong" call and response in song were very brutal linguistically and at one point were even stopped. Thankfully they continue to this day as an integral part of our Calypso and Carnival culture and it is a musical delight to the audience.
Check out Gypsy (reigning 2017 Extempo King) and Lingo as they battle it out in 2016
Did you know there is also a Junior Extempo Monarch competition? We believe this should be highlighted so that other young people would get the exposure and learn to appreciate the artform even more as it may well be a great musical outlet for venting frustrations and showing lyrical dexterity. Those who participate in the artform display exceptional skills in improvisation with a given topic on spot.
In early childhood music, preschoolers are encouraged to engage in imaginative play since imagination is the foundation for abstract thought, which in turn leads to creativity and is a pathway for improvisation. Parents are always in need of creative ways of getting the point across to kids. How about doing some "extemporizing" sessions as a family at home on your topic of choice? We can do our part to teach the next generation the traditions of our rich and diverse folk music culture.