Last Updated on October 7, 2021, 6:34 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Most people are aware of popular calypsonians like Calypso Rose and Singing Sandra, but many have not learned about Lady Trinidad.
Born Thelma Lewis-Lane in 1914, Lady Trinidad started her singing career as an entertainer, performing on visiting cruise ships with a band called The Matchless Boys.
In 1935, Lady Trinidad made history when she delivered a solo performance in public for the first time, alongside her fellow male calypsonians at the Crystal Palace Tent on Nelson Street. Her performance was well-received, leading the audience to request encore after encore.
While many people supported her entry into the male-dominated field of calypso performance, some established male calypsonians were not as welcoming to the few women who sought to challenge the norm.
Many of the first women to sing in calypso tents like Lady Baldwin and Lady Iere, faced challenges in the calypso profession in the years following Lady Trinidad’s debut. On top of the negative portrayal of the calypso profession, there was also the belief that women should remain in domestic roles, as opposed to being on the stage. In fact, some of the early women calypsonians had to perform clean-up duties in order to be granted permission to sing in the calypso tents.
Despite the difficulties they faced, these women were trailblazers in the calypso industry. They paved the way for future calypso icons like Calypso Rose (born Linda McCartha Monica Sandy-Lewis), Singing Francine (born Francine Edwards), Lady B (Beulah Bobb), and so many more to take the stage.
We celebrate these women who displayed courage, strength and determination in a time when their talents and abilities were challenged.
This photo shows Lady Trinidad, courtesy TATIL. “Women in Calypso, 2004 Calendar” from the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago – Nasser Khan Collection.
References: The National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago Exhibition, “100 Years of Calypso Recording” (2012).
Maharaj, George D. The Roots of Calypso: Another Passage into the World of Calypso. George D. Maharaj, 2007.
Rohlehr, Gordon. Calypso & Society in Pre-Independence Trinidad. G. Rohlehr, 2004.
West Indian Rhythm: Trinidad Calypsos on World and Local Events Featuring the Censored Recordings, 1938-1940. Bear Family Records, 2006.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
