The sound, the beat, the music of the street is one of the most integral pieces of the Carnival puzzle. It is the audio colour to accompany the Mas band’s vision; it’s the energy and groove as the parade makes its move. It is the soundtrack to all the exciting events of Carnival. It is the food that feeds the spirit of festival.

Calypso, Soca and Steelpan will play an integral part of this year’s celebratory Carnival. From the competitions and yard parties, to the stadium and street, the music will infiltrate the scene with live performances and concerts, sound systems and dance clubs, filled to rafters with the sound of the islands.

Calypso is a must have at Carnival time having sprung from the “chantuelles” whose music preceded the Carnival bands of the 19th century. Its songs were parodies using as themes the topics and issues of the day. Creativity in how one uses the language and double-entendre to make a statement is not lost on the people who listen carefully in captivated delight. Who’s will one-up who as the competition of song begins? Listen to the best, enjoy all the rest as they find a way to say it – the top calypsonians of the year.

Soca is the fast-paced child of calypso. Soca found its feet, so-to-speak, in the ‘70s using the same basic calypso beat but sped-up and stroked with a laid-back bass line and unique drum style.

Steelpan is the music of a beautiful sounding instrument which came to life from the discarded oil drums of Trinidad and Tobago and today has morphed into a style of music and uniquely-tuned percussion instrument which is thought to be the one and only percussion instrument introduced in the past century. The steelpan holds at Carnival time.

Watch for the lineup of Monarch competitions surrounding this year’s Carnival to be announced.

Click here to download 2010 Toronto Mas Bands order of appearance

Looking to Jump Up in the Scotiabank Caribana Parade? Contact one of the bands listed for more information.

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