Soca/Calypso Grammy Category

Calypso/Soca music has been heard throughout the world through the likes of Mr. Harry Belafonte singing his Rum and Coca Cola-and yes there really is a Pt. Cumana located in Trinidad, which was his inspiration for the calypso.

Since then our Caribbean artists have perfected this culture and showcased it in many continents like Asia, Europe and the United States.

We are now hoping to start an effective effort in support of the many deserving musicians across the Caribbean Diasporas, whom we think should have their own Grammy category and award for Soca/Calypso music. We are seeking the creation of a "Best Calypso/Soca" category in the 2009 Grammy Awards.

Three years ago one of our most loved Soca artist, Kevin Little performed his Soca hit, at the awards ceremony along with some reggae artists. Prior to that the Baja Men recorded a calypso called Who let the Dogs Out original written by a Soca artist called Anslem Douglas (Trinidadian), which is still being played at every SuperBowl game.

This obviously means that there is a demand for this type of music but it should be recognized for what it is "Soca/ Calypso music".

According to the Recording Academy website, Grammy.com, "A Grammy is awarded by and to artists and technical professionals for artistic or technical achievement, not sales or chart positions." By these standards, there are hundreds of musicians recording modern Soca/Calypso music today who merit Grammy recognition.

We hope that you, the Recording Academy, will heed our call for a Soca/Calypso Grammy category in the near future!