Calypso music and Carnival play a central role in Trinidadian society. The special focus of the musical genre is in politics and social equality. (Mason 1998) Calypso music and Carnival celebrations originated as a form of protest against British rule by the native Trinidadians and the slave population that was emigrated from western Africa . The early British Administration in Trinidad created a specific class system that was primarily based on color, in an attempt to structure and control the population. (Hill 1972) As a result, the music began as a form of coded protest and social discussion of race relations in the colonial controlled nation. (Regis 1999) The social hierarchy and class system is difficult to discern, as there are people from areas all across the globe and from a plethora of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

The middle and upper classes, which consisted of white skinned citizens, dominated Trinidadian society in the 1800's, while the lower classes consisted mainly of black African slaves and the poor. Calypso music was a way for the lower classes to form solidarity and to protest the early colonial rule of the British. (Scher 2003) Carnival celebrations in the later 1800's saw many politically-based riots. The celebrations were staged protests against slavery in Trinidad and were often violently put down by the police. (Regis 1999) These protest-oriented celebrations were the beginning of Carnival, and Calypso music was the tool used to spread the message of the oppressed.

Throughout the years, in an effort to prevent Calypso music from maintaining such negative connotations, Carnival was changed into a celebration of diversity and Trinidadian culture. After the emancipation of the slaves in the late 1800's, Carnival slowly began to transform into an inter-class celebration. Calypso music maintained its roots in the plight of the slaves; however, the contemporary view became more celebratory and lighthearted. (Mason 1998)

The development of competitions for Calypso bands during Carnival marked the beginning of the reformation of the musical style. Competitions were organized to help promote the positive aspects of the genre, and to help neutralize the negative connotations of the past. These competitions helped further assimilate the different classes by bringing them together under the common love of Calypso music. The Calypso performances and competitions were held in tents and shacks throughout the country, which became centers of political and social discussion and performance. (Dudley 2004)

Calypso music represented the attitudes and oppression of the lower class and poor of Trinidad and Tobago . After the emancipation, Carnival became a time for rich and poor to gather together in celebration. Calypso music provided a means to ascend economic class and to celebrate the history and culture of one's nation. The poor would often save all year to purchase a costume to wear during Carnival, while dancing and performing to Calypso bands. (Scher 2003) Since Calypso music had its roots in the poor economic class, it became a good way for the poor to look past their plights and find prosperity in the future. The music and lyrics stressed the injustices in society, but also found hope in the future through unity.

Calypso is also a way to show appreciation for the rich African heritage of Trinidad and Tobago . Throughout many Calypso songs, the eloquence and sophistication of many African languages is glorified. There is great focus towards the clever use of language to express opinion, and Trinidadians are very proud of their African heritage and the beauty of their ancestors' languages. This respect and love for language can be seen in the lyrics of many traditional and contemporary Calypso songs. (Dudley 2004)

Calypso music is a form of storytelling and a means for cultural history to be passed from generation to generation. Many aspects of Trinidadian history and cultural change throughout the years are reflected in Calypso. The music is celebrated and revered for its historical and cultural richness. It has become a means of ensuring the continuity of Trinidadian culture, and also a tool for remembering the past and celebrating the independence of the nation.