Amidst the vibrant energy of the 2026 Carnival season, the Bocas Lit Fest is launching an innovative series titled ‘Kaiso Conversations’ dedicated to exploring the literary artistry of calypso songwriting. The inaugural event will feature an intimate dialogue with Trinidadian musical icon David Rudder on January 20th.
The celebrated calypsonian will join music critic Nigel A Campbell on stage at Kafe Blue in Port of Spain for a deep examination of calypso’s lyrical traditions, creative influences, and literary significance. This special engagement serves a dual purpose as a fundraiser supporting the literary festival’s year-round initiatives promoting writers and readers across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.
Festival director Nicholas Laughlin emphasized the natural alignment between calypso and literary arts: ‘We’ve consistently maintained that Bocas revolves around words, stories, and ideas across all formats. Trinidad’s premier calypsonians have historically functioned as cultural critics, political commentators, and philosophical voices. Their lyrics constitute enduring components of our literary heritage.’
Conceptualized through a partnership between Campbell and the Bocas Lit Fest, the series draws inspiration from Professor Gordon Rohlehr’s critical work challenging Derek Walcott’s skeptical view of calypso as poetry. Campbell notes the significant recognition calypso has received from Caribbean literary giants, including Nobel laureates who have acknowledged the form’s artistic merit.
Tickets for this 6:30 PM event are priced at $100, with proceeds directly supporting the NGO’s educational programs. Attendees can secure seats through online platforms or at the venue box office, with doors opening at 5:30 PM.