The Birdie

Is it just me or  do you all love the music of our land?
Isn't our music just one of a kind!
Better than that we have some skillful writers eh
People, I am not talking about writers who rhyme "wine" with "wine"
Or those who repeat the word "hand" so many times it leaves you wondering if they suffering from Tourette or you may simply wonder how many hands he really wants me to show him ?
(Human body only has two hands-I WondER if he is aware 😕)

I am talking about songs that when you hear them you feel your heart bursting with pride
Songs that tell a story of your history
Songs that have you sitting there telling yourself that there must be another meaning than the literal one
This is what you call Ridiculous skills and talent!

There is a particular Calypsonian that comes to mind when such skills are mentioned.
Some call him Birdie 🐦
Some call him Mr. Slinger Francisco
Some call him the Mighty Sparrow
(I really hope you know who he is and not playing catch up!)

Calypsoes by Birdie are without boundaries when it comes to this art form.
Songs can be found on education, love, politics and sometimes pure comedy.

Let's analyse one of Mighty Sparrow's famous songs- Congo Man (1964)

Congo Man is ingenious. 

It is a double entendre...so it tells two stories.

One explanation for Congo Man is that he is simply telling a story of how two white women  travelling through Africa were captured by Cannibals in the Congo and may be eaten alive.It was believed that the Congolese captured and ate their enemies and foreigners.

This song was strategically written and realeased during the period (1960-1966) as there was a "Congo Crisis" . There was turmoil after the Belgian government was removed. This lead the country to be unstable.

Another approach to this song suggests the manner in which some "black men", supposedly, desire white women. It talks about the culture or mindset where men desire lighter skin women because they were deemed favorable because the opportunities that would be presented if they had children together. Lighter skin children would have more opportunities than darker skin children.

‘I envy the Congo man

Ah wish I coulda go and shake he hand

You all know how much traps I set?

Until I sweat!

But I never eat a white meat yet’

One song-two meaning#double entendre

Skills or not?

Both explanations plausible.

It's really up to the listener to come to his or her own conclusion 

Go to the "Lyrics" tab to get further lyrics for Congo Man

Meanwhile have a listen

What do you all think ?
skills or not? 

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