Kobo Town

Why we picked it

Named after the storied district in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where calypso was born, Kobo Town has been described as “an intoxicating blend of lilting calypsonian wit, dancehall reggae and trombone-heavy brass” (Guardian) and a “unique, transnational composite of rhythm, poetry and activist journalism.”(Exclaim!) Since their founding in 2005, the group has brought their distinct calypso and ska-inspired sound to audiences across the world. The band is fronted by Drew Gonsalves, who moved from Trinidad to Canada as a teenager and who rediscovered in his new home the joys of old calypso, ska and roots reggae through old records found in the bargain bins of used music stores. A songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist, his music has been covered by many other artists including Carlos Santana, Manu Chao and Calypso Rose. At once brooding and joyous, intensely poetic and highly danceable, Kobo Town's songs are rooted in the Caribbean's rich tradition of musical storytel