search

Calypso Rose Pulls Machel Montano For Her “Leave Me Alone” Music Video

At 76, the calypso legend still hasn’t lost the pulse of the party.

December 15, 2016

Calypso Rose helped introduce the world to calypso over 50 years ago, and this year, the 76 year-old Tobagan returned to the genre with Far From Home. "Leave Me Alone" is a lively song about enjoying the country's annual Carnival celebrations without getting harassed by pawing men. The spirit remains on Kubiyashi's remix — French singer/songwriter Manu Chao's bubbling guitar is gently spurred by a twist of EDM, with further genre-busting coming in the form of a guest verse from Machel Montano, the King of Soca. The remix's video, premiering today on The FADER, adds Montano to the previously released clip, and will probably cause a spike in Google searches for "Trinidad Tobago carnival flight packages;" the video's energy, sourced from the parades, doesn't let up, especially with Rose leading the way.

ADVERTISEMENT

"It is a real honor to join a living Calypso legend like Calypso Rose on this remix," Montano told The FADER over email. "The success Rose is having with her Far From Home album is a testament to her timeless sound and the universal appeal of Trinidad and Tobago’s native music. Finally, to round out this legendary collaboration with the addition of Manu Chao is a beautiful thing. I had the pleasure of hosting Manu in Trinidad during Carnival 2015, and I am glad to now join him on this song. The video was shot mainly on the road during Carnival 2016 in Trinidad, and is meant to showcase the freedom of Carnival time, where masqueraders and the public alike let loose and revel in the two day celebration of unity!"