Music
As his timeless classics “Sip and Chat” and “Make a Friend for the Christmas” float from house to house, Lord Relator sits back, contented.
The man born Willard Harris is a titan of calypso, blending sharp social commentary, humour, and rich melodies into a career spanning over six decades. At Christmastime, his music takes on special significance, becoming the soundtrack of countless Trinbagonian homes. His songs conjure the warmth of family gatherings, the aroma of homemade Yuletide treats, and the unique camaraderie of the season.
“I am simply doing what is natural to me,” Relator hummed during an entertaining phone conversation on Wednesday morning.
Relator’s festive anthems, celebrated for their wit and relatability, were born from his keen observation of Trinbagonian life.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Sip and Chat”, he recalled: “I was listening to cricket late into the night, couldn’t sleep, and I thought about how we Trinis have a way of eating and drinking out everything at people’s homes during Christmas. The lyrics came to me like extempo—it’s how I compose. I put it all together in my head first, then write it down so I won’t forget.”
For Relator, Christmas is about family and music.
“My most cherished Christmas memories are too many to count,” he said. “These days, I’m at home with family. We have lunch, talk about the good ole days, and I take out my guitar to lead us into song.”
The essence of a Trini Christmas may be continuously evolving, but Relator finds joy in knowing his music helps keep some traditions alive.
“People tell me when they hear my songs, they feel like Christmas. It’s a great feeling knowing the music still plays every day and still has meaning.”
As if on cue, “Make a Friend for the Christmas” began playing in the background on his end of the line.
“I still on radio, boy!” Relator declared proudly. “That was Pelham Goddard—yuh know—arrangement! I does be here at home listening to de radio and every day I hear one of my songs.”
The voice of a people
Hailing from Quarry Street, East Dry River, Relator’s upbringing shaped his approach to calypso.
“Your role as a calypsonian is to be the mouthpiece of the people,” he explained. Brother Valentino (Emrold Phillip) and Stalin (the late Leroy Calliste) will tell you that you could only do that by staying close to the people.
That philosophy birthed classics like “Food Prices” and “Take a Rest”, both steeped in social commentary. He recalled the origins of “Food Prices” with a laugh:
“I was at my girlfriend’s house, and her mother came from the market complaining about prices. She was steupsing every time she take an item out the bag,” he chuckled. “She take out de saltfish and say, ‘14 oz of saltfish is $3.69!’ I took her words just like that and put it in the song.”
In 1980, Relator reached the pinnacle of the calypso world, winning the National Calypso Monarch with those songs.
“Forty-four years already?” he said, amazed. “That win opened up opportunities. I travelled abroad, met Andy Narell, and recorded ‘University of Calypso’. It’s a career highlight I cherish.”
Guided by the greats
Relator’s artistry was heavily influenced by the Grandmaster of calypso Lord Kitchener (the late Aldwyn Roberts). He joined Kitch’s Revue tent with a reputation in 1971 after shining as a boy on The Auntie Kay Show radio talent-search in the early 1960s. Relator also won the National Junior Calypso Monarch in 1965 and Scouting for Talent in 1966.
“Kitchener reminded me of my father, Conrad Harris, a machinist who measured three times before cutting. Kitchener was the same—he could condense an entire story into a few lines,” he shared.
“When Penny (Janelle Commissiong) won Miss Universe in 1977, Kitch captured it in just one verse of his calypso.”
This precision shaped Relator’s own storytelling. A master of the guitar, his playing style was inspired by another legend, Fitzroy Coleman. “I used to watch Fitzroy perform, and he influenced my sound a lot.”
Despite his successes, Relator’s journey had its challenges. In 1980, after winning Calypso Monarch, he was excluded from the traditional prize trip abroad to China.
“Ah called it the ‘China Syndrome’. I didn’t let it bother me,” he said of the snub. “Trinidad is paradise—why beat myself up over China?”
The following year, the infamously harsh Skinner Park crowd further tested Relator’s resolve when they booed his song about the late Claude Noel after the boxer lost his WBA Lightweight title.
Noel, who passed away in May of 2023, won the title on September 12 in 1981, defeating Mexican boxer Rodolfo González via unanimous decision, prompting Relator to sing about the feat. The Roxborough-born boxer, however, lost the title 84 days later to American boxer Arturo Frias on December 5 of the same year, after suffering a knockout in the eighth round.
“Is because of Claude Noel I get booed in San Fernando, yuh know. He gone and lost the title before I reach Skinner Park,” Relator laughed. “I had to sing de song ‘cause that is the song the judges select me to sing. Skinner Park is a very hostile crowd and were fed up and dey say: ‘Move with that… yuh done loss!’”
A legacy that
endures
Though retired, Relator stays tuned to the evolution of calypso. “Modern calypso is very commercial—it’s what the audience wants now,” he observed.
He admires young acts like Aaron Duncan, Roderick “Chuck” Gordon and might surprise many by naming Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez) as his dream duet partner.
“I wouldn’t mind doing a duet with Bunji. I understand him. I like his approach to de ting and I sure he could extempo too,” Relator chuckled.
As Christmas approaches, Relator sends his fans warm wishes: “Well boy, the most I could do is wish them a very happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. Stay out of trouble and enjoy the season.”
Lord Relator’s timeless music continues to inspire, reminding us that, as he says: “The only sustainable and consistent growth is together.
“Our collective value is what keeps our culture alive.”