As his timeless classics \u201cSip and Chat\u201d and \u201cMake a Friend for the Christmas\u201d float from house to house, Lord Relator sits back, contented.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am simply doing what is natural to me,\u201d Relator hummed during an entertaining phone conversation on Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n
Relator\u2019s festive anthems, celebrated for their wit and relatability, were born from his keen observation of Trinbagonian life.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the inspiration behind \u201cSip and Chat\u201d, he recalled: \u201cI was listening to cricket late into the night, couldn\u2019t sleep, and I thought about how we Trinis have a way of eating and drinking out everything at people\u2019s homes during Christmas. The lyrics came to me like extempo\u2014it\u2019s how I compose. I put it all together in my head first, then write it down so I won\u2019t forget.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Relator, Christmas is about family and music.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy most cherished Christmas memories are too many to count,\u201d he said. \u201cThese days, I\u2019m at home with family. We have lunch, talk about the good ole days, and I take out my guitar to lead us into song.\u201d<\/p>\n
The essence of a Trini Christmas may be continuously evolving, but Relator finds joy in knowing his music helps keep some traditions alive.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople tell me when they hear my songs, they feel like Christmas. It\u2019s a great feeling knowing the music still plays every day and still has meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n
As if on cue, \u201cMake a Friend for the Christmas\u201d began playing in the background on his end of the line.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still on radio, boy!\u201d Relator declared proudly. \u201cThat was Pelham Goddard\u2014yuh know\u2014arrangement! I does be here at home listening to de radio and every day I hear one of my songs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The voice of a people<\/p>\n
Hailing from Quarry Street, East Dry River, Relator\u2019s upbringing shaped his approach to calypso.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour role as a calypsonian is to be the mouthpiece of the people,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
That philosophy birthed classics like \u201cFood Prices\u201d and \u201cTake a Rest\u201d, both steeped in social commentary. He recalled the origins of \u201cFood Prices\u201d with a laugh:<\/p>\n
\u201cI was at my girlfriend\u2019s house, and her mother came from the market complaining about prices. She was steupsing every time she take an item out the bag,\u201d he chuckled. \u201cShe take out de saltfish and say, \u201814 oz of saltfish is $3.69!\u2019 I took her words just like that and put it in the song.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 1980, Relator reached the pinnacle of the calypso world, winning the National Calypso Monarch with those songs.<\/p>\n
\u201cForty-four years already?\u201d he said, amazed. \u201cThat win opened up opportunities. I travelled abroad, met Andy Narell, and recorded \u2018University of Calypso\u2019. It\u2019s a career highlight I cherish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guided by the greats<\/p>\n
Relator\u2019s artistry was heavily influenced by the Grandmaster of calypso Lord Kitchener (the late Aldwyn Roberts). He joined Kitch\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cKitchener reminded me of my father, Conrad Harris, a machinist who measured three times before cutting. Kitchener was the same\u2014he could condense an entire story into a few lines,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Penny (Janelle Commissiong) won Miss Universe in 1977, Kitch captured it in just one verse of his calypso.\u201d<\/p>\n
This precision shaped Relator\u2019s own storytelling. A master of the guitar, his playing style was inspired by another legend, Fitzroy Coleman. \u201cI used to watch Fitzroy perform, and he influenced my sound a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite his successes, Relator\u2019s journey had its challenges. In 1980, after winning Calypso Monarch, he was excluded from the traditional prize trip abroad to China.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh called it the \u2018China Syndrome\u2019. I didn\u2019t let it bother me,\u201d he said of the snub. \u201cTrinidad is paradise\u2014why beat myself up over China?\u201d<\/p>\n
The following year, the infamously harsh Skinner Park crowd further tested Relator\u2019s resolve when they booed his song about the late Claude Noel after the boxer lost his WBA Lightweight title.<\/p>\n
Noel, who passed away in May of 2023, won the title on September 12 in 1981, defeating Mexican boxer Rodolfo Gonz\u00e1lez 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs because of Claude Noel I get booed in San Fernando, yuh know. He gone and lost the title before I reach Skinner Park,\u201d Relator laughed. \u201cI had to sing de song \u2018cause that is the song the judges select me to sing. Skinner Park is a very hostile crowd and were fed up and dey say: \u2018Move with that… yuh done loss!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
A legacy that<\/p>\n
endures<\/p>\n
Though retired, Relator stays tuned to the evolution of calypso. \u201cModern calypso is very commercial\u2014it\u2019s what the audience wants now,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n
He admires young acts like Aaron Duncan, Roderick \u201cChuck\u201d Gordon and might surprise many by naming Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez) as his dream duet partner.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind doing a duet with Bunji. I understand him. I like his approach to de ting and I sure he could extempo too,\u201d Relator chuckled.<\/p>\n
As Christmas approaches, Relator sends his fans warm wishes: \u201cWell 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lord Relator\u2019s timeless music continues to inspire, reminding us that, as he says: \u201cThe only sustainable and consistent growth is together.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur collective value is what keeps our culture alive.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n