Calypso Rose

Calypso Rose

Calypso Rose is the stage name of McArtha Lewis, a calypsonian from Western Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago. Born in 1940, she grows up in Tobago and later lives in Barataria after moving in with an uncle at the age of nine. Her stage name comes from the American general Douglas MacArthur. She works in calypso and soca.

Writing and early career

Rose begins writing songs at 15 and is credited with writing more than 800 songs. Her early life is marked by a crowded household, with 19 people living in a one-bedroom house. In 1966 she writes Fire in Me Wire, which becomes a calypso anthem.

Competitions and awards

She becomes the first female winner of the Trinidad Road March Competition, taking the title in 1977 with Tempo. She also wins the Calypso Queen title five years in succession. In 1978 she wins both the Trinidad Calypso Crown and the Road March competition. Later honours include the Sunshine Award in 1989 and the Trinidad and Tobago Hummingbird Medal in 2000.