Editing Calypso music (section)

=== Rhythms ===
The heartbeat of calypso remains deeply rooted in African traditions, particularly in its use of [[polyrhythm]]s and off-beat accents.<ref name=":02">Toussaint, M. (2009). Trinidad Calypso as postmodernism in the diaspora: linking rhythms, lyrics, and the ancestral spirits. ''Research in African Literatures'', ''40''(1), 137+. <nowiki>https://link-gale-com.cbu.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A193408079/AONE?u=capebret&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=bb943fc9</nowiki></ref> These rhythmic patterns, which can be traced back to [[West Africa]]n musical practices, have been preserved. They have been incorporated into the playing of modern instruments like [[synthesizer]]s and [[Drum machine|drum machines.]]<ref name=":02" />

The rhythmic foundation of calypso music is traditionally built upon a syncopated 2/4 or 4/4 time signature, integrating the African-derived polyrhythms that characterize many Caribbean musical forms.<ref name=":13">(''Calypso Music Guide: A Brief History of Calypso Music - 2024 - MasterClass'', 2020)</ref> The distinctive "calypso beat" incorporates several key elements that define its sound.

The call-and-response vocal patterns, rooted in West African musical traditions, create an interactive dynamic between the lead singer and chorus that is fundamental to calypso's structure.<ref>Rao, A., & Sedlaczek, Y. (2012). Calypso in the Caribbean: A musical metaphor for Barbados. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 12(3), 315-327. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1177/1470595812440156</nowiki> (Original work published 2012)</ref>

Harmonically, calypso tends to employ repetitive chord progressions, most commonly using simple I-IV-V (also known as 1-4-5) structures that allow for lyrical flexibility and audience participation.