Kobo Town, a five-piece calypso-reggae band, was founded by Trinidadian songwriter Drew Gonsalves.
He grew up in a middle class suburban town and immigrated to Canada when he was 13. As a child, he was interested in American and British rock music and heavy metal and even though he was exposed to calypso music “it wasn’t his main interest,” according to the band’s press release.
His interest to explore his cultural roots deepened after he immigrated to Canada and he began to dig through bins of old records at second-hand stores to explore the traditions of calypso music.
“Calypso is the folk music of urban Trinidad,” said Gonsalves. “It was the music that spoke, not only to us, but like us. It was full of gossip and innuendo and addressed every topic under the sun from every possible angle. And it delivered its ideas with wit and humour. Political songwriting can get so self-righteous and dour, and it was always refreshing to hear it done with a laugh and a smile.”
Kobo Town released its debut album Independence in 2007. The latest album is Where the Galleon Sank. According to Kobo Town’s website Gonsalves was on a boat heading out of the Gulf of Paria when the idea came to him.
“Looking down I was struck by how much of our history – like that sunken vessel – lies buried under waves, its outline barely visible in the blue shadows,” he said.
Kobo Town performs at the Queen’s Feb. 2. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $12 in advance from the Queen’s or $15 at the door.
For more information about Kobo Town, please go to www.kobotown.com.