New calypso inspired by Obama

James, who is back home for Carnival and to advance some business projects in Tobago, recorded the calypso in the sister isle and has released it locally. He said he had taken a keen interest in Obama’s candidacy almost from the beginning.

“His appointment was not political, it was Biblical,” James told Newsday. “As US President he is healing the nations, bringing the nations together.”

He added: “My wife, Margaret, was on my case to write a calypso about Obama but song writing is inspiration and timing.”

James said he started writing the calypso last November, while he was still in Canada. He recorded in Tobago with young producer Andre Davis, who handled all the musical arrangements.

The spoken words at the beginning of the calypso were done by another talented Tobagonian, Oral Douglas.

Douglas’ flawless oratory, which sounds like late civil rights leader Martin Luther King, adds a special dimension to the recording.

The calypso is just one of several culturally-based projects James has undertaken in Tobago. He also hosts a very popular Saturday afternoon programme on Radio Tambrin. The programme, “Tambrin International Cook Up”, streams live on the world wide web and features a link-up with popular radio DJ Ian “D Goose” Eligon in New York.

It airs from 3 pm to 6 pm and enjoys a wide listenership in Tobago, the US and Canada.