Extempo War – Gypsy & Lady Africa

Posted by leslie on September 1st, 2008 filed in Extempo, Trinidad and Tobago

Extempo is a lyrically improvised form of calypso that is notably practiced in Trinidad and Tobago. Extempo consists of a performer improvising in song or rhythmic speech with a given theme before an audience who themselves take turns in performing. It is inherently competitive and success is judged by the wit and ingenuity of the performance. Extempo also tends to comprise topics from current events treated with mockery, ridicule and sarcasm, or with flattery and praise.

Two of the most notable extempo performers, Gypsy and Lady Africa, take on their own extempo war in the video below. Enjoy.