‘We’ve been here a long time’: Calypso legend makes Glasgow debut with Windrush celebration
‘We’ve been here a long time’: Calypso legend makes Glasgow debut with Windrush celebration
One of the UK’s most celebrated calypso performers is heading to Glasgow for the first time, inviting locals to explore the stories, music and heritage of the Windrush generation at a free community gathering this weekend.
Alexander D Great, a multiple-time UK Calypso Monarch and BBC Calypsonian-in-Residence, will lead a calypso songwriting workshop and live performance at the Windrush Day Gathering at Garnethill Multicultural Centre on Saturday 20 June.
The event is part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, a ten-week city-wide programme celebrating culture, creativity and community.
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Alexander has spent decades performing across Britain, using calypso to celebrate Caribbean culture and reflect everyday life. As communities mark Windrush Day, he said the occasion is a chance to recognise the long-standing contribution of Caribbean people to British society.
Alexander said: “Windrush should remind people that we’ve been here for a very long time, contributing in one way or another. People often talk about Windrush as though it was the beginning. There were people of African and Caribbean heritage here long before that. We’re all part of one large family, and those stories are part of modern Britain.”
Known for blending humour, storytelling and social commentary, he describes calypso as “the original newspaper”, used to share news and preserve stories across generations.
Alexander explained: “Calypso has always been about telling people what’s happening in the world around them. Songs carried news, history and culture from one generation to the next. That’s why the tradition is still so powerful today. Music brings people together and gives people a way to share their experiences.”
Come What May, We Are Here To Stay: The Windrush Day Gathering is organised by Women of Colour Scotland and celebrates the culture, strength and stories of the Windrush generation through music, conversation, food and community activities.
Saturday’s workshop will see participants collaborate to write and perform an original calypso song, regardless of experience. Alexander said the session is designed to be inclusive and creative, with everyone contributing ideas.
Alexander added: “You don’t need to be a songwriter and you don’t need to be an expert. We’ll create something together from scratch and everybody will contribute. One of the wonderful things about songwriting is seeing people realise they have ideas worth sharing. By the end of the session, the song belongs to everyone in the room.”
It marks the first time he has delivered this kind of event in Glasgow, something he said makes the gathering particularly special. He believes events like this create space for people from different backgrounds to connect.
Alexander said: “We can learn so much from one another if we’re prepared to listen, learn and share. Music has a way of bringing people together. It creates friendships, starts conversations and helps people see what they have in common.”
He is encouraging anyone curious about Caribbean culture or songwriting to get involved.
Alexander added: “Come along and don’t be shy. You’ll be part of something creative, positive and welcoming. Even if you’ve never written a song before, you’ll leave knowing you’ve helped create something together. You can’t fail to enjoy it.”
