Calypso is a form of Afro-Caribbean dance music that developed in Trinidad and other island nations in the early twentieth century. France colonized much of the Caribbean in the 19th century, and the music developed initially as a form of communication among the slaves. Calypso drew on both colonial French and West African traditions, and developed into a lively, rhythmic and, despite its seemingly light and fun-loving sound, intensely political style of music.