Elli Medeiros – A bailar Calypso
#quotefromthe80s
C'est la caresse, la promesse
Le flacon et l'ivresse
D'un tout petit baiser
Vamos a bailar Calypso mi amor
#ElliMedeiros #ABailarCalypso
During the 1980s, there was a noticeable interest in exotic atmospheres and music. The world at that time was not as accessible as it is today, both in terms of information and travel. Occasionally, music bridged this gap, often through American and English influences, bringing notes, culture, and curiosities from distant countries into people’s homes, a trend that had been occurring since the 1960s.
Throughout the decade, there were various examples of songs with exotic charm, such as Madonna’s La Isla Bonita, Murray Head’s One Night in Bangkok, Mory Kanté’s Yéké Yéké and other singles that referenced distant places.
Among the exotic rhythms that reached Europe after the Second World War, calypso gained visibility, particularly due to the songs of Harry Belafonte, such as Banana Boat or Day-O. Calypso originated from the Caribbean island of Trinidad and typically featured themes of the struggles and aspirations of the impoverished and exploited inhabitants. In this sense, its origins are similar to those of blues music.
Following the golden age of Harry Belafonte, calypso music experienced a resurgence in popularity in Europe in early 1987, due in part to a song titled A bailar Calypso. This song achieved considerable success, particularly in France, but also in other European countries. It was performed by Elli Medeiros, a noteworthy artist in the music scene of the 1980s.
Elli Medeiros, though not widely recognized, had a distinctive career trajectory both musically and personally, warranting attention. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, she was the daughter of an actress and began her involvement in theater at a young age with minor roles.
Due to family circumstances, she emigrated twice, first to Argentina and then to France, where she initially pursued a modeling career before transitioning to punk music. She joined the group Stinky Toys, where she met Denis Quilliard, known as Jacno, who became both her artistic collaborator and life partner. Following the dissolution of Stinky Toys, they formed the iconic duo Elli et Jacno, achieving significant success in 1980 with their debut single Main dans la main.
Elli et Jacno were among the authors of another notable French hit of 1980, Amoureux Solitaires by Lio. The song was created by translating an English text by Elli Medeiros for Stinky Toys and incorporating Jacno’s signature electronic music.
In the following years, Elli also pursued acting, participating in four French films between 1980 and 1986. During this period, Elli and Jacno decided to separate their musical careers. After the birth of her daughter, Elli resumed her musical career as a solo artist.
A bailar Calypso features a straightforward text focusing on love and seduction, accompanied by a melody and a repetitively chanted chorus. The lyrics are primarily in French, with the chorus in Spanish, reflecting Elli Medeiros’ multicultural background.
The video is straightforward, featuring Elli singing and dancing with musicians. Towards the conclusion of the video, Elli hugs a young girl, who is actually her daughter with Jacno. The daughter’s name, fittingly, is Calypso. Presently, Elli and Jacno’s daughter performs under the stage name Calypso Valois, while Elli remains a prominent film and television actress, particularly in France.
In summary, Elli Medeiros was far from an ordinary individual, and the song A bailar Calypso not only reflected her origins and passions but also symbolically paved the way for her vibrant future, reminiscent of a Caribbean dance.
Elli Medeiros on Wikipedia
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