”Joseph’s take on the calypsos and soca songs was very different, at times there was folk, then there was
a bit of R&B, a touch of jazz and even a sprinkling of operatic theatre. “– Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Krisson “Seraphim” Joseph is a calypsonian, multi genre vocalist and composer of formidable stock; being
the son of calypso great The Penguin. Through his company Caribbean Griot Music, Seraphim hosts the
increasingly popular In Defence of Calypso series, now a mainstay of the calypso calendar with
performances at major Trinidad venues as well as through national television broadcasts. In addition to
his work in calypso and its rich family of sub-genres, his vocal quality, range and dexterity allow him to
move seamlessly between genres as varied as jazz, folk, opera, gospel and rhythm & blues ballads.
Additionally, his ease and comfort on stage compels audiences to actively engage with his musical
offerings.
Seraphim also frequently lends his talent to theatrical productions both on and off stage. He has served
as Musical Director on several occasions for the National Theatre Arts Company, most recently in their
productions of Tony Hall’s Jean and Dinah as well as the world famous Trinidadian play, Moon on a
Rainbow Shawl by Errol John for which he composed the title song. His theatre credits do not end there;
they are as wide ranging as his vocal prowess. In one instance he took up the mantle of Musical Director
with the Malick Folk Performing Company, composing eight original pieces of music for their Best Village
winning performance of “The River”. Further, he has taken lead roles in musical theatre performances of
Beauty and the Beast and Fiddler on the Roof. Further still, he has played lead roles in three operas hosted
by the Classical Music Development Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago and Picoplat Music Development
Foundation. Given his strong calypso background however it should be no surprise that he also took up a
lead role in the Canboulay Productions staging of Rawle Gibbons’ Sing De Chorus. For his performance
with the UTT Ibis Ensemble production of River of Freedom one reviewer remarked, “Baritonist, Krisson
Joseph, was the audience favourite on the night, his huge voice filling the acoustically challenging hall.” –
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.
For Seraphim, the joy of performance comes in storytelling, in purposeful interaction with an audience.
Each of Seraphim’s presentations embraces the audience in a decisive arc determined to connect them
not only to what is happening on stage but also to each other. Audiences frequently find themselves in
sing-along mode lustily singing and dancing completing the circle of communication. Whether he is taking
the stage at one of the multiple appearances in concerts, jazz festivals, pan yards, calypso shows in and
out of Carnival, or at schools and universities in and out of Trinidad, the goal is always the same –
communicate with the audience, say something. With this focus on impacting people beyond the
superficial, it is no wonder his reputation as a performer and composer continues to grow. Visit
www.seraphimcgm.com to stay abreast of all the musical happenings of this performer par excellence.