Rum and Coca Cola

A book of songs about the Caribbean during World War II from her father's estate piqued the curiosity of singer Izaline Calister. She knew many songs, but knew little about their background. What was happening in The West during WWII?

She learned about attacks by German submarines, the crucial role of oil refineries and American armies. Despite fear and uncertainty resulting in rampages, people continued to sing and dance to tropical rhythms such as calypso, tumba and reggae. In addition, American soldiers brought their films and songs. The Caribbean people enjoyed this, but at the same time criticized the American presence, as evidenced by the protest song Rum and Coca Cola.

Izaline's theater concert Rum and Coca Cola is a vibrant cocktail of music and stories about the "forgotten" war in De West.