The observant listener has already made out that this is not the Mighty Spoiler singing. Spoiler recorded the song for Vital Angel’s elusive Vitadisc label in 1954. But since I don’t have that one, I present instead an excellent cover version by calypso singer Joseph Clemendor (sometimes spelt Clemendore). I was really delighted to find this recording. Clemendor sings very much in the vein of Spoiler, with a lively yet distinct tone, smoothly syncopating the beat of Gérard la Viny’s orchestra. He has changed some references here and there. For instance, Spoiler sang that the events took place outside the Globe Theatre (in Port of Spain), while Clemendor seems to sing about another venue, some place phonetically akin to “The Gomo Theater”.

Spending a pleasant afternoon with a little armchair research on Clemendor, I soon stumbled across wishful postings in comments fields from people—several claim to be relatives—who also looked for more info on the man. What seems safe to ascertain is that Clemendore was born of African and Indo-Caribbean descent in Trinidad in 1923. He resided in Jamaica in the early fifties, touring the Caribbean with a dance troupe, singing calypsos at The Montego Beach Hotel, and making at least two excellent recordings at Stanley Motta’s studio in Kingston. More surprisingly, however, he was also a greatly skilled yoga practician and contortionist, a fact aptly sustained by his sobriquet: Cobra Man.
Subsequently, he moved to England with his wife Leonor. According to his grandson, Jacob Bell, he was part of a touring circus troupe while also offering healing sessions and teachings on the art of yoga, a vocation that took him at least as far as Bulgaria.
He spent some time in Paris in 1956, and that is probably when the album Calypso was recorded for the label Guilde du Jazz. It is not far-fetched to imagine that Joe and bandleader Gérard (called Geraldo on the record, for some reason) met at the Parisian cabaret restaurant La Canne à Sucre, known as “the Creole embassy of Paris”, where the latter was a regular entertainer. (The restaurant is still run by his relatives.)
According to the sleeve notes, la Viny, originally from Guadeloupe, had in fact gone to Paris to study economy at L’Institute des Sciences Politiques, but the “demon of music” also tugged at him and eventually won the fight.
My attempt at a translation:
The art of knowing how to bend yourselfJoe Clemendor is 33 years old. He was born in Trinidad in the West Indies. Having been a composer, musician and poet for a dozen years, he happened one day to discover the delights of Yoga, the philosophical system of India. Through practices of asceticism, the yogi acquires absolute power of the mind, becoming a master of the body, which he can submit to the most incredible exercises. The originality of Joe Clemendor is that he practices Yoga in the Parisian nightclubs, where the guests could often be classified as epicureans, those who, according to the Renaissance poet, live without waiting for tomorrow, picking the roses of life. If they remain insensitive to the philosophical ideas of Yoga, they nevertheless admire the ease with which the beautiful West Indian contorts. Watching him bend his body, we cannot say that they… bend with laughter, but it does occur that women faint with horror!
I’m indebted to the accounts of several researchers, yoga practicians and enthusiasts for having been able to put this little piece together. Thanks also to Zeno Obi Constance for help with the lyrics transcript.
I am trying to find out more about Joseph Clemandore as my husband is his son, Patrick. We are even unsure if he is still alive which we hope he is but would believe he has most likely passed so wanted to find out any information of any living family members. This is not a hoax it is very much genuine and would really appreciate your help and for you to make contact. We have more evidence of Patrick being his son. We our just very keen to find out more about Joseph Clemandore’s life.Thanking you
Dear Trish,
I’m afraid I don’t know much more than what can be gathered from a little research on the internet, which I believe you have already tried your best at. I have been in touch with a few people interested in knowing more about Joseph, but it seems your husband is the first actual relative so far. I’d be very interested to know what Patrick remembers of his father or upbringing. Is Leonor his mother? // L.I.
Hello Trish my name is Charlie Bell and my mother is Clementina Clemendore and my grandfather Joseph Cobra Man Clemendore.
Please get in touch as I am looking for more relatives 🙂
charlie_joseph_bell@outlook.com
Hello I am his Grandson !!
Please get in touch!!
I am looking for family!
My name is Charlie Bell my mother is Clementina Clemendore and her Dad Joseph Cobra Man Clemendore
We have many pictures and I believe he married twice here. He travelled all over as a contortionist in the Circus. Has also had another daughter Nadine Clemendore my Auntie.
I am looking for more family relations! My email is charlie_joseph_bell@outlook.com
Please get in touch!