The word "shanto" is a conflation of "shanty" - the term used in Guyana for work songs - and "calypso". The style was developed and named in the 1920s by musician Bill Rogers (Augustus Hinds, 1906–1984), who described it as "an improvisation of words and music with an Afro-West Indian beat, with satirical comments on people, events and things...".
"Shanto" is a fusion of "shanty", the term used in Guyana for work songs, and "calypso". This musical style was developed and named by musician Bill Rogers (Augustus Hinds, 1906–1984) in the 1920s. He described it as an improvised blend of words and music with a West Indian rhythm, featuring satirical commentary on people, events, and things.