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 musical genre that emerged in the 1920s, blending "shanty" (work songs) and "calypso". It was created by Bill Rogers (Augustus Hinds, 1906–1984), who described it as an improvised blend of words and music with a West Indian rhythm and satirical commentary on people, events, and things.