Today we present the remake of Indrani by the man who was known as Lord Shorty, released 50 years ago and celebrated today by his song, Sheldon Blackman, featuring Chutney legend Drupatee Ramgoonai and the genius of Keshav doing production honors. Indrani was the beginning of Project Sokah, which eventually became Soca music after some musical experimentation.

 

Lord Shorty, in 1973, combined Calypso and Indian music to create a new and unique sound that infuriated both East Indian and Afro-Trinidadian partisans. One group cried mockery, while the other group clearly did not like the change to Calypso music. After all was said and done, both dominant cultures benefited from Lord Shorty's creative process: Soca was born, and Chutney Soca thrives today.

 

Fast forward fifty years, and today his son, Sheldon Blackman, pays tribute to his father's creative process with a remake of Indrani. Along with Drupatee Ramgoonai and the brilliant producer, Keshav, we can, once again, celebrate "Indrani" in style. Long live Soca!

 

YouTube Music Release Notes:

2024 marks 50 years since the great Garfield Blackman, then known as Lord Shorty and later Ras Shorty I, created Soca music. In 1973, he brought the two predominant rhythmic structures of Trinidad and Tobago together, fusing Indian & African elements to create a sound that would reverberate through the decades. 

 

Indrani is considered to be the first Soca (or, as Shorty first coined it, 'Sokah') recording. His son, Sheldon Blackman, unites with Indo-Trinidadian legend Drupatee to rework this classic into a respectful yet edgy rendition of this pivotal record. Shorty's vision has provided the musical basis for the Caribbean Carnival as we know it today. His legacy is carried on by his children and grandchildren, who admirably and actively continue their work as the first family of the genre.

 

The Road March title is awarded to the song that is played the most at the judging points along the parade route. Some of the factors that influence the popularity of a song include its tempo, lyrics, melody, and appeal to the masqueraders and spectators. The song also has to be registered with the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) to be eligible for the title. The most important criterion is that the song has to be very popular. Can they achieve that level of popularity in such a short time?

 

Only time can tell...

 

Based on these criteria, it is possible that "Miracle" by Kes could contend for the Road March Title 2024, but it is not guaranteed. The song has a fast tempo and a catchy chorus that could motivate the revelers to dance and sing along. The lyrics are also positive and uplifting, as they express gratitude for life and its blessings. The song has a modern and fresh sound, which could appeal to a diverse audience. However, the song also faces some challenges, such as the competition from other established and emerging soca artists, the timing of its release, and the mood of the masquerade band leaders. The song was released in January 2024, which is relatively late for a Carnival song, as many songs are released months before the season to gain exposure and momentum.

 

Therefore, the answer to this question is not clear-cut, as many factors could influence the outcome of the Road March Title 2024. The song "Miracle" by Kes has some strengths and weaknesses that could affect its chances of winning the title, but ultimately, it depends on the preferences and opinions of the people who participate in and enjoy the Carnival festivities.

Snakey's "Wake Up Calypso" is more than just a song; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich threads of Calypso's history. With each verse, Snakey takes us on a captivating journey, tracing the genre's evolution from its Trinidadian roots to its global reach.

 

As a true Calypso son, Snakey's lyrics brim with the genre's essence. He paints vivid pictures of lively street parades, pulsating rhythms, and the storytelling prowess that made Calypso a beloved cultural cornerstone. We hear echoes of the genre's early masters, their wit, and social commentary woven seamlessly into the narrative. The birth of Soca (1970s), Calypso's energetic offspring, is celebrated with infectious enthusiasm, while the influence of iconic artists like Lord Kitchener and Mighty Sparrow is rightfully acknowledged.

 

But "Wake Up Calypso" isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Snakey also acknowledges the challenges the genre faces in the ever-evolving musical landscape. He urges Calypso to "rise and shake off the dust," to rekindle its spark and reclaim its rightful place in the global spotlight. The song noted that Calypso's enduring spirit and future greatness, ring with an optimistic fire that's impossible to ignore.

 

Musically, the song lives up to its lyrical power. The infectious Calypso beat pulses through every note, its bright melodies and playful rhythms guaranteed to get your feet moving. Snakey's vocals, delivered with both reverence and swagger, embody the spirit of the genre perfectly. It's a sonic tribute that stays true to Calypso's tradition while adding a fresh, contemporary twist.

 

"Wake Up Calypso" is more than just a song; it's a call to action, a reminder of a genre's rich history and its undeniable potential. It's a celebration of Calypso's vibrant spirit, its infectious joy, and its ability to tell stories that resonate across cultures and generations. Whether you're a seasoned Calypso aficionado or simply a curious listener, "Wake Up Calypso" is guaranteed to leave you humming its melody and tapping your feet long after the last note fades.

 

In short:

• Lyrically: Captivating, informative, and passionate ode to Calypso's history and future.
• Musically: Infectious Calypso beat, vibrant melodies, and Snakey's captivating vocals.
• Overall: A powerful call to action and a celebration of Calypso's enduring spirit.
• Verdict: A must-listen for Calypso fans and anyone who appreciates the power of music to tell stories and unite people.

Youtube Notes:

Wake Up Calypso Is a rhythmic and melodious rendition that highlights some of Calypsoe's most historical points and people,  Pioneers who have paved the way for us today to share tomorrow. Long live calypso...

Tonight, the Tornadoes Stell Orchestra performed before the judges in their panyard as part of the Medium Category National Panorama Competition 2024. Their tune of choice was "Engine Room" by Olatunji. The turnout for this event was good and the band performed the song at a controlled pace for the judges. 

 

The Tornadoes Stell Orchestra delivered a stunning performance of "Engine Room" in their panyard last night, as they competed in the Medium Category National Panorama Competition 2024. This was the preliminary stage of the competition and the hope was that last night's performance would carry over to a semi-final place in the competition.

 

"Engine Room" was arranged by Shervon Edwards; this arrangement showcased the players' musical skills and creativity with a lively rendition of the SoCalypso classic by Olatunji. The partisan audience was impressed by the band's energy, harmony, and precision as they played with passion and flair. One would hope that this sentiment carried over to the judges.

 

The Tornadoes Stell Orchestra is one of the contenders for the coveted title of National Panorama champions in the medium bands category, and they have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the steelpan world. We wish them well.