Embracing the Caribbean Style Spiritual Vibes of "He Died for Me (Hamalhamadla)"
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 15, 2025
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
One tranquil morning, as the sun painted the sky in hues of gold and the day began to unfurl, I tuned into WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM. Little did I know that the radio waves would soon carry me to an auditory paradise, courtesy of DJ Copybook (Dianne Phillips). That morning, she introduced the audience to a gem—a 2004 song titled "He Died for Me (Hamalhamadla)" by Sherwin Gardner featuring Double Six & Light House Crew.
I have to consider this my first encounter with musical magic that morning; thank you, DJ Copybook. The first time I heard the song, it was a profound revelation. Its harmonious blend of Caribbean rhythms and spiritual undertones resonated deeply within me. Yes, I was impressed! I can only describe the unique soundscape as Caribbean Style Spiritual Vibes, akin to a refreshing breeze. It wasn't just a song; it was an experience that lingered long after the last note played.
What was I listening to? I needed to know the name of the song, and I wanted to add it to my collection. Enthralled by this musical masterpiece, I reached out to Kenny Phillips, seeking more information about the song and its origins. Kenny, with his unwavering dedication, embarked on a quest to uncover the story behind the music. His efforts bore fruit, and he provided the details that would shape this blog post.
Although I don't identify as religious, I find myself drawn to lyrical content that soothes the spirit. "He Died for Me (Hamalhamadla)" is a testament to the creative genius of Sherwin Gardner, complemented by the vocal prowess of Double Six & Light House Crew. The song seamlessly weaves together elements of gospel and Caribbean musical traditions, creating a tapestry of sound that is both uplifting and soul-stirring.
The lyrics, rich in spiritual meaning, convey a profound message of sacrifice and salvation. The rhythmic beats and melodic harmonies transport listeners to a place of reflection and reverence. It’s a celebration of faith, culture, and the unifying power of music.
The song moved me, but the mix of styles and lyrics moved me even more. Listening to this song was a deeply moving experience. Its unusual fusion of styles and its powerful message left an indelible mark on my heart. It's a song that transcends boundaries, inviting listeners from all walks of life to embrace its message and bask in its spiritual vibes.
Listen to the song and share your thoughts about it, especially how it made you feel. I truly hope you find as much joy and inspiration in this song as I did. Music has the incredible ability to connect us, to heal us, and to uplift our spirits. "He Died for Me (Hamalhamadla)" is a shining example of that power.
It was quite an experience, especially since Damion was ill and DJ Copybook had to take charge of the show. Life often takes us to unexpected places, so it's important to always maintain a positive attitude. Tell us what you think! How does this song resonate with you? Have you discovered any other gems that blend Caribbean rhythms with spiritual themes? Share your thoughts, and let's celebrate the beauty of music together. Music, in its purest form, is a universal language. "He Died for Me (Hamalhamadla)" speaks to the soul, reminding us of the beauty that arises when diverse musical elements come together. It's a song that deserves to be heard, cherished, and celebrated.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: He Died For Me (Hamalhamadla)
Performed by: Sherwin Gardner feat. Double Six & Light House Crew
Main Artist: Sherwin Gardner
Producer: Flow Masters Records
Composer: Raymond Eneas
Composer: Sherwin Gardner
Lyricist: Sherwin Gardner
Lyricist: Raymond Eneas
Music Publisher: Copyright Control (COTT)
Music Publisher: Copyright Control (ASCAP)
Released on: 2004-04-01
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Caribbean Gospel
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
With their fiery arrival, online chats are exploding with "facts"—or not! Online chat rooms are buzzing with discussions about Bush-Judges and Bush-judging. Every site monitoring event taking place in Trinidad and Tobago has opinionated fans. The problem is that Trinidadians always think that there is a hidden agenda and that the official judges "thief their band." This belief fuels a cycle of skepticism and distrust, leading to heated debates and accusations that overshadow the actual performances. As the excitement builds, many participants find themselves more focused on the perceived biases rather than appreciating the artistry showcased on stage.
The problem here is that almost every one of the bush judges doesn't understand music and what it takes to judge a musical orchestration for a Steelband. "But we hear the music, and we know who is the winner!" Not so fast, and for today's post we are posting a few things that all "bush judges" should take note of before criticizing the official judging results.
Judging Steelband competitions for carnival is difficult, especially the Panorama competition, which has the most vocal fans. Even after reading this post and noting the points below, it will still be difficult to put it all together if you simply listen to 'pan music' just around Carnival time.
We rightly focus on the arranger and arrangement, but who is just as important? The drill master holds equal importance! We listed the work of the drillmaster at the end. Execution is important, and with that, remember the work of the "Engine Room" that drives the tempos for the music.
In the end, unless one of the bands does something truly exceptional, all fans will believe that their band either won or lost. C'est La Vie! Here's to the biggest Steelband fans—our beloved and most of the time scorned "bush judges," and let's see if any bush judges can find the top three finalist spots. Now that will be something to talk about! As the competition heats up, the excitement among fans intensifies, with each bush judge eager to assert their opinion on the performances. The anticipation is palpable, and the true spirit of the Steelband culture shines through as everyone gathers to celebrate the music and camaraderie, regardless of the final outcome.
Bush judges take note of the following "Terms used for Steelband music:"
Interpolation—estimation of time
Dynamics—volume of music (used in place of loud and soft)
Crescendo: gradual increase in the volume or intensity
Execution—technical expertise and musical skills
Clarity—quality of being easy to perceive, understand and appreciate
Tempo refers to the speed at which a piece is played. It is quantified in beats per minute (BPM).
Orchestration in steelpan music refers to the arrangement of steelpan instruments in an ensemble. A steel band or steel orchestra typically includes steel pans tuned to various scales, played by pannists. The tempo is regulated by a rhythm section of traditional percussion instruments.
Drill Master—The drill master for Steelband music is responsible for coordinating and leading the band during performances. They help set the tempo, cue instrument sections, and ensure smooth transitions between different sections of a piece. The drill master plays a crucial role in maintaining the ensemble's tempo and performance cohesion.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Panorama Judging Tips
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband Music
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
Exodus & Supernovas Rise to The Top: Panorama Prelims Results PTLCBP2025
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 15, 2025
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
As the Large Conventional Steelbands Preliminary Judging took center stage, the rhythmic beat of steelpans resonated through the air. The competition was fierce as each band strived for perfection, and the results were truly spectacular. Here's a detailed look at the results of this captivating event.
Like the wise men, the top performers came from the Eastern Region. The Republic Band Exodus and First Citizens Supernova from the Eastern Region led the way with flawless performances, earning 276 and 275 points, respectively. Their outstanding renditions mesmerized the judges and secured their spots at the top of the leaderboard.
A close competition ensued for the third position, with several bands delivering stellar performances. Tied with 273 points, these bands showcased their musical prowess and left the audience in awe.
The competition witnessed multiple ties, making the results even more intriguing. Four bands tied for the sixth spot with 271 points each, while another set of four bands tied for the tenth place with 269 points each. These ties highlighted the exceptional talent present among the participants.
In the final spots, Starlift and Desperadoes captured the fourteenth and fifteenth positions, respectively. The point spread was 10 points; let's see how many bands improve on their preliminary scores for the semis. Their spirited performances added to the overall vibrancy of the event. Stay tuned for more updates on this exhilarating musical journey!
So which bands are out? Well, here is the surprise: all fifteen bands move on to the next round of competition that takes place on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, at the "Big Yard," Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, starting at 1:00 pm.
The Results:
01. Republic Bank Exodus—276 Points
02. First Citizens Supernovas—275
03. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps—273 (Tie)
03. Hadco BP Renegades—273 (Tie)
05. Massy Trinidad All Stars - 272
06. Phase 2—271 (Tie)
06. NLCB Fonclaire - 271 (Tie)
06. Heritage Petroleum Skiffle Bunch—271 (Tie)
06. RBC Redemption Soundsetters—271 (Tie)
10. Silver Stars—269 (Tie)
10. Shell Invaders - 269 (Tie)
10. Heritage Petroleum Siparia Deltones—269 (Tie)
10. NLCB Buccooneers—269 (Tie)
14. Proman Starlift—268
15. Desperadoes—266
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Pan Trinbago's Large Conventional Bands Preliminaries 2025
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband Music
Code: PTLCBP2025
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
"De Ting Nice" by DJ Chengz: The Ultimate Groove Soca Mix for Trinidad Carnival 2025
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 15, 2025
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
This mixtape has all the top Groove Soca hits for Carnival 2025. DJ Chengz has curated a playlist that features the best Groove Soca tracks of the season. From Machel Montano's "The Truth" to Kes' "No Sweetness," each track is a hit that will have you dancing non-stop.
This is the time of year when the new music releases slow down, and it is time to just pause and catch up with the multitude of songs released. The release of this mixtape coincides perfectly with the approaching Carnival 2025. It's the ultimate preparation tool for anyone planning to hit the streets and enjoy the festivities.
"De Ting Nice" by DJ Chengz is more than just a mixtape; it's a celebration of Trinidad's rich musical heritage and the joyous spirit of Carnival. So, turn up the volume, embrace the good vibes, and prepare to dance passionately with this amazing Groove Soca mix.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Mixtape Title: De Ting Nice (Trinidad Groove Soca 2025)
Curated & mixed by: DJ Chengz
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
