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!

 

 So there you have it: music to move you, music to help transform your day with exciting and vibrant gospel tunes. This is what is known as praiseworthy music; this is Dance with Jesus Volume 6. Please share this post with your social media peers. We will strive to bring you a gospel mix; if not every Sunday, then as often as the music mixes allow. In the meantime, you can tune in to Radio GKP on YouTube for more live gospel music shows.

 

This is our second Gospel Post from DJ GKP. You can listen to  Volume 5 at the following link:  

 

From DJ GKP 

The content was first published 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!

Soca music, often celebrated for its infectious energy and carnival rhythms, is much more than just party anthems. Beneath the pulsating basslines and vibrant melodies lies a rich history of cultural fusion, musical evolution, and regional diversity that is often overlooked. While many associate soca with Trinidad & Tobago, the genre has expanded across the Caribbean and beyond, absorbing influences from various cultures and musical traditions. This blog explores the untold story of soca’s diversity—its roots, unique variations, and global impact.

 

The Roots: The Transition from Calypso to Soca

As we venture into this topic of diversity, we should start with the creation of music— a fusion of diverse musical instruments from two culturally strong races. Lord Shorty took East Indian instruments and transposed the sound of the East Indian instruments to the musical instruments that produced Calypso music. This initial blend of African and East Indian led to the evolution of Calypso music. It should have been called modern calypso, but Lord Shorty decided it should be called sokah! He explained why he chose that name (videos available online).  He proclaimed that he wanted something new that appealed to the younger generation that was then turning to dancehall music. This new upbeat music created a stir with negative disclaimers from both races, but that did not deter Lord Shorty, and today we have his evolving music genre that is still seeking recognition but making inroads internationally. 

 

Regional movement: Soca across the Caribbean

It all started in Trinidad and Tobago, and some of the early changes all happened in Trinidad and Tobago. However, the rest of the Caribbean region also wanted to be part of the new music scene. All Caribbean territories embraced soca to enhance their carnivals, and as they incorporated the music, each territory infused it with their distinct flavor. Instead of trying to discuss the nuances of the changes for each island, we simply add bullet points that can be explored at a later date. We list them with the hope that other bloggers take them and expand them, creating multiple posts for each island. Regardless of the style, all islands have a version of groove and power soca for their carnivals. 

• Trinidad & Tobago remains the birthplace of soca, but other islands have developed their own unique flavors.
• Barbados introduced Bashment Soca, a fusion with dancehall influences, creating a more rugged and raw sound.
• Saint Vincent & the Grenadines popularized Ragga Soca, which leans into reggae and dancehall elements.
• Grenada’s Jab Jab Soca embraces deeper, darker basslines and hypnotic rhythms, reflecting its cultural traditions.
• Saint Lucia is the land of Dennery Segment Soca—a mixture of Afrobeat and dancehall.
• Guadeloupe and Martinique have a unique Soca style that does not have a name,, but one can say it is a 'unique Creole style of music.'
• Dominica brought a diverse atmosphere to the French Creole-speaking Caribbean nations, which also speak English. The music, Bouyon Infused Soca, is a mixture of Zouk and other Afro-Caribbean rhythms infused with Soca. 
• The US Virgin Islands also have a version of Soca that does not have a subgenre name, but it is a mixture of traditional Soca with reggae, dancehall, and calypso vibes. 

The Global Influence: Soca's Expansion Beyond the Caribbean

This is the goal for Soca music. Efforts to move the genre to the international audience are the goal of artists like Machel Montano and Kes of KES the Band. Many international artists have incorporated Soca music influences in their music. Bunji Garlin's "Differentology," Kevin Lyttle's "Turn Me On," and "Hot Hot Hot" by Arrow are well-known songs internationally but with limited reach and notoriety for the majority of Caribbean artists. We hope that carnivals in the diaspora will elevate the music and eventually help it break through on the international scene. Carnivals like Notting Hill, Toronto's Caribbean Carnival, and the New York Carnival, and Miami Carnival promote the music, but the audience is primarily Caribbean expatriates. The topics and message need to change to impact the international audience. 

 

Cultural Significance: More Than Just Party Music

Caribbean individuals residing in the diaspora can effortlessly comprehend the dual meanings present in the music. The international audience might completely miss the meaning of certain lines in a song. That is part of the problem, but the music carries with it storytelling and provides themes of unity and social and political commentary... vestiges of Calypso lyrical styles. Then again, Groove Soca can deliver any emotion or feeling, just like any music genre. Power Soca, on the other hand, needs to reboot for the international audience and limit the whining and bumper themes. The music keeps evolving...

 

Soca’s diversity is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and far-reaching impact. It is no longer confined to a single island or musical style—it continues to evolve, bringing together people from different backgrounds while staying true to its Caribbean roots. As artists and producers continue to expand the boundaries of soca, the genre's narrative remains unresolved, offering the potential for further innovation and global impact. The untold story of soca’s diversity is still being written, and it’s up to us to amplify its sound and share its legacy with the world.

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!

During my childhood in the Caribbean, dogs roamed freely throughout the neighborhood, showing no concern for people's safety. Dogs would 'rush you' if they were not a familiar person to the area. They could also be a nuisance, and it was common practice to chase them off, saying "Marsh Dog!" Today we present an electrifying music release by the artist known as Yung Image on the album titled "Television Set Riddim," released for Spice Mas 2025. 

 

Playing this song fills the air with excitement. "Marsh Dog," written by Yung Image, was produced by DG Productions 473, mixed by NBR Studio (USA), and mastered by Bassline Mastering. This song has a vibe, and the songwriter cleverly used double entendre to disguise the true 'dog-culprit' in the song. The song reinterprets a common West Indian phrase, used to chase dogs away, to convey the message that unwanted company will not be tolerated and will be sent off in style. The refrain is a song of empowerment and taking control of your circumstances. It is a rallying cry urging the listener to stand firm, embrace your inner strength, and rid yourself of people who simply want to use you for what they can get from you. 

 

We approve of the message and love the vibe of the song. If you are in the mood for feting, West Indian style, then get ready to sweat with this one. The beat is not Groove Soca but something approaching Power Soca speed, an in-betweener! This song will have you moving and having fun at summer carnivals in 2025. If you enjoy the song, please leave a comment, and don't forget to share this post with your social media peers.

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!

 

Just imagine that you are at a fête and you see someone who makes you look a little longer than is comfortable for a social gathering. The atmosphere is perfect, and then the DJ drops this delightful vibe. Who is playing the music? DJ Ky gives a nod to Problem Child, signaling him to make his move. As the song sets the mood and that euphoric feeling of 'I am king' takes hold, Problem Child makes his move. Do you see yourself in that situation, or are you a daydreamer who dreams of 'what could be?' Problem Child ensured that he locked eyes with that special person, and with the music pounding, he made his move, and the world seemed to move to the beat of his heart... Yes, I daydream a lot; it's good for the soul!

 

There is a universal feeling and beauty in this song. The song's title draws me in with its unique vocals and charm. While there is a song for every mood on the Red Rum Riddim, we believe that the charm of this particular song will evoke a euphoric feeling, perfect for this carnival season in the Caribbean and North America. We love the song and believe you will feel the same after listening. Please let us know how you feel about the song, and don't forget to share this post with your social media peers.