Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca — your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. First published on Sokah2Soca, now streaming live via Island Vybe Radio.
This wasn’t just a rant but was more so an expression of frustration—it was verbal bois (bois—Trinidad stickfighting terminology) aimed straight at the heart of Trinidad’s music ecosystem. The industry? Dragged. The Soca artists? They were exposed for their lack of leadership and support. Indeed, even the fans faced harsh realities. KG held nothing back, and the message was clear: Trinibad and Zess deserve more than hype—they deserve respect.
KG’s recent YouTube vent wasn’t just emotion—it was a mirror held up to Trinidad’s music industry. He called out the double standards, the selective support, and the cultural snobbery that keeps Trinibad and Zess artists boxed in.
These genres have grown out of the passion lived in the streets of Trinidad—raw, real, and resonating with the youth. However, when artists like Plumpy release tracks that are positive and conscious, they receive criticism. No reposts or support from our so-called fans. There was no radio play. No co-signs. Yet the moment drama hits, everyone’s tuned in. Trinidadians like drama and will listen to and praise foreign artists who deliver viral music and ignore the local artists with positive music.
This venting isn’t just about KG looking out for himself, far from it—it’s about a pattern. The industry wants the numbers Trinibad brings, but not the culture. They’ll capitalize on the controversy but won’t invest in the growth. They’ll praise international sounds with similar grit but treat local Zess like it’s a phase to outgrow.
And mentorship? KG made it clear that most of the big names only show support once an artist has already gone viral. That’s not support—that’s opportunism. He really exposed the 'elders,' well-known Soca stars who only feature 'new artists' when they "make it on their own." They are not risk takers, just opportunists! He did not hold back... Machel got some serious bois!
In actuality, Trinibad and Zess music embody lived realities. They’re not polished for export—they’re rooted in experience. And until Trinidad’s music gatekeepers respect that, they’ll keep missing the future that’s already here. He exposed the 'bandwagonist industry' that waits for success before promoting artists... they are not risk takers who see talent and grow it.
KG’s rant is a wake-up call. This warning applies not only to fans but to the entire ecosystem. If you’re not helping build, don’t pretend to support.