Today we take a break from our regular programming to bring you a 'non-Soca' track. Why? Kes from KES the Band is featured on the song! Shwayze has titled the song "West Coast", showcasing the talents of Common Kings and Kes. If you enjoy a smooth vibe while driving down the highway, a song that inspires you to sail away and dream of driving along the West Coast, then this is the song that will evoke those feelings.

 

The vibe is right, the production is tight, and the mood is sweet. We think you will fall in love with this song. We believe this is the perfect song to indulge in a break from the wicked twerking vibe that Soca music delivers. This is a must-have for your summer playlist. Add it and enjoy it as we take in the waning days of summer. 

The carnival spirit and the infectious flow of this lyrical master feel so good. Bunji has raised the bar for good music once again, and for those waiting to release new music, a visit back to the studio to rework their track may be a smart idea. The cleaver lyrics, written by Ian Alvarez and delivered with the sobriquet "Bunji Garlin, take us on a journey of ecstasy on the dancefloor. The sweet lyrical flow, along with the excellent music production by Kurt Riley and Peter Choppin, has set the stage for a song that could become a defining track for Carnival 2025. Sometimes an early release can set the stage for what comes next: more outstanding music!

 

Wherever West Indian-styled carnivals take place, Soca music, considered the child of Calypso music, is the heart and soul of carnival celebrations. The Caribbean, North America, England, Europe, and even Japan jam to Soca music for their Carnival celebrations. That was not always the case; Calypso was once the driving force for carnival, but that all changed because of the youth's mood and a desire for creative musicians to find "something musically sweeter than Calypso" to lure the young souls away from dancehall music. This happened during the 1970s, when Calypsonian Lord Shorty innovated and created a new style of Calypso, he named Sokah! The printed press began to refer to Sokah as Soca, and this ever-changing style continues to carry the name "Soca."

 

Today, the term "Soca" serves as a marketing tool, as it encompasses all new Caribbean Carnival music. However, unless one is well-versed in the genre or has been around from the start, it can be challenging to discern the Soca beat in some of these new music releases. For that reason, we present this Facebook interview, done by Ashwin Seegobin, with Mr. Kenny Phillips telling the story of the evolution of Calypso to Sokah (Soca). The layperson can easily understand this interesting story. Thank you, Kenny; this lesson is what we needed today. This is authentic information, not a fabrication!

Kenny Phillips tells the story of the evolution of Calypso to Sokah (Soca), as imagined by the renowned musician/artist Lord Shorty, or Ras Shorty I.

 

From Facebook Post:

Mr. Kenny Phillips, a legendary songwriter, producer, musician, and entrepreneur with a profound impact on the evolution of Calypso music into the vibrant Soca genre, which was known as 'Sokah' during this time, here enlightens us about his invaluable experience during this transformative period in Trinidad music.

 

All Soca music fans will appreciate this groove-Soca vibe, which elevates the genre to a new level. This song introduces the world to Soca music with a much-needed love vibe. Both Zan and Niyalee deliver exotic vocals to get you in that much-needed love space. Niyalee's charismatic vocals showcase her vocal versatility and talent. Zan, as he usually does, delivers excellent vocals. This is one for your Soca Love playlist. 

 

As you go out to party, remember that "All of Me" is a celebration of our culture, love, and the life we aspire to share with someone we love. The production done by Dwain Antrobus and the final mixing and mastering done by Andrew Denny deliver this Soca gem for all Soca fans. We love the song and the feel-good vibes that "All of Me" delivers. Listen and share your thoughts with your social media peers.