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Ananda/Sokah2Soca

Ananda/Sokah2Soca

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!

 
Farmer Nappy sings, “How ah livin’? Ah, living is real good. How are you looking’? Better than dem!”
 

That’s not just a lyric—it’s a whole mood, a mantra, and the heartbeat of every Caribbean soul caught up in the rhythm of Carnival. Soca season never truly ends; it simply evolves from the dusty streets of Trinidad to the sunlit stages throughout the Caribbean, including Toronto, Miami, and Notting Hill. One celebration flows into another, a jubilant wave carrying our energy, style, and spirit across borders and through every summer fête.

 

In the Caribbean, Carnival isn’t a moment—it’s a way of life. And as the road marches, we ride this wave of bass, feathers, and freedom from one island to the next, showing the world exactly how we live.

 

Suddenly, the greatest show on Earth—Trinidad Carnival—has come to an end. Trinidad-style carnivals across the Caribbean are a vibrant celebration of soca, calypso, steeelband and brass music. It is not just a two-day event; it's a lifestyle for those who appreciate the rhythm, costumes, and music. The people just 'free up' and enjoy themselves, shedding all inhibitions without regard for who is going to comment about their behavior the next day. 

 

With the reverberation of Trinidad’s 2025 season still fresh, the rest of the Caribbean region is gearing up for its Carnival explosion. The spirit of revelry stretches far beyond the twin island shores, from Barbados’ Crop Over to Grenada’s Spice Mas, Antigua’s Carnival, and Jamaica’s high-energy road march.

 
Summer Soca: The Next Wave
One thing is clear—Soca music doesn't take a break. As the season transitions, the anthems that dominated the Trinidad circuit now find new life on stages across the region. The power soca tracks that pushed masqueraders to their limits on the Savannah stage are now the adrenaline behind boat rides, Jouvert mornings, and fetes across the islands.
 

Meanwhile, the vibrancy of groovy soca intensifies as beach parties, sundown jams, and cooler events set the mood that commanded the road in Port-of-Spain and are now melodies rocking every speaker from Miami Carnival to Notting Hill and Toronto’s Caribana.

 
Who’s Taking the Lead?
Every year, certain artists naturally become the flagbearers of the new wave, their songs evolving into Carnival season staples across different territories. The question is, whose music is making the strongest crossover this year? Is it a powerful soca anthem that refuses to slow down? Is it a groovy track with international appeal that seamlessly transitions into the summer carnival circuit?
 
 
What’s Next?
For Sokah2Soca and every Soca lover, the present is the season of migration. The music travels, and so do we—from one carnival to the next, from one island’s energy to another’s pulsating heartbeat. The soca wave never dies; it only builds momentum. So grab your flags, dust off your cooler, and prep for the next lap—because the Carnival train is still in motion.
 

Where’s your next stop on the carnival road map? migration. The music travels, and so do we—from one carnival to the next, from one island’s energy to another’s pulsating heartbeat. The soca wave never dies; itfades; instead, it continues to gain strength. So grab your flags, dust off your cooler, and prep for the next lap—because the Carnival train is still in motion. Where’s your next stop on the carnival road map?

 
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue.  Please be aware that all of our posts are available online through social media platforms like  FacebookYouTubeInstagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions.  Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Post Title: The Soca Fever Never Ends: Riding the Wave from Trinidad Carnival to Summer's Carnival Circuit
Song Title: How Ah Living
Artist/Performed by: Farmer Nappy
Written by: Mical Teja
Produced by: De Red Boyz
Mixed & mastered by:
Origin: Barbados/Trinidad
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 small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.

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!

 
I believe this post will become one of my favorites to write and share. Mark this date, June 22, 2025, as the day on "De Dotish Hour" Mr. Desmond threw out the big one: “Top 10 Calypsos of all time.” He wanted to know why creating a Top 10 Calypso list is so difficult. Kenny turned to Deso and made a face that resembled a "couyon mouth." As he responded to Mr. Desmond, his expression suggested that he was taken aback by the question—no, nearly short-circuited on hearing Deso's statement. Both Kenny and Vanessa (steelpan music arranger and radio host) questioned, “But what about the rest in the Top 100? Will you be considering the others as well? To which Deso responded emphatically, "No!" Deso's statement set sirens blaring! 
 
Now, therein lies the ultimate challenge: selecting a Top 10 Calypso List. Good luck with that! But let's be fair to Deso; he wants a committee to be formed with the task of coming up with a formula and then selecting the Top 10.' Without a scientific formula, the process reverts to subjective decision-making. After the list is compiled, show it to someone from the other islands where Calypso is also part of their carnival history.
 
Choosing only 10 Calypso songs is very subjective because TUCO does not have records (not all great calypsos were recorded) or criteria for so doing. The result is that everyone knows what the Top 10 should be... and that is the problem! How can you condense the stories, culture, rhythm, and bacchanal into a list?
 
Ask ten Calypso fans to name their all-time top ten, and you’ll likely get ten different lists—and ten very passionate debates. Why? Calypso encompasses more than just music; it embodies history, wit, rebellion, joy, and identity, all encapsulated in rhythm. 
 
Here’s the thing: creating a definitive Top 10 Calypso list is as rewarding as it is impossible. Here’s why (I am sure to get a verbal cutarse for this):
 
The Pros:
  • Preservation of Legacy: It spotlights legendary artists and timeless messages. So true, and for that reason, Sokah2Soca is here, on the other side of the coin, with WACK Visual Radio.
  • Cultural Education: New generations get a guided tour of lyrical brilliance. This generation's lack of familiarity with calypso is so profound that it could almost be considered a sin. 
  • Celebration of Craft: It honors songwriting, performance, and ingenuity. Personally, I don't think songwriters receive the credit they deserve. Most of the time, you are unaware of who wrote the song, and the singer receives the credit. That is a travesty. Another thing is that the music arrangement/creative process is lost, and the singer gets all the praise. 
The Cons:
  • Subjectivity is deeply ingrained: what resonates in Port of Spain may not resonate in Bridgetown or Brooklyn. Mr. Desmond must accept this reality. If he is creating a "Top 10" for Trinidad and Tobago, fine. Then again, callers to the station like "De Alcoholic" and historians like Steven will share bois for sure when he announces his "Top 10."
  • Time Bias: Do we weigh the classics from the 50s and 60s more than modern genius? This is a real dilemma, for sure. Every generation has its unique moments of brilliance, so how can we select the top performers across the decades?  Technology and population size matter, don't they?
  • Exclusion Hurts: Narrowing to ten means omitting beloved voices—and fans will notice. Not only will this cause hurt feelings, but Trinidadians collectively believe they possess a deeper understanding of calypso, steelband, and soca than their neighbors, a fact that is often overlooked!
Deso, Kenny, and—perhaps more cautiously—steelpan arranger and radio personality Vanessa Headley all weighed in on the challenge of creating such a list. On Sokah2Soca, I’ve already shared a “Top 100 Calypsos of All Time,” but to explore the debate over a definitive “Top 10,” I turned to an AI service for reference points. Big mistake—but a revealing one. It confirmed what I’ve said repeatedly: AI still doesn’t grasp the nuances of Caribbean culture. Errors plagued the results, including incorrect song titles and misattributed artists. So I went back to the roots, revisiting the carefully curated lists I’ve published on Sokah2Soca. Trust me, Deso, Kenny, and the Calypso faithful will scrutinize and criticize my selections. And honestly? That’s the whole point of this post.
 
This discussion isn’t about finality—it’s about sparking conversation. The songs listed here are simply starting points. While Deso prefers not to put his name on any official list, I was told his real aim in posing the question was to encourage much-needed dialogue. Personally, I don’t believe a true “Top 10” is even possible—without set guidelines or some kind of scientific method, it’s all wildly subjective. That said, there’s no harm in stirring things up, especially since this whole debate was ignited on “De Dotish Hour Show” on WACK Visual Radio. So rather than one list to quarrel over, we’re offering you two. Double the cussing, double the fun—C’est La Vie!
 
Chart A: The Canonized Greats
This list pays homage to pioneers, political firebrands, and lyrical legends.
  • “Jean and Dinah”—The Mighty Sparrow
  • “Rum and Coca-Cola” —Lord Invader
  • “The Road”—Lord Kitchener
  • “Die with my Dignity” Singing Sandra
  • “The Caribbean Man”—Black Stalin
  • “High Mass” —David Rudder
  • “Portrait of Trinidad” —Sniper
  • “Bassman”—Shadow
  • “Progress”—King Austin
Chart B: The Heartbeats & Road Favorites
These songs were chosen due to their enduring popularity and ability to captivate the dance floor.
  • “Sugar Bum Bum” —Lord Kitchener
  • “Lorraine”Explainer
  • “Bun Dem”—Stalin
  • “In Time to Come” —Crazy
  • “Endless Vibrations”—Lord Shorty
  • “This Melody Sweet”—Baron
  • “Soucouyant”—Crazy
  • “Free Up”—Tambu (Christopher Herbert)
  • “Rock It”—Merchant
  • Woman on the BassScrunter
Two lists. Each list holds ten spots. And still, it doesn’t feel like enough. Who’s missing? Who would you bump up or add?  Maybe that is the point Kenny Phillips was trying to make to Mr. Desmond during their conversation. If you choose a subjective score of ten, how do you evaluate the remaining entries in the disputed Top 100 Calypsos of all time?  The conversation will surely continue...

I was hoping to include a mixtape from Mr. Desmond in the post, but I haven't heard back from him yet. If he does send a mix, I will add it to the post. In the meantime, I've included a YouTube video featuring several well-known classic calypsos. We’d love to hear your thoughts!  

Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue.  Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Topic Discussed: The Calypso Conundrum: Can We Really Choose a Top Ten of All Time?
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso?
 
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
 
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 (small triangle in the music player/TV frame).

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!

 
In the Caribbean, Carnival time offers an opportunity to unwind and 'free up' oneself. It’s when rhythm takes over, masqueraders take to the road, and cultural expression becomes a joyful revolution of color, music, and dance. But while Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica often dominate the Carnival spotlight, we at Sokah2Soca believe it’s time to broaden the lens and embrace the full rhythm of the region—including Haiti.
 
The English-speaking Caribbean is generally clueless about Carnival in Haiti. The Haitian carnival is a deeply rooted cultural event characterized by ancestral energy, creativity, rara bands, political satire, vibrant costume design, soul-stirring chants, and an energetic and joyful celebration. The celebration isn’t a borrowed tradition; it’s a birthright. It’s time the wider Caribbean acknowledged and celebrated that. The celebration isn’t a borrowed tradition; it’s a birthright. It’s time the wider Caribbean acknowledged and celebrated that.
 
Today, we’re proud to feature a song that embodies this Haitian spirit: TiMillien’s “Fe Bwa Kale Pale.” The title alone is an invitation to pay attention—to listen, to move, to respect the energy of the street and the heartbeat of the people. Haitian music and culture are deeply African in nature and TiMillien's Creole cadences and Carnival defiance showcase Haiti's celebrations as raw, real, and rooted in resilience.
 
Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. As lovers of Caribbean culture, we owe it to ourselves and each other to uplift every island’s contribution to our Carnival tapestry. Whether it's the steelpan in Trinidad, the kaiso in Grenada, or the rara in Haiti—it’s all ours.
 
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue.  Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Fe Bwa Kale Pale
Artist/Performed by: TiMillien
Written by: TiMillien
Produced by: ***
Mixed & mastered by: ***
Origin: Haiti
Genre: Kompa ?
 
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and CalypSoca Thrives!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
 
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 (small triangle in the music player/TV frame).

The blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com) first published the content. We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!

 
Doubles, anyone? We are talking about Bara and Chana, but Rome may be up to his old tricks, with a bit of spicy market pepper to go! Chutney Soca is back! We have a song that will make you smile and then some. This song is lyrical mischief; Rome has done it again!
 

 

This song is 'good trouble.' You know it’s trouble (again, we are talking about the good kind) when Rome links up with XplicitMevon, Stemz, and Jonsey. The result? “Bara”—a tune as cheeky as it is groovy. With production that bubbles like a fresh pot of Saturday soup and lyrics that wink at you through the speaker, this track is pure joy in musical form.

 

Jonesy was cheeky with his lyrics for this song... yes, double entendre for proper measure. “Bara” plays with language in a way that’s oh-so-Rome. You’ll be grinning one minute and blushing the next—if you catch the double meaning, that is. And when Rome starts singing? Instant serotonin. The delivery is playful and mischievous. It’ll lift your mood faster than a sunrise behind Maracas Bay.

 

XplicitMevon meticulously blended the song to perfection, and NMG Music provided the final mastering touch. “Bara” isn’t just a song—it’s an infectious mood. Whether you’re two-stepping in your kitchen or chipping down a road in your mind, this one will have you moving. Rome is a unique individual who not only captures your attention through his music, but also inspires you to dance.

 
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue.  Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Bara 
Performed by: Rome
Follow @itz.rome on IG
Written by: JONESY
Produced by: XplicitMevon & Stemz
Mixed by: XplicitMevon
Mastered by: NMG Music
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
 
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and CalypSoca Thrives!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
 
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 (small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
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