Ananda/Sokah2Soca

Ananda/Sokah2Soca

This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.

 
Let me say this out front: I like this song! I love Groove Soca music and when a production catches me, I am all in. This song, titled “Same Time,” is the latest collaboration between Lyrikal and MadLypso. So let me tell you what I love about the song. It is a smooth, vibe-heavy anthem that blends lyrical relevance with rhythmic finesse. Now comes the magic: the song was produced by Johan Seaton and penned by Kern Rose alongside Lyro himself; this track is a testament to what happens when seasoned artistry meets sharp storytelling and voices that make you feel warm inside. 
 
Lyrics are important, and vocals sweeten the vibe, but it is the music that sets the mood and warms your soul. The music that “Same Time” delivers pulls you into its flow—easy, infectious, and unmistakably Caribbean. Lyrikal vocals are distinctive; he delivers his signature good vibes with clarity and charisma. And while MadLypso adds a textured layer that elevates the groove, we fall into  the charm of the music production. This work is polished yet soulful, allowing the lyrics to breathe and resonate in today’s cultural climate.
 
So let me repeat myself: I love Groove Soca music and especially the style that comes out of Trinidad and Trinbago artists. This song delivers everything I love about Groove Soca and yes, it sits squarely in the genre's sweet spot: melodic, danceable, and emotionally tuned. It’s not just about the rhythm—it’s about the message, the mood, and the movement. Whether you're winding down or gearing up, “Same Time” fits the moment.
 
Sokah2Soca recommends this one. It’s a reminder that when talent aligns, magic happens—same time, same vibe, same fire.
 
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Same Time
Artists/Performed by: Lyrikal x MadLypso
Produced by: Johann Seaton
Written by: Kern Rose & Lyrikal (Devon Martin) 
Label: MadLypso
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by: *****
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
 
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
 
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.

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.

 
I was cruising YouTube for fresh Chutney Soca—thinking about curating a Top 10—when a Yung Bredda post pulled me into the Plenty Island Buzz vortex. One has to ask: what was the buzz all about? Plenty. Mood posts, religion talk, cultural commentary—you name it.
 
But one post hit different.
 
KG Muzik was venting. Again. He sounds like an angry puppy, yes—but does he have a point worth contemplating? Honestly, yes. His gripe this time? The OGs of Soca.
 
His point: the youth are ready. The talent is there. But the old heads—beloved as they are—still run the show. OG Artists, producers, and radio stations. They serve as the guardians of Carnival culture. And the gates? Still closed.
 
Meanwhile:
  • Dancehall linked up—Bounty, Kartel, Popcaan, and Skillibeng.
  • Afrobeats linked up—Burna, Wizkid, Tems, and the world.
  • Soca? The music industry is still grappling with its identity.
We’re not short on vibes. We’re short on unity.
 
The OG Dilemma
Let’s be clear: we love our legends. They built the foundation. But if the same five names headline every Carnival, every cruise, every syndicated playlist—where’s the space for the next wave?
 
Respect shouldn’t mean monopoly. Legacy shouldn’t mean lockout. Not every upcoming artist will have the same opportunity to achieve success as Yung Bredda. Many younger artists possess talent, but in this industry, being talented is not sufficient; without a "helping hand," genuine, raw, and hidden talent may remain undiscovered. However, with appropriate promotion and assistance, a star emerges!
 
Some of the most exciting Soca right now is coming from:
  • Diaspora creatives with digital-first strategies
  • Female artists pushing sonic boundaries
  • Producers blending Soca with Amapiano, EDM, and styles unfamiliar to many in the diaspora
However, without mentorship, collaboration, or even basic access, nostalgia and pettiness will drown out these voices.
 
So What’s the Fix?
Soca doesn’t need a revolution. It needs a relay. I get it; the older heads worked so hard to get where they are today and it is difficult to let go. However, by 'letting go,' they will create a future that honors their hard work and diligence, ensuring a bright future for this industry. The next generation will honor them with glowing tributes, just as they have honored Sparrow, Kitchener, Stalin, Shadow, and other Calypso greats. How about that, Soca OGs?
  • Pass the mic. Let the youth run the road.
  • Build bridges. Cross-island, cross-genre, cross-generational.
  • Open the gates. More stages, more airplay, more risk-taking.
Let the OGs become griots, not gatekeepers. Let the culture breathe.
Because Soca isn’t just a sound—it’s a movement. And movements thrive when everyone’s marching.
 

At Sokah2Soca, our mission is to amplify voices—not silence constructive critique. If this article resonated with you, stirred thought, or sparked conversation, we invite you to share it across your social platforms.

Yes, our blog is growing. Yes, our reach is expanding. But social media? That’s where the culture moves fast and far.

So take a moment: like, share, and subscribe to Sokah2Soca. Your support helps us keep the rhythm alive, the dialogue sharp, and the Caribbean spirit front and center.

Thank you for marching with us.

 

Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits/Bonus Mixtape:
Song Title: Caribbean Brunch Party Mix (Clean Lyrics)
Music Styles: Dancehall, Soca, Afrobeats
Curated & Mixed by: DJ Weapon 
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Caribbean & Afro ?
 
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
 
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.
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This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.

 
Shal Marshall is back with “Hot Foot,” a high-energy Soca track that will have heads popping and waistlines bubbling.  Social media posts are already buzzing with positive comments; it is already lighting up the diaspora and carnival circuits. It is already lighting up the diaspora and carnival circuit—Miami and Tobago will be craving Shal for their upcoming carnivals.”  As always, Shal delivers what he’s known for: party-ready vibes, infectious hooks, and a voice that feels like home to feters across the diaspora. The track is undeniably fun, and fans are loving the message—movement, release, and revelry.
 
But let’s talk about the production.
A troubling production pattern is emerging in Soca: heavy basslines, recycled drum kits, and little else. There are no guitar licks and brass is sorely absent. Melodic color, a key element to good music, is absent. It's just a thumping beat that's designed to move waistlines, not stir souls. It’s built for Carnival hype—but like many seasonal hits, it risks fading fast once Lent arrives.” 
 
It’s efficient. It’s effective. But is it enough?
Carnival music has always been more than just rhythm—it’s storytelling, instrumentation, and cultural layering. When producers lean too hard on minimalism, we risk losing the richness that made Soca a global force. If “Hot Foot” is the blueprint for Carnival 2026, we may be heading into a season of sonic sameness. Yikes. It’s time to get off the riddims and craft something original. Yes, it may cost more—but the payoff is timeless music: sweet, rich, and unforgettable.
 
We celebrate Shal’s consistency and charisma. But we also challenge our creatives, aka our music production teams: bring back the brass, the strings, and the unexpected. Give us music that moves feet, stirs souls, and honors the full spectrum of Caribbean sound.
 
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do our part to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Hot Foot 
Artist/Performed by: Shal Marshall
Written by: *****
Produced by: *****
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by: *****
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
 
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
 
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.

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.

 
In the vibrant echo chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural scene, it doesn’t take much for a well-mixed show to become a poorly spun story. The latest target? Kenny Phillips, newly appointed Chairman of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), and his son Kyle Phillips, the audio engineer behind the recent National Philharmonic Orchestra performance.

 

Newssauce's Facebook post has sparked controversy, accusing Kenny of nepotism and urging an investigation by the Integrity Commission. The post, which notably did not seek comment from Mr. Phillips, questions Kyle’s role in mixing and mastering the show’s audio feed. The comments range from cheeky to cynical:

 

  • “Ohhh goshhh Kenny ah eh looking for u dey! But then again!”
  • “Everybody have to eat ah food...some eating it twice!”
  • “Since he hashtagged his own radio station, will all the paid radio coverage be going there?”

 

Let’s pause the drama and rewind the tape.

 

?The Engineer in Question

 

Kyle Phillips is no stranger to the music scene. As owner and producer at Badjohn Republic and a multiple Road March winner, Kyle’s credentials in audio reproduction are solid. The Philharmonic show’s recording was crisp, balanced, and professionally executed—something Kenny has long advocated for, having publicly criticized the poor engineering standards of local productions for years.

 

To suggest that Kyle’s involvement was a last-minute favor or political maneuver ignores the timeline: Kenny Phillips has been Chairman for just two weeks. The staffing decisions, and especially the technical hires, were made prior to Kenny's appointment as Chairman of NAPA! Well... Any comments?

One has to ask the following question: Why the Rush to Judgment?

 

Nepotism is a serious accusation, and one that deserves scrutiny—not social media speculation. Kenny has devoted his life to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago. He has championed positive change and faced criticism when the concept of a radio station featuring only local content emerged. He was called a "WACKO," but that did not stop him, and the Diaspora has greatly benefited because of his vision. So one has to ask: is this about transparency or just a political hit job dressed like Miss Mary on J'ouvert morning or, for a modern twist, dressed in hashtags?

 

Newssauce’s decision to publish without contacting Mr. Phillips undermines journalistic integrity. It’s clickbait masquerading as accountability. If we’re serious about protecting our institutions, we must also protect the reputations of those working to improve them.

 

In Trini parlance terms: "Give de Man ah Chance, nah Man!"

 

Kenny Phillips has spent decades championing Caribbean music, elevating calypso, soca, and pan with technical excellence and cultural pride. His appointment to NAPA signals a long-overdue shift toward professionalism and vision. To attack him before he’s had a chance to lead is not just unfair—it’s counterproductive.

 

Let’s not confuse familiarity with favoritism. Let’s not weaponize family ties to discredit talent. And let’s not forget: in a small industry, excellence often runs in the blood.

 

Next time, call for comment. Until then, let the music speak louder than the noise.

 
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
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