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.
Back in World War II, when the Americans set up bases in Trinidad, calypsonians had a lyrical field day—rum, romance, and radar stations all made it into the verses. Fast forward to 2025: the Americans are back in the region, Venezuela’s in the mix… and yet, calypso has been quiet. But leave it to Christmas and Parang Soca to break the silence—with a chaser of punch and pepper sauce.
Enter “Ah Passing by Yuh”—a festive Parang Soca release where Yung Bredda kicks things off with, “Wa yuh say Marcia?” and Marcia Miranda fires back, “War? It has no war in TNT, Yung Bredda!” And just like that, we outside!
This tune is pure holiday mischief: drinks flowing, vibes glowing, and not a single verse asking for a ceasefire. The animated video adds extra sparkle, proving once again that in Trinidad, even geopolitical tension gets a rhythm section.
So if you’re wondering how Trinis handle global drama during the holidays, the answer is simple: We party. War or no war. Because as we always say: Anytime is Trinidad time, and Trinidad time is party time.
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 because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Ah Passing by Yuh
Artist/Performed by: Yung Bredda & Marcia Miranda
Produced By Jesse John Of Optimus Productions TT LTD
Mix and Master by WMGLab
Written By Shumba Mahluli.
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Parang 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 are thriving!
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.
On second thoughts, I have to correct my first impression of the Late Night Riddim—and it all happened after listening to Kris Kennedy’s "Sweetest Wine."
Now don’t get me wrong: I’m still not sold on every track in the riddim. I won’t get into what I like or don’t like. This post is about celebrating Kris Kennedy, because Sweetest Wine is the song that shifted my perspective.
If you didn’t catch my first post about the riddim, here’s a quote that summed up how I felt at the time:
“Let’s try and unpack my thoughts. As I said above, the production feels too simple. Therefore, what does that mean? The Late Night Riddim leans into a minimalistic vibe. While some fans appreciate the stripped-down sensuality, others—like myself—might find it lacking the layered complexity or punch that defines more memorable Soca hits.”
But here’s the thing: sometimes, simplicity is all it takes to make a song resonate. A good vibe, lyrics that land, and a voice that connects with the listener. That’s what I found in Sweetest Wine.
It’s Carnival time, and with every feting season, people are looking for that “sweetest wine” on the dance floor. Kris Kennedy taps into that desire with ease. The groove, the tone, the delivery—it all works. I get it now.
If you’re a fan of Groove Soca, like I am, this track deserves a spot on your playlist. The flood of releases is here, but "Sweetest Wine" stands out.
So tell me—what do you think about this song? Did it hit you the way it hit me?
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 because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Song Title: Sweetest Wine
Written by: Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Kris Kennedy
Album Title: Late Night Riddim
Artists/Performed by: Nessa Preppy, Kris Kennedy, Preedy & Sekon Sta
Produced by: Sekon Sta
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered by: Kingston @Sheppard Pro Studios)
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 are thriving!
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.
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.
Those who have not listened to this song are missing out on a lot of mischief that it brings. I couldn't help myself and shook my head; there goes Kenny weaving mischievous magic with this music release. Every Christmas season in Trinidad & Tobago, Soca Parang reminds us that music is more than merriment—it’s storytelling, satire, and cultural memory wrapped in festive rhythms. The current state of affairs in the Caribbean with the arrival of US naval forces makes this song a special Christmas treat. Trisha Hamilton's "Buenos Dias" delivers Calypso magic and is a perfect example of how the tradition continues to evolve. On the surface, it’s a lively parang tune with guitars and mandolin sparkling through the arrangement. But alas, when you listen closely, you’ll hear something deeper: the unmistakable voice of calypso picong, sharp and witty, taking aim at politics and society.
Kenny Phillips of K.M.P. produced and arranged the track with songwriting credits to Lyndon Roberts; the track is musically rich. This track is perfectly suited for the parang season. Kenny's guitar style, characterized by his magical finger licks, anchors the rhythm with a sweet Latin vibe, while Lloyd Gilbert’s mandolin contributes a bright, folkloric touch that instantly transports listeners to parang gatherings. Trisha's vocals effortlessly compliments the instrumentation with confidence and style, bringing smiles to the listeners while delivering the message with teasing lyrical bite provided by Lyndon Peters. It’s festive, yes—but it’s also commentary.
Let's now discuss Mr. Lyndon's skillful use of words and his writing abilities, as this is where the song truly excels. He leans into calypso’s tradition of double entendre and wordplay, weaving in references to Trinidad’s Prime Minister and the country’s delicate position with Venezuela. Rumors suggest this song bears a striking resemblance to Trump's Trinidad, in case you missed it. The clever pun on “Diaz” in the title Buenos Dias is more than a greeting—it’s a sly jab, a wink to listeners who catch the political undertones. This song is the essence of calypso, utilizing humor and wit to express truth, even amidst a festive celebration.
At this point, we hope you get it. The element that makes Buenos Dias resonate is its ability to bridge genres and eras. Parang brings the seasonal joy, but calypso provides the sharp tongue. Kaiso, kaiso, yes, Kaiso. Together, they remind us that music in Trinidad is never just background noise—it’s a living archive of our politics, our humor, and our resilience. The guitars and mandolin may sparkle, but it’s the storytelling that lingers.
In the end, Buenos Dias is more than a Soca Parang release. It’s a cultural statement, proof that even in festive times, calypso’s spirit of picong remains alive. Trisha Hamilton, Kenny Phillips, Lyndon Roberts, and Lloyd Gilbert have given us a song that entertains while it provokes thought—a reminder that parang, like calypso, is both joy and mirror.
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 because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Buenos Dias
Artist/Performed by: Trisha Hamilton
Written by: Lyndon Roberts
Arranged/Produced by: Kenny Phillips
Guitar by: Kenny Phillips
Mandolin by Lloyd Gilbert
Recorded at: K.M.P. Music Lab
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca Parang ?
?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 are thriving!
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.
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.
Guest Post by Nikki G—The Voice of Table Talk Show
Sokah2Soca welcomes Nikki G as a guest author. Her posts reflect a profound engagement with Caribbean music and culture, offering fresh perspectives from her work on the Table Talk Show. Today Nikki discusses the artist, Taller Dan, and also showcases his latest music release, "Riddim & Vibe."
Taller Dan is trending right now, and for good reason. Taller Dan is a rising star who has been actively participating in the soca scene for years. His name is buzzing across the riddims, and he’s showing off that rare trifecta: versatility, sharp writing skills, and undeniable vocals. The man can sing, and the industry is finally taking notice.
Taller Dan revealed in a recent interview that we must give the youth a genuine opportunity. He spoke about the young talents pouring their hearts into the music, grinding for the love of the culture—and how few of them seem to be getting through.
But here’s the thing: the talent is out there. We see it. We hear it. The platforms that could assist these artists in expanding their reach are currently absent.
So here’s our challenge to the youth:
- Tag us on all socials—IG, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
- Let us hear you.
- If you don’t mind ratings, we’ll give you a proper write-up.
- If time permits, maybe even an interview and a spin on our sister station, Island Vybe Radio.
Taller Dan also made it clear: this isn’t just a riddim—this is SOCA. Girls from all over the world want to experience the soca riddim and its vibrant vibes. Whether you’re in a band or at a fete, bring de soca.
This is the season of riddim and vibes, and Taller Dan is leading the charge. Now we reveal the latest music release from this talented artist. Enjoy the talent of Taller Dan as he stars on the Rhythm and Vibe album with the lead song, "Riddim & Vibe."
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 because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Riddim & Vibe
Artist/Performed by: Javcon Castillo (Taller Dan)
Written by: Javon Castillo
Produced, mixed, and mastered by DJ Future of Synthdicate Music Productions, NYC.LLC
Co-produced and musical additions by: MR DSJ @Productions Sounds
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 are thriving!
We present the music here solely for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes, in accordance with 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.
