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.
Rome, my brother… you could climb Mount St. Benedict, wave a flag, and brag, “I eh taking no horn again!” loud enough to echo through the valleys—but let’s be real. If a woman decides to horn you… 'yuh coo coo cook!' Yes, infidelity is a difficult experience, and when it affects you, it will feel like a relentless attack on your very being. It may not be bad luck; there are just devious people out there looking for their next victim! You said it, brother: "Ah, a horn is a horn—take bois!"
Today we spotlight Horn Again, Rome’s latest musical declaration of emotional independence. After surviving more relationship drama than a Trinidadian soap opera, the man says he's done with confusion, done with embarrassment, and done with horn. No more vexing because you have get tabanca (bad case of the blues). No more bawling (serious tears) in the rain. The days of "Horn meh but doh leave meh" negotiations are long gone.
In true Rome fashion, the song is playful, catchy, and full of that “all just for fun” energy—but the message is clear: self-worth first, horn last. He’s not just singing about heartbreak; he’s reclaiming his peace. The chorus hits like a mantra: “I ain't taking no horn again!”
So whether you’ve been horned, nearly horned, or just horn-adjacent… this one’s for you. Put on your shades, sip something strong, and let Rome remind you that self-love is the best love.
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 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: Horn Again
Artist/Performed by: Rome
Produced by: XplicitMevon & Kyle Peters
Written by: JONESY, Jerome Precilla & Mevon Soodeen
Background Vocals by: Gerelle Forbes & Mevon Soodeen
Live Guitars & Bass by: Kyle Peters
Live Brass by: Temperature Horns
Horn Arrangement: Justin Phillip
Trumpet: Christopher Sam
Tenor Saxophone: Jamie Ghany
Trombone: Justin Phillip
Brass Recording Engineer: Kevin Inniss
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by: Dre
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.
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.
The entire Caribbean music industry is abuzz with excitement and gratitude as music artists from Trinidad and Tobago are finally breaking the music glass ceiling with Soca music. In fact, the recognition extends beyond Soca music to include ten artists from Trinidad and Tobago. The artists, listed below, have finally been "seen and heard," earning Grammy nominations for 2025 — the result is a seismic moment for Caribbean music and a testament to the depth, diversity, and global ambition of our creative community.
From Soca and Reggae to Jazz, Rock, and progressive R&B, this year’s nominees prove what we’ve always known: Trinidad doesn’t just produce hits—we can rock all genres.
As one local advocate put it:
“In Trinidad we produce more genres of music than probably any other country in the Caribbean… Exposing our wide variety of talent to the international market will be beneficial.
This change was not accidental. Since Harvey Mason Jr. took the reins at the Recording Academy in 2021, the Grammys have expanded their categories—adding Global and African music to reflect the rise of afrobeats, dancehall, and yes, Soca. Singles now hold a prominent position alongside albums. The doors are now more accessible than before.
But access is just the beginning. As Nigel Campbell reminds us:
“Our artists are more than just artists in Trinidad. They are trying to become international artists… and the Grammys… is the pinnacle of music excellence.”
Let’s name them. Let’s celebrate them. Let’s support them:
Kes the Band – Best Global Music Performance
Yung Bredda/Full Blown – Best Global Music Performance
John Francis aka John Skweird – Best Progressive R&B Album
Sherwin Gardiner – Best Global Music Performance & Best Reggae Album
MX Prime – Best Global Music Album
Etienne Charles—Four Jazz Nominations including Best Instrumental Composition
RKG – Best Global Music Performance
Touchdown feat. Natalie Yorke – Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance & Social Change Award contender
Gail Ann Stevens, aka Precious Gail—Best African Music Performance for Adored.
Empress Aje and Queen Omega – Best Global Music Album for being on The World Album.
Jimmy October – Best Global Music Album for From October with Love.
This isn’t just about nominations. It’s about legacy. Billy Ocean, Heather Headley, Esso Tripoli, and Nicki Minaj—all Grammy-recognized. Now a new generation steps forward.
Sokah2Soca calls on our music creators: join the Recording Academy, build the voting bloc, and aim for the top. The world is listening. Let’s make sure they hear us—in surround sound.
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 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: Cocoa Tea
Artist/Performed by: Kes The Band
Writer: Kees Dieffenthaller
Writer: Michael Montano
Writer: Mical Teja
Produced by: Tano
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.
How sweet was it? Well, it was so sweet that we just wanted to share it to let everyone know how good it was, so let's set it free today—let's "Free Up" the music. This song is going to bring back sweet memories for many, so let's go back and experience the electric vibes of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 1989. The vibe was palpable, and everyone wanted to celebrate Tambu's carnival anthem, "Free Up."
Soca music was different; the vibe was infectious, and it was a transition period where Calypso and Soca vibes dominated the music. It was a time when the music was bursting with energy and liberation, dominated the Carnival stage, and "Free UP" earned its rightful crown as the Road March winner of 1989. With its irresistible rhythm and Tambu’s commanding vocals, “Free Up” became more than a song; it freed the people to celebrate with pure abandon—it was a movement.
It was not just Tambu changing the music scene; oh, hell no, it was the vibe and music of Charlie's Roots and the sweet sound of brass music, inviting revelers to “Free up yourself, free up!” The vibe and Tambu's voice echoed through every fete, every masquerade band, and every jump-up across the nation. Tambu’s anthem captured the spirit of Carnival: freedom, joy, and unity.
The goal was to charm the people and have the road revelers wanting nothing else but to be free on Carnival Day. The Road March crown was the last of the competitions to win and Tambu could sense and taste victory with carnival bands blasting his carnival anthem. Tambu Herbert, already a beloved figure in Soca, cemented his legacy with this win. 1989 belonged to him and, looking back one can reflect and concede that “Free Up” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment that still lives on in the hearts of Carnival lovers.
For those who were there, those who experienced that season, it wasn't just memorable; it was a music style that was melodious and captivating. So, whether you chipped down the road in 1989 or just discovered the magic of Tambu’s classic, this tune remains a timeless reminder to let go and live loud.
Big up Tambu! Big up Trinidad & Tobago! Carnival 1989—forever legendary.
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 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: Free Up
Artist/Performed by: Chris "Tambu" Herbert
Written by: Chris Herbert
Recorded At – Coral Sound Studio
Mixed At – Rawlston Recording Studio, Brooklyn
Published by Cott Music
Manufactured by Charlie's Records, Inc.
Marketed by Charlie's Records Inc.
Distributed by Charlie's Records Inc.
Distributed by Crosby's Music Centre
Distributed by West Indies Records (Barbados) Ltd.
Produced/Arranged by: Joe R. Brown & Pelham Goddard
Backing Band – Charlies Roots
Backing Vocals – Albert Bushe, Christopher (Tambu) Herbert, David Rudder, Louis Wharwood, Susan Garcia, Raymond Voisin, Vonrick Maynard
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Year: Released 1988 for Carnival 1989
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.
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.
The music and festivities are seasonal, and as fall comes to North America, there is a sense of festive joy in the Caribbean. Although Carnival is approaching, the current vibe is Parang, and the paranderos are preparing their instruments for the season.
This time of the year is magical when the rhythms of Parang, Parang Soca, and Soca Parang fill the air and the scene becomes festive. It is liming time: the air is filled with festive joy, peppered with laughter, liming, and lyrical mischief. As Christmas draws near and Carnival peeks around the corner, the paranderos are out in full force—and so is the music!
Recently Danny Chinee was welcomed to WACK Visual Radio, where Mr. Desmond shared the spotlight on a fresh Soca Parrang release that is pure bacchanal. Vibes that are pure and festive: “Parang Friends” featuring the vocal chemistry of Daddy Chinee and Del Toro.
Riddim features a few artists and songs, but today we feature Parang Friends. Oh, and by the way, the album is titled "PF Riddim." The tune is a song of celebration and for liming; it's a celebration of friendship, festivity, and that unmistakable Trini spirit that turns any lime into a memory.
This song resonates with those in the diaspora, leaving them yearning to return home. So if you’re prepping pastelles, sipping sorrel, or just soaking in the season, “Parang Friends” is your soundtrack for the sweet side of Christmas. Soca Parang is alive and well—press play and let the merriment begin!
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 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:
Artists/Performed by: Daddy Chinee & Del Toro
Song Title: Parang Friends
Riddim: P.F. Riddim
Produced/Arranged & Mixed by: Rishi Gayadeen
@ RGBANDSTUDIOS
Mastered by: GQ Maxzimum
Quatro by Marcel Jackson
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 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.
