Ananda/Sokah2Soca
Friday Pop Up: DJ Private Ryan Ignites the Season with “The Cropover Starter 2025”
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September 14, 2025
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.
The music vibe for Crop Over Festival 2025 lingers... DJ Ryan's Soca Starter for Kadooment 2025 is our "Friday Pop Up" series feature. Sweet Bajan-style Soca can be the ideal mixtape for you to enjoy while preparing to fete in Brooklyn for Labor Day 2025; if you thought Crop Over was unforgettable, just wait until you press play on this featured mix.
As with every carnival, known in Barbados as the Crop Over Festival, we believe that after the 'festival' ends, the music continues to thrive, and we celebrate this with Ryan's Soca Starter for Crop Over 2025. This mixtape is a cultural capsule of the people of Barbados. You can think of this selection of music as your passport and a direct message from the people of Barbados to you, no matter where you are in the diaspora, allowing you to experience what they felt during their 'festival.'
This mixtape isn’t just a recap—it’s a declaration. This mixtape captures the essence of Bajan pride. DJ Ryan delivers a high-energy experience that showcases the spirit of the people for all Soka2Soca fans. The Bajan massive can feel nostalgic, while the Caribbean massive can look forward to listening to a unique style of Soca music.
For Sokah2Soca, this release aligns perfectly with our mission: to spotlight Caribbean creativity with clarity, humor, and cultural pride. DJ Private Ryan continues to be a steward of Soca’s evolution, and The Cropover Starter 2025 is proof that the genre’s future is in capable hands. It’s not just music—it’s momentum.
As we move forward in the 2025 Carnival season, the diaspora can use this mixtape as one of the many music capsules that reminds us of our immense talent and use it as a launchpad for what comes next. The music that was and is still relevant to where we are going. If this mix serves as a guide, the future is filled with rhythm, resistance, and celebration.
As with every carnival, known in Barbados as the Crop Over Festival, we believe that after the 'festival' ends, the music continues to thrive, and we celebrate this with Ryan's Soca Starter for Crop Over 2025. This mixtape is a cultural capsule of the people of Barbados. You can think of this selection of music as your passport and a direct message from the people of Barbados to you, no matter where you are in the diaspora, allowing you to experience what they felt during their 'festival.'
This mixtape isn’t just a recap—it’s a declaration. This mixtape captures the essence of Bajan pride. DJ Ryan delivers a high-energy experience that showcases the spirit of the people for all Soka2Soca fans. The Bajan massive can feel nostalgic, while the Caribbean massive can look forward to listening to a unique style of Soca music.
For Sokah2Soca, this release aligns perfectly with our mission: to spotlight Caribbean creativity with clarity, humor, and cultural pride. DJ Private Ryan continues to be a steward of Soca’s evolution, and The Cropover Starter 2025 is proof that the genre’s future is in capable hands. It’s not just music—it’s momentum.
As we move forward in the 2025 Carnival season, the diaspora can use this mixtape as one of the many music capsules that reminds us of our immense talent and use it as a launchpad for what comes next. The music that was and is still relevant to where we are going. If this mix serves as a guide, the future is filled with rhythm, resistance, and celebration.
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
MixTape Title: Dj Private Ryan Presents The Cropover Starter 2025 - BATTALION Music | Soca 2025
Curated, mixed and presented by: DJ Private Ryan
DJ's government-issued name: Ryan Alexander
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.
Carnival 2026 has found its anthem: Ainsley King declares joy an essential part of the celebration! From the first note to the final jump, this latest Carnival 2026 anthem exudes pure euphoria. Ainsley King, a talented singer and artist from Trinidad and Tobago, is also the president of TUCO and the unwavering flame keeper of Calypso. He has gifted us "Happy," a track that radiates joy with every beat. This song is more than just music; it’s a celebration of spirit—a melodic sermon wrapped in Soca rhythm. Ainsley’s singing style is comforting and feels like a pat on the back. For anyone living in the diaspora, especially in North America, Ainsley takes you home with this feel-good vibe. "Happy" isn't just an anthem; it serves as Carnival soul food: nourishing, uplifting, and impossible not to dance to.
He has been around for some time now and continues to carry the torch for Calypso and our culture. King has been more than a performer—he’s a steward of tradition, a lyrical griot, and a cultural compass. He has mastered his craft, and it does not matter whether he is on stage or behind the scenes; his work with TUCO has kept Calypso’s flame burning bright. With "Happy," he reminds us that joy isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational. It’s resistance. It’s rhythm. It’s release.
"Happy" doesn’t chase trends—it sets a tone; it is the sound of joy with depth! The arrangement is classic yet fresh, with steelpan accents that shimmer like sunlight on mas. The lyrics? Pure affirmation. King doesn’t just sing—he testifies. Every line feels like a call to dance, to celebrate, to remember that joy is a birthright.
“Everybody is somebody; everybody is somebody to be free...to be happy... Good vibes don't segregate, so show them how to love; show them some love!” We live, we learn, we love; the lyrics speak to us, showing everyone not just how to be happy but also how to live with love and experience inner joy!
This track isn’t just for the road. Feel it; it is carnival energy with year-round impact. Did he release the song too early? Oh, hell no, get to know it and love it! It’s for the morning commute, the kitchen dance party, and the quiet moment when you need to remember who you are. "Happy" is a reminder that Caribbean music isn’t seasonal—it’s spiritual. And King’s delivery makes that message impossible to ignore.
What are our thoughts on the song? We are on board with this "happy" vibe. We’re calling it now: "Happy" will be echoing through fetes, family cookouts, and freedom marches alike. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to hug a stranger and whine to create a memorable moment. Just get on board, and with Ainsley at the helm, it’s a reminder that Calypso’s heart still beats strong... its sibling, Soca, has no season!
Do what Ainsley advised: choose love, and don't forget to stream “Happy” now and let the joy take over. Tag a friend who needs a Carnival pick-me-up. This one’s medicine, and don't ever forget, "Everybody is somebody... show and share love now!"
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring 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: Happy
Artist/Performed by: Ainsley King
Executive Producer: Ainsley King
Written/Composed by: Ainsley king and Q ban Production
Produced and mixed by: Cliff Manswell of CKM Infinity Studios
Mastered by: Hdqtz Mastering Studios
Drums: Stick Mitchell
Guitar: Colwyn Mitchell
Steelpan: Synthesized on Keyboard by Cliff Manswell
Chorus: Kizzie and Q ban production.
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.
DJ Jel—The Soca Boss—is back with “2025 Summer Soca & Bouyon Catch Up,” and it’s pure fire from start to finish. If you’ve been sleeping on the season’s biggest riddims, Jel’s got you covered with a seamless blend of Soca heat and Bouyon bounce that’ll have your speakers sweating.
Jel delivers music for the Caribbean diaspora. He never misses a beat and delivers the hottest tracks for any mixtape drop. This mix is your passport to the Caribbean’s summer soundtrack. Whether you’re on the move or just need a vibe reset, this mixtape delivers energy, clarity, and vibes in abundance.
Jel’s mixtapes are a regular feature on Sokah2Soca—because when it comes to keeping the culture current, he never misses. Press play, catch up, and let the riddim remind you why we fete.
Stream now and tag your crew—Bouyon and Soca lovers alike.
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Mixtape Title: 2025 Summer Soca and Bouyon Catch Up
Curated and mixed by: DJ Jel
Origin: USA
Genre: Soca/Bouyon ?
? 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.
Winning always feels good, but making sweet music that lasts feels just as satisfying. Today we celebrate Pan and Soca. Pan and Soca music, along with Pan and Calypso music and CalypSoca music, complement each other perfectly. Carnival without steelpan music and especially Panorama music, will never feel like Carnival... it carries the music and spirit of the people of Trinidad and Tobago! We celebrate the song "Pan and Soca" and the rendition done by Phase II Pan Groove for Panorama 2025. Dr. Len Boogsie Sharpe is a genius, and even though they placed fifth, they will always be number one in the hearts of those who love and admire them.
This post deliberately celebrates the song "Pan and Soca," but overall we continually celebrate what is ours: steelpan music and the heartbeat of Carnival today, soca music. The vibe for the Panorama competition is always electric. Panorama 2025 was filled with intrigue, and Phase II Pan Groove delivered a performance that felt less like a competition and more like a cultural coronation. Their steelpan rendition of Olatunji’s “Pan and Soca” wasn’t just music—it was movement, memory, and magic.
Olatunji, a celebrated international artist, is the man who brought Boogsie's arrangement to life with his vocals. Ever the showman and a champion of his stagecraft, he gave us a song with music that celebrates the inseparable bond between two of Trinidad’s greatest musical exports: the steelpan and soca. While Ola delivered on the vocals, it all felt like a complete work of musical art when Phase II took the stage; led by the legendary Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, the song transformed. It became a living, breathing entity—an anthem reimagined in chrome and ping pong sticks. The players brought out the magic envisioned by Boogsie's brilliant musical mind.
The pans sang with clarity, echoing Olatunji’s infectious chorus while layering harmonies that shimmered like sequins in the Savannah sun. In a year where Panorama felt especially charged—with young arrangers pushing boundaries and veteran bands defending legacies—Phase II reminded us why the steelpan remains the soul of Carnival. Their rendition of “Pan and Soca” wasn’t just a tribute to a song. It was a celebration of identity, resilience, and joy.
And as the final note rang out across the Queen’s Park Savannah, one thing was clear: this was more than music. This was Trinidad. This was Carnival. This was glory.
The results for Panorama 2025, if you forgot:
01. Republic Bank Exodus—Too Own Way—Voice—Terrance "BJ" Marcelle—288
02. bp Renegades Steel Orchestra—Bet Meh—Machel Montano—Duvon Stewart—285
03. Heritage Petroleum Skiffle Steel Orchestra—Retro—Voice—André White—283
04. First Citizens Supernovas Steel Orchestra—Cocoa Tea—Kes—Amrit Samaroo—282
05. Phase II Pan Groove—Pan & Soca—Olatunj—Dr. Len Boogsie Sharpe—281
06. Nutrien Silver Stars Steel Orchestra—Too Own Way—Voice—Ojay Richards & Kersh Ramsey—280
06. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Steel Orchestra—Cocoa Tea—Kes—Clarence Morris—280
08. Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra—Bet Meh—Machel M—Leon "Smooth" Edwards—279
09. RBC Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra—Flag Woman—Kitchener—Micheal Toby—277
09. Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra—Blessing—Arddin Herbert—277
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring 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: Pan & Soca
Artist/Performed by: Olatunji
Written by : Jason Shaft Bishop/Lenn Boogsie Sharpe
Musical Arrangement: Lennox Boogsie Sharpe for Phase 2
Produced by : Beaver Henderson
Mixed & Mastered by : Beaver Henderson
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
Sokah2Soca—Where 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 small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
Pan and Soca Original music release and Phase II Rendition
