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!

 
Soca songs captivate listeners, but have you ever pondered who creates the musical magic? Enter Smiddy Smith, a master producer shaping the genre’s evolution. The visionaries behind the creative process are just as important as the artists who deliver those captivating songs. Today we start bringing this information to you with a series of interviews conducted by "Nikki G—The Voice" on her Table Talk Show.  Uncover the hidden narrative behind soca's most iconic songs! Nikki G interviews Smiddy Smith of Star Blu Entertainment on his groundbreaking music production journey.
 

 

One may ask, how did Smiddy achieve success? Well, with years of experience, Smiddy Smith has mastered the art of hit-making. He persistently shapes the soca landscape with his distinctive sound. Smiddy’s work on the Canboulay Riddim album and Machel Montano’s “On My Way’ is reshaping soca’s global reach. Smiddy Smith's production skills, creative instincts, and drumming continue to challenge the boundaries of the genre.

 

What constitutes a hit soca song? Nikki examines what it takes to overcome the major obstacles in the industry and make things work. This interview provides exclusive behind-the-scenes information. Smiddy talks about his background, his creative process, and the unrelenting work that goes into making some of the biggest anthems in soca. This interview provides a plethora of information that you won't want to miss, regardless of whether you're a fan, an artist, or just interested in the core of Caribbean music.

 

Smiddy, a genuinely likable person and talented music producer, shares his passion for innovation within the soca genre. We hope that his personal journey and creative process, which include crafting iconic anthems, resonate with fans and aspiring artists alike. His story demonstrates how pushing the limits of the genre can inspire and uplift audiences worldwide. Our collaboration with Nikki G will continue to yield gems like this one, so stay tuned to Sokah2Soca for more insightful interviews featuring Nikki G. 

 

Watch the full interview now and get exclusive insights on Soca’s future! Comment below with your thoughts and share with fellow music lovers.

 
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:
Podcast: Table Talk Show 
Podcaster: Nikki G
Genre: Interview/Soca Music Producer ?
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and CalypSoca Thrives!
 
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!

 
Soca music is influencing the direction of West Indian carnivals, leading to the erasure of some truly exceptional songs. Recently, we began to 'bring back' to our readers some of the old music. There's something special about capturing that nostalgic DJ vibe with a classic Soca tune. We found one of those songs, a dancehall soca song,  and today, we feature one very famous Vincentian singer, Alston Becket. Becket is a wonderful singer, and, to be honest, the Caribbean has not seen another talent like this. Today we pick one song that we recently heard played by Mr. Desmond on WACK Visual Radio: "Since Ah Small."
 

"Since Ah Small" is a genre-bridging song known as "Dancehall Soca," not Calypso or Soca. When you listen to the  song it is easy to understand why it was labeled "Dancehall Soca." Dancehall Soca was still evolving in the late '80s, blending Jamaican Dancehall vibes with the undeniable energy of Soca. Becket, always an innovator, embraced this fusion effortlessly in "Since Ah Small." His delivery—playful yet commanding—captures the spirit of storytelling that makes Caribbean music so rich.

 

"Since Ah Small" was arranged by the legendary Frankie McIntosh and featured on the 1988 album Soca Dance Party. Both Becket and Frankie McIntosh are beloved Vincentians who created excellent music that crossed borders long before soca replaced calypso as the preferred music for Caribbean-style carnivals. 

 

Efforts to preserve and reintroduce songs like "Since Ah Small" go beyond nostalgia—they safeguard the legacy of artists like Becket, whose contributions deserve continued celebration. His work, alongside Frankie McIntosh, stands as a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Caribbean music.

 

It is always a challenge to reintroduce songs like Becket's "Since Ah Small" to a generation that speaks Zess Soca, Dennery Segment and Bouyon. It's the "older heads" who demand the preservation and resurgence of these classic songs. Any generation will always appreciate excellent music, I assure you. The music of Frankie McIntosh and Becket is worth making the effort to bring to this generation of listeners. Today's music can be monotonous at times; listening to a song like "Since ah Small" can be invigorating and is a credit to  these talented sons of Saint Vincent. 

 
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:
Song Title: Since Ah Small 
Artist/Performed by: Becket 
Arranged by: Frankie McIntosh
Origin: Saint Vincent
Release date: 1988
Genre: Soca/Dancehall Soca ?
 
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and CalypSoca Thrives!
 
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!

 
We have a compilation of songs recorded with Spice Mas as the main event. However, because this compilation brings with it a wave of Caribbean artists, we believe that it can become a Caribbean anthem that transcends borders. This compilation is the Sinners Riddim, which features a powerful lineup of artists including Yung Bredda, Sheldon Douglas, T.R. Shine, Mr. Legz x Shurwayne Winchester, and Peter Ram. As you can see, this album—also referred to as a Riddim—isn't just a local sensation; rather, it represents a cross-Caribbean movement of talented artists. 
 

Although the vibe is rooted in Jab Grenada, each artist contributes a unique flavor, making sure that regardless of where you are—whether in Grenada, Trinidad, Barbados, Saint Lucia, or elsewhere—the riddim feels like home. Carnival revelers across the Caribbean and beyond, which includes the diaspora, will crave the infectious melodies and lyrical brilliance of pure Caribbean carnival bliss. 

 

The beauty of this album (riddim) lies in its unique mix of Caribbean artistry, and while Grenada's Spice Mas serves as the launchpad, this album ensures that Saint Lucia, Barbados, and eventually all the Caribbean carnivals in North America experience this vibe. It matters not if you are chipping to the music in the Caribbean or North America; the feeling will be pure carnival joy. 

 

Every island of the Caribbean has a unique Soca feel. Trinidad, known for its abundance of Groove Soca, was wonderful; now we also have the Jab style, Vincy Ragga style, Saint Lucia's Dennery Segment, traditional Soca, Barbados's unique Bajan style with Spouge influences, and Dominica's Bouyon. The Sinners Riddim is here, and 2025 is one for the books. Elevate the intensity and ignite the excitement of Carnival! You can find something suitable for every island and simply press play to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. 

 
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:
Album Title: Sinners Riddim 
Artist/Performed by:
  • Yung Bredda—Rub Up
  • Sheldon Douglas—Rod of Correction
  • T.R. Shine—Push
  • Mr. Legz—Black Mih
  • Peter Ram—Big Belly Man
  • Sinners RiddimInstrumental
Produced by: The KVG + Trini-Baby.
Mixed by: Mr. Legz for YTM Recordz
Mastered by: Mr. Legz for YTM Recordz
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca 
 
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and CalypSoca Thrives!
 
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!

 
Most times, during the "Dotish Hour" on WACK Visual Radio, Kenny and Mr. Desmond discuss topics that lead to posts on Sokah2Soca. I’m proud to say that these cultural ambassadors are my best source for Trinidad and Tobago music and culture. Amid all that nonsense and laughter, I always find something intriguing that sends me looking for information on the topic discussed. During the Sunday show, they had a discussion relating to the remastering of classic calypso and steelband music from the nineties. The discussion referenced Alvin Daniel’s YouTube listings. I searched his YouTube page and found a Kes Calypso from 2014, a song I will post independently. However, it is part of an album titled "Men of Steel," which is the subject of this post. 
 

You can purchase pristine copies of the album's calypsos on Amazon Music. I will provide the link below to access the Amazon portal. Having said that, today we present the album for your listening pleasure via the YouTube player. Enjoy the music and note that we will be posting the Kes song as a stand-alone post. Why, Kes? Simply put, everyone, at least the younger generation, knows Kes, the sweet-voiced Soca singer. Our goal is to amplify the fact that he does sing Calypso (not to mention that Soca is a form of Calypso).

 

As you peruse the list of songs and decide which ones you want to listen to first, be sure to set aside some time and have a drink ready as you enjoy some sweet Calypso music. We are not just a soca music site and we will deliver calypso gems along with lost or rarely seen steelband performances. So stick with Sokah2Soca because, just like WACK Visual Radio, we too are "Kulture Krazy!"

 
Artists/Songs on the Album
  1. Destra Garcia—First Time
  2. Sean Daniel—God's Music
  3. ChuckyPan is Carnival
  4. Kes The Band—Men of Steel
  5. Romeo Ionut—Dancing with the Stars
  6. Nicole Greaves—Pan Scandal
  7. CrazyPan in Yuh Pweffen
  8. Joseph Williams—Enjoy Yourself
  9. Anselm Douglas—Big in De Dance
  10. Eunice Peters—Anthem for Pan
  11. Crazy—Thoroughbreds of Pan 
  12. De Panman—Tornado
  13. MBA—The Grandmaster Say
  14. Youni-T—Pan Infekshun
  15. Crazy—Meh, Rooster Don't Crow
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:
Album: 2014 Calypso Compilation 
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
 
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and CalypSoca Thrives!
 
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).
Page 4 of 170