Ananda/Sokah2Soca

Ananda/Sokah2Soca

Originally posted 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!


With their fiery arrival, online chats are exploding with "facts"—or not! Online chat rooms are buzzing with discussions about Bush-Judges and Bush-judging. Every site monitoring event taking place in Trinidad and Tobago has opinionated fans. The problem is that Trinidadians always think that there is a hidden agenda and that the official judges "thief their band."  This belief fuels a cycle of skepticism and distrust, leading to heated debates and accusations that overshadow the actual performances. As the excitement builds, many participants find themselves more focused on the perceived biases rather than appreciating the artistry showcased on stage.
 
The problem here is that almost every one of the bush judges doesn't understand music and what it takes to judge a musical orchestration for a Steelband. "But we hear the music, and we know who is the winner!" Not so fast, and for today's post we are posting a few things that all "bush judges" should take note of before criticizing the official judging results.
 
Judging Steelband competitions for carnival is difficult, especially the Panorama competition, which has the most vocal fans. Even after reading this post and noting the points below, it will still be difficult to put it all together if you simply listen to 'pan music' just around Carnival time. 
 
We rightly focus on the arranger and arrangement, but who is just as important? The drill master holds equal importance! We listed the work of the drillmaster at the end. Execution is important, and with that, remember the work of the "Engine Room" that drives the tempos for the music. 
 
In the end, unless one of the bands does something truly exceptional, all fans will believe that their band either won or lost. C'est La Vie! Here's to the biggest Steelband fans—our beloved and most of the time scorned "bush judges," and let's see if any bush judges can find the top three finalist spots. Now that will be something to talk about! As the competition heats up, the excitement among fans intensifies, with each bush judge eager to assert their opinion on the performances. The anticipation is palpable, and the true spirit of the Steelband culture shines through as everyone gathers to celebrate the music and camaraderie, regardless of the final outcome.
 
Bush judges take note of the following "Terms used for Steelband music:"
 
Interpolation—estimation of time 
 
Dynamics—volume of music (used in place of loud and soft)
 
Crescendo: gradual increase in the volume or intensity
 
Execution—technical expertise and musical skills 
 
Clarity—quality of being easy to perceive, understand and appreciate 
 
Tempo refers to the speed at which a piece is played. It is quantified in beats per minute (BPM).
 
Orchestration in steelpan music refers to the arrangement of steelpan instruments in an ensemble. A steel band or steel orchestra typically includes steel pans tuned to various scales, played by pannists. The tempo is regulated by a rhythm section of traditional percussion instruments.
 
Drill Master—The drill master for Steelband music is responsible for coordinating and leading the band during performances. They help set the tempo, cue instrument sections, and ensure smooth transitions between different sections of a piece. The drill master plays a crucial role in maintaining the ensemble's tempo and performance cohesion.
 
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites 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:
Panorama Judging Tips 
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband Music
 
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 (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).

Originally posted 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!

 
As the Large Conventional Steelbands Preliminary Judging took center stage, the rhythmic beat of steelpans resonated through the air. The competition was fierce as each band strived for perfection, and the results were truly spectacular. Here's a detailed look at the results of this captivating event.
 
Like the wise men, the top performers came from the Eastern Region. The Republic Band Exodus and First Citizens Supernova from the Eastern Region led the way with flawless performances, earning 276 and 275 points, respectively. Their outstanding renditions mesmerized the judges and secured their spots at the top of the leaderboard.
 
A close competition ensued for the third position, with several bands delivering stellar performances. Tied with 273 points, these bands showcased their musical prowess and left the audience in awe.
 
The competition witnessed multiple ties, making the results even more intriguing. Four bands tied for the sixth spot with 271 points each, while another set of four bands tied for the tenth place with 269 points each. These ties highlighted the exceptional talent present among the participants.
 
In the final spots, Starlift and Desperadoes captured the fourteenth and fifteenth positions, respectively. The point spread was 10 points; let's see how many bands improve on their preliminary scores for the semis. Their spirited performances added to the overall vibrancy of the event. Stay tuned for more updates on this exhilarating musical journey!
 
So which bands are out? Well, here is the surprise: all fifteen bands move on to the next round of competition that takes place on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, at the "Big Yard," Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, starting at 1:00 pm. 
 
The Results:
01. Republic Bank Exodus—276 Points
02. First Citizens Supernovas—275
03. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps—273 (Tie)
03. Hadco BP Renegades—273 (Tie)
05. Massy Trinidad All Stars - 272 
06. Phase 2—271 (Tie)
06. NLCB Fonclaire - 271 (Tie)
06. Heritage Petroleum Skiffle Bunch—271 (Tie)
06. RBC Redemption Soundsetters—271 (Tie)
10. Silver Stars—269 (Tie)
10. Shell Invaders - 269 (Tie)
10. Heritage Petroleum Siparia Deltones—269 (Tie)
10. NLCB Buccooneers—269 (Tie)
14. Proman Starlift—268
15. Desperadoes—266
 
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites 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:
Event: Pan Trinbago's Large Conventional Bands Preliminaries 2025
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband Music
Code: PTLCBP2025
 
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 (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).

Originally posted 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!

 
This mixtape has all the top Groove Soca hits for Carnival 2025. DJ Chengz has curated a playlist that features the best Groove Soca tracks of the season. From Machel Montano's "The Truth" to Kes' "No Sweetness," each track is a hit that will have you dancing non-stop.
 
This is the time of year when the new music releases slow down, and it is time to just pause and catch up with the multitude of songs released. The release of this mixtape coincides perfectly with the approaching Carnival 2025. It's the ultimate preparation tool for anyone planning to hit the streets and enjoy the festivities.
 
"De Ting Nice" by DJ Chengz is more than just a mixtape; it's a celebration of Trinidad's rich musical heritage and the joyous spirit of Carnival. So, turn up the volume, embrace the good vibes, and prepare to dance passionately with this amazing Groove Soca mix.
 
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites 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:
Mixtape Title: De Ting Nice (Trinidad Groove Soca 2025)
Curated & mixed by: DJ Chengz
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca
 
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 (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).

Originally posted 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!


Welcome to the vibrant world of Soca, where rhythm meets soul, and every beat tells a story. Our modern-day queen of Soca, Patrice Roberts, has just released a new powerhouse anthem titled "Great Escape," and it promises to take us on an exhilarating journey.
 
Crafted by some of the brightest minds in the Soca business, the song’s lyrical genius comes from Jovan James, Mical Teja Williams, Tano, and Kitwana Israel. These talented individuals have a deep understanding of Soca’s heartbeat and have pooled their creative energies to bring "Great Escape" to life.
 
Precision Productions, a name synonymous with quality in the Soca world, has joined forces with the ever-popular Tano to produce this track. The collaboration is a sign of great things to come, especially for those eagerly awaiting the electrifying moments on the ‘big stage at the Savannah.’
 
One cannot overlook the meticulous guitar work of Kyle Peters, whose touch seems omnipresent in every major release. His strings add a layer of magic that complements Patrice's powerful vocals, recorded to perfection by XplicitMevon. The combination of these musical forces results in a track brimming with creativity and boundless energy.
 
Let's remember that "Great Escape" is another contender in the realm of Power Soca, vying for its place in history. "Great Escape" is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and we are eager to see how it will resonate with fans.
 
Let's celebrate the success of "Great Escape" and the ongoing dominance of Patrice Roberts. We wish them the very best in their musical journey. Let the rhythm take over and the escape begin! 
 
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites 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: Great Escape 
Artist/Performed by: Patrice Roberts
Produced by: Tano x Precision Productions
Written by: Jovan James, Mical Teja Williams, Tano & Kitwana Israel
Vocals Recorded by: XplicitMevon
Guitars: Kyle Peters
Creative A&R by: Warren Mc Kenzie
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca
 
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 (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
The Great Escape Visualizer
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