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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 surprise for you on this special day dedicated to all dads: we have decided to rewrite the musical script specifically for all the papas. We haven't lost our sanity simply because we are making an effort to deliver a mixtape filled with classic funk. Yes, this year, Andrew Bruce of Splendid Sounds, along with  Sokah2Soca have teamed up to bring you this look back at a time when the world was so different. 
 

DJ Splendid Sounds, we cooked up a sonic time capsule called Return of the Fun—a mixtape that pulls straight from the soul of our childhood living rooms, back when American soul, funk, R&B, and disco echoed through Caribbean homes.

 

Many will remember these songs with fond memories of growing up in the Caribbean and attending parties and dancing the night away... the wonderful old days! This one’s not about charts or trends. It’s a heartfelt nod to the sounds that raised us, the records our dads played on Sunday afternoons, and the tracks we memorized before we knew the lyrics made sense. This collection, which includes James Brown's "Big Payback" and numerous other beloved songs, is brimming with fond memories and infused with affection.

 

For all the old heads, vinyl collectors, and back-in-my-day storytellers, soak in the vibes; you’ve earned this—this one’s for you. Press play, rewind, and relive the joyous moments once more.

 
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 FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, 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:  Return of the Funk—a Father's Day throwback like no other! 
Curated by: DJ Splendid Sounds
Produced by: Andrew Bruce
Mixed & mastered by: Andrew Bruce of Splendid Sounds
Origin: USA/Trinidad/The World
Genre: R&B Funk 
 
Sokah2Soca—Where the Rhythm Lives and CalypSoca Thrives!
? 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 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!

 
It is time to prepare for the summer season in anticipation of the forthcoming carnival and festive activities, as is customary among Caribbean people. West Indians love to enjoy themselves and have fun, particularly during the summer season in North America. But first,  a word of caution, and just maybe parental consent...
 

Heads up: Some tracks include explicit content, so this one's strictly for the grown-ups!

 

Now to the business at hand, DJ Jel, one of our favorite DJs, just dropped his "Bouyon Gym Series 1 (RAW)"—this is a high-energy mixtape curated to keep you moving and motivated. The mixtape, filled with bouyon beats, is the ideal fuel for your next workout session.

 

Now comes the easy but sometimes hard part for many: lace up those sneakers, turn up the volume, and let the rhythm push you through every rep. Are you prepared to elevate your workout? Let’s begin! Are you prepared to step up your workout? Let’s go!

 
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:
Mixtape Title: Bouyon Gym Series 1
Curated and mixed by DJ Jel 
Origin: Somewhere in the World, Somewhere in the US 
Genre: Bouyon 
 
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!

 
Arima people, stand up! I am pleased to feature this remastered 1998 Panorama performance by Nutones Steel Orchestra. This performance is one to remember—an iconic performance from one of the best steel bands out of Arima.  Kenny Phillips remastered this arrangement of David Rudder's High Mas, while the legendary Clive Bradley arranged it. This performance is pure musical magic, brought back to life for your listening pleasure. 
 
I have to, once again, offer credit to Kenny for his effort and dedication to our culture, to preserve the artistry of our culture for generations to come. His efforts have allowed us to appreciate this TTT footage instead of '"badmouthing' its poor visuals and recording quality. 
 
Yes, we must reiterate that the people of Arima should stand up and beam with pride. The synergy between Bradley’s arrangement and Rudder’s composition made for an unforgettable showcase of steelpan mastery. Every run of the melody, every explosion of rhythm, told a story of resilience and celebration—the essence of Trinidadian spirit. And now, in its restored glory, this footage provides us the chance to relive it all.
 
This is a cherished and memorable performance. This was a period when a small-town band grabbed the nation's attention with a statement performance guided by Bradley's arrangement of Rudder's iconic song. Sokah2Soca continues to celebrate these iconic performances and as soon as Kenny shares his remastering works, we will share these culturally enthralling performances with you our cherished readers and culture enthusiasts.
 
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: High Mas
Artist/Performed by: David Rudder
Album: Beloved
℗ 1998 David Rudder
Released on: 1998-01-01
Label: Lypsoland – CR 028
Steelband: Nutones 
Steelband arrangement by: Clive Bradley 
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!

 
Some songs never die—they just find new voices to carry their story forward. Ras Kommanda and Kerice Pascall do just that with "Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart." This latest release breathes new life into a song that has traveled through generations, famously covered by the King of Calypso himself, The Mighty Sparrow. With rich vocals and a soulful arrangement, Kommanda and Pascall honor the legacy while making it undeniably their own.
 

At Sokah2Soca, our goal is to promote Caribbean music, showcasing the best in regional music.  We are unafraid to express our opinions and refrain from making posts based solely on our friendships. We criticize the music when it is poor and provide credit to it when we feel a positive vibe. Reimagining and adding new life to this classic provides an interpretation of "Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart" for evening listening and relaxation. It blends dancehall and reggae’s distinctive groove with the soul-stirring vocals of an experienced Calypsonian—kudos to Ras Kommanda. More than just a revival, it’s a bold reimagining—one that respects tradition while embracing the energy of today’s party scene. We aim to maintain authenticity in our reviews. Sokah2Soca ensures this track receives the attention it deserves, highlighting the artistry, emotion, and genre-blending magic behind it. If you have a fondness for cricket or baseball, this rendition is truly exceptional. To top it off with soccer, goooaaalllll!

 

Some context from Wikipedia:

The song Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart was first recorded by jazz singer Arthur Prysock in 1964. It was composed by Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn in Brooklyn, New York, originally intended for the British duo Chad & Jeremy. While it didn't gain much traction in the U.S., it became a hit overseas, especially in the Caribbean, where The Mighty Sparrow's version helped cement its legacy. It's quite the journey for a song that began as a simple demo!

 

My introduction to this song came from someone who I can count on to be fair and who always supports Sokah2Soca, my friend Gailos. She said: "Mike Pascal just sent me this…" You know I love it.  This song is perfect for any moment from our era, creating mellow moods whether you're chilling, having dinner, relaxing under a coconut tree, or enjoying time in the bedroom! If Gail recommends a song, you know it's excellent!

 

We want to focus on the song rather than our post. We will make it simple and sweet. We love this version, but what do you think of the song's vibe, lyrics, production, rhythm, and overall impact? We make it simple and sweet and then provide our final thoughts. 

 

With regard to the vibe of the song, nothing beats a Caribbean vibe. West Indians party differently! There is joy in our movements and that look we give to our partner when a song that we love and feel hits the turntable. Ras Kommanda's total control of his vocals is worthy of praise. His tone and vocal control feel genuine and it comes from a place of genuine emotional grief. The music simply complements his vocals. Together the vibe is consistent with the song's lyrical content. 

 

With regard to the  lyrics, this song is timeless. We noted the history of the song and that Sparrow made this a classic in the Caribbean region and diaspora. Ras Kommanda introduced the song with "Ras Kommanda in a different style," and it is a style that works. He should make more music like this song. These songs live on forever, and this version provides a more upbeat style compared to Sparrow. Kerice Pascall provided a solution for someone struggling with heartbreak. Listening to her, I would advise Ras not to trust her... she is just saying what she knows will calm rough waters... trust your heart and move on, brother. 

 

The production of this version was perfectly timed, delivering a dancehall flavor that resonates deeply. You can vibe with someone special or sit and lick your wounds while enjoying the music through the pain of seeing the one you love walk down the street with someone else. Even though it hurts, the music will have you tapping your feet. Kudos to the production team at Ebon Sound Factory and the people who added the magic to this version. It feels like Kyle Peters' guitar work is on every sweet song out there. 

 

It is evident that this song will have a diverse impact on fans. Fans who embrace the vibe, grapple with heartbreak, or embrace mischief will channel their emotions onto the dance floor. This song caters to a wide range of listeners, from those who have experienced heartbreak to those who can truly dance to sweet music. 

 

I am impressed. Ras Kommanda and Kerice  pumped new life into a classic song. I truly believe that this will be a go-to song for parties throughout the Caribbean. House parties will undergo a transformation, with requests for repeats of this version becoming a signature feature. Gail, I can see you grooving to this song; it will be one of those songs requested by connoisseurs of sweet Caribbean music. Well done! 

 
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: Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart
Artist/Performed by: Steve Pascall AKA Ras Kommanda
Featuring: Kerice Pascall
Produced by: Ebony Sound Factory
Mastered by: GQ MAXziMUM
Guitars by: Kyle Peters
Background Vocals by: Kerice Pascall
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).
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  • Catch the island vibe! Our goal is to provide an avenue to spread our island culture not only through music, but also through our people's voices. 

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  • We don't just represent one Island, we represent all Islands. For we are one.