Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you the best music, while Islandvybe Radio rocks it live on air! Tune in for an unforgettable experience filled with the latest hits and your favorite Caribbean classics. Join our vibrant community of music lovers and let the rhythm take you away!  

The Carnival Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago officially kicked off Carnival 2025 today at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Yes, dear friends, it is that time again. We have been posting new Soca songs almost daily but today marks the official start of the big event. The theme for the 2025 celebration is "No Place Like Home!" At the launch today, viewers will get the opportunity to view snippets of our culture in music, featuring Calypso, Soca, and the national instrument, the steelpan, with Exodus as one of the Steelband performing tonight.

 

Some of your favorite artists will perform tonight, including Patrice Roberts, Karene Asche, Nadia Batson, Kernal Roberts, KMC, Aaron Duncan, Nailah Blackman, College Boy Jesse and others. Portrayals will feature carnival costumes showcasing the unique skill and talent of our people. Some of the scheduled events for this event, which began at 3:30 pm, include a parade on the Savannah Drag (the pathway leading to the stage), followed by performances that are expected to continue late into the night.

 

There are several feeds on YouTube broadcasting the event (several bootleg feeds) along with TTT, the official television station out of Trinidad and Tobago. Enjoy the evening's entertainment. 

For the upcoming Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with your team as you prepare for the 'feting season'. In other words, your feting team should be considered your "feting family." For today's post, we intend to keep things simple and let the music visualizer tell the entire story. This is the music, the vibe, and the loving family of one Shal Marshall.

 

Shal can be humorous at times, but he is simply expressing what we, as "carnivalists," already know: we all party and have a 'quality and memorable time' with our "feting family."

 

As the beats drop and the energy rises, it's clear that Shal captures the essence of what it means to celebrate together. So, immerse yourself in the rhythm and let the music transport you to a place where laughter, joy, and camaraderie reign supreme.

 

In conclusion, as you get ready for Trinidad's 2025 Carnival, make sure to organize your 'feting family', buy party/fete tickets, and establish plans for a safe and unforgettable Carnival. Consider booking accommodations and transportation with friends to maximize the festivities. Embrace the vibrant culture, music, and spirit of the event, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy and celebration.

Galin is at it again. GusBus' music production, "Sense," showcases the Ragga Soca King's unique musical style that you may have forgotten but will, once again, love. If you're wondering about this music style, it's likely because you're unfamiliar with Bunji Garlin and his unique flow. This very laid-back, relaxed rap-styled music release is a testament to the enduring legacy of Ian Alvarez, aka Bunji Garlin. Indeed, he still reigns supreme and is the undisputed King of Ragga Soca! This song takes us back to a time when Ragga Soca had its brief but noteworthy reign. The music continues to evolve, but Bunji is here to remind us that the more things change, the more they remain the same. This is a masterclass in the musical evolution and style that everyone loves about Soca music. GusBus' production and mixing work shines brightly after Kasey Phillips of Precision Production refined it and delivered the final mastered track. We love this song, and the vibe just feels right. 

 

One can tell from our introduction that we believe that "Sense" isn't just a song; no, it is an experience that Carnival party favorites will cherish and request for this upcoming season. Indeed, this will evoke memories of the musical style that Bunji championed, transformed into a household brand, and established himself as the King of Ragga Soca. Today, Bunji, the Viking of Soca, is reclaiming the music and reminding people about this musical style that Groove and Power Soca have pushed aside. Be aware that Ragga Soca, also known as Rap Soca, is thriving, and Bunji is here to guide you; he is your guiding light!

 

Could you explain the meaning behind the title track, "Sense"? Well, Bunji is not "taking no special request; don't dedicate; just relax and wait; money aah, go run through the gate." To put it another way, Bunji wants you to comprehend his philosophy, and he guides you into his creative mindset by suggesting that his purpose is to "educate and elevate"—pay attention to the subtleties! While it may not make sense, we know the vibe is right! Don't try to understand him—just enjoy the music and feel the vibe. The production layers "Sense" over a modern vibe, rooted in Ragga Soca. This team created a track that will be timeless and, at the same time, contemporary for today's youth. 

 

At Sokah2Soca, we're thrilled to celebrate the release of "Sense." It's a reminder of why we fell in love with Bunji Garlin's music in the first place and a testament to his continued relevance in the soca scene. So turn up the volume, let the rhythms take over, and enjoy the return of the Ragga Soca king with "Sense."