Bad Switch by Kerwin Du Bois x Simbaarley x DJ Private Ryan: Power Soca is Heating Up!
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 08, 2025
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 expected, the faster-paced Carnival music is now streaming during the bacchanal. Today, we introduce "Bad Switch," an electrifying new Soca vibe. The very talented DJ Private Ryan produced "Bad Switch," which features Kerwin Du Bois and Simbaarley on vocals. This is a song that is full of vibe with smooth vocals and a smashing, in-your-face vibe for those playing mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
This infectious vibe is all about the energy of the people and a celebration of women in mas. This is the essence of Carnival: beautiful women wearing just enough to make it all legal and providing a flow of adrenaline appreciated by the respectful men playing mas alongside them. This song has the right BPM, not overly fast but fast enough to keep feet chipping and having fun.
As always, Kerwin, a producer, excels in this collaboration. The addition of Simbaarley just adds to the sweet and smooth vocals. This transition is not a negative one, but rather a shift from smooth vocals to an assertive musical vibe. We love it all. The production combines energy and passion, which shines through in every beat and lyric, making "Bad Switch" a must-listen for Soca lovers and Carnival enthusiasts alike.
So what do you think? Would you request this song for a fête and have fun with it, especially 'on the road'? As Carnival approaches, "Bad Switch" is set to take control of the road party, bringing people together and celebrating the vibrant culture and traditions that make Carnival so special. So, prepare to hit the road and dance to this incredible new track!
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, 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: Bad Switch
Artist/Performed by: Kerwin Du Bois x Simbaarley
Written by: Kerwin Du Bois x Simbaarley
Produced by: DJ Private Ryan
Mixed & mastered by: DJ Private Ryan
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).
Bad Switch Visualizer
Rhythm of A People by Stacey Sobers: Discover the Vibrant Rhythms of Trinidad
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 08, 2025
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!
The people and culture of Trinidad and Tobago are featured in the newly released song "Rhythm of a People" by the very talented Stacey Sobers. The renowned "Gregory "GB" Ballantyne wrote the song, while Ato Williams of 5IVE Line Productions produced it. This is a tribute song, a love song that features not only the people and culture of Trinidad and Tobago but also our beloved steelpan that is now part of our national coat of arms.
This song is a collaborative effort, with some very talented musicians providing the vibe that makes it special. Some of the players on this track include Kyle Peters on guitars, Sheldon Raymond on live drums, Brandon Christopher on saxophone, John Wayne Thomas on trumpet, and Yohance Dickson on trombone. The brass arrangements and pannist contributions add layers of richness and depth to the track, making it a true collaborative effort that highlights the best of our national talent.
Stacey Sobers and her team have delivered a song that just makes you feel good. She wraps the culture in a sweet Calypso vibe featuring everything we love about our culture. The social stigmas once associated with our national instrument have now vanished. She is on point with the lyrical content thanks to "GB.". This is just a feel-good song.
Play this cultural love song and enjoy the poignant lyrics, captivating atmosphere, and her heartfelt homage to our national instrument. So turn up the volume and vibe with this soon-to-be-classic calypso that sings praises to our national instrument—we recognize our steelpan with love.
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, 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: Rhythm of A People
Artist/Performed by: Stacey Sobers
Produced by: Ato Williams @ 5IVE Line Productions
Recorded at: 5IVE Line Productions
Written by: Gregory "GB" Ballantyne
Guitars by: Kyle Peters
Live Drums: Sheldon Raymond, “ Timbales Guy”
Saxophonist: Brandon Christopher
Trumpeter: John Wayne Thomas
Trombonist: Yohance Dickson
Brass Arrangement: Yohance Dickson
Pannist: Shaquille “Flogo” Forbes
Pannist Arrangement: Yohance Dickson & Ato Williams
Background Vocals: Akeita Pierre Williams
Mixed & Mastered by: Ato Williams @ 5IVE Line Productions
Visualizer Credit Info
Ronnie Ross—Tenor
Kamaria Charles-Richards—Double Seconds
Desree Seecharan—Guitar
Jamaal Pierre-Roberts—Bass
Akua Leith—Managing Director, MITTCO
Wardrobe—S. M. Warner—Art With Attitude.
Makeup—RayofBeauty Glam Studio and Spa.
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).
Chutney Soca Monarch in Hot Water for Popular Songs Omission: Is It a Race Issue?
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 05, 2025
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!
I understand the frustration! It's always disappointing when popular songs don't make the cut. The selection process for the Chutney Soca Monarch competition can be quite subjective and sometimes controversial.
Regarding the inclusion of Machel Montano, it's true that his entry has stirred up quite a bit of debate. As for Kurt Allen's "Money Done" and Lady Gypsy's "Tanty," or even "Hot Up" by Ravi B and Yung Bredda, it's difficult to say why they didn't make it without knowing the exact criteria used by the judges. Everyone understands that Machel Montano will bring enormous attention to the Chutney Soca Monarch competition. What everyone wants to know is: was the selection process fair?
It's important to remember that competitions like these often have to balance various factors, including diversity, representation, and the overall quality of the performances. While it's easy to question the fairness, it's also a reminder of the subjective nature of art and music.
Someone needs to provide an explanation for these discrepancies and explain to the general public why certain artists and songs, which are not currently as popular as Lady Gypsy's "Tanty" and Kurt Allen's "Money Done," were selected. Is it that the artists are not 'Indian enough' to make the cut, so why did less popular songs win over worthy ones? It could be that the selection process is influenced by factors such as marketing strategies, industry connections, or even the current trends in musical tastes that prioritize certain genres or styles over others, regardless of their artistic merit. If you want to consider your show legitimate and allow it to grow in popularity, then you need to be fair, and most of all, the general public must consider your judging fair!
"For the 30th edition of the CSM, to be held at La Tropical, The Rig Compound, La Romaine, eight female artists and 26 male artists will vie for nine positions in the final, where reigning CSM king Rick Ram (Rick Ramoutar) will defend his title. Also defending her crown as Queen of Chutney Soca is Rawytee Ramroop, who is required to qualify through the semifinal round—Trinidad Express.
The artists selected for the CSM semifinal round are:
- Rawytee Ramroop
- Reehanna Gopaul
- Vanessa Ramoutar
- Kavita Ramkissoon
- Rohanie “Nel” Ramdass
- Reshma Ramlal
- Sarika Sultan
- Hemlatha Dindial
- Deodath Birbal
- Nigel Gobin - Since Yuh Leave
- Colin Jackman
- Kendel Jaggernauth
- Shiva M and Jadel
- Edward Ramdass
- Amit Sagram
- Suresh Maraj
- Wackerman
- Amit Baksh (Mittyranks)
- Master Saleem
- Nari Raghubir
- Rajdeo “Rajah” Rampersad
- Davindra Ramdath
- Robin J
- Suresh Rampo Rampersad
- Devindra Gattoo
- Chris Garcia
- Oneil Bhajman
- Avinash Sookraj and Sunil Ramsundar
- Adesh Samaroo
- Ricardo Melville (Daddy Chinee)
- Veekash Sahadeo
- Neval Chatelal
- Rikki Jai
- Machel Montano - Pepper Vine
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
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).
Your Turn Now by Kurt Allen-The Last Bardjohn of Calypso: Political Cutarse Griot Style
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 05, 2025
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!
Oh lordy, I want to fall, and as you know, pressure does bust pipe! Now for all those who are surely going to get upset with this Calypso, here is what we have to say to you: 'Grow up!' Kurt Allen, a talented Calypsonian, has demonstrated the power of his pen to bring the truth to life. While politics will always have its sycophants, those who know and understand the truth and refuse to bow down or cowtail to those who love to 'kiss ass' will understand the power of this calypso.
I have a strong distaste for politicians, particularly when a petroleum engineer holds the position of Prime Minister and your industry suffers significant losses. There is so much blame to go around that both political entities, including the current opposition leader, are just as guilty. One can only hope for a better day. So no matter how hard you run, Dr. Rowley, the griot has exposed you, and neither you nor those who 'vote against their interests' can save you.
From "The Last Bardjohn of Calypso":
In calypso tradition, the political landscape has always been a prime subject for commentary and critique. Each PM, no matter their stance or achievements, has been the subject of the calypsonian's sharp tongue and fearless lyrics. The composition “Your Turn Now” was written in 2015 after the general elections in Trinidad and Tobago, with the knowledge that no leader, however influential, is immune to the calypsonian’s call for accountability.
As a calypsonian, I have always felt a deep responsibility to speak the people’s truth, and my decision to perform this piece was not one taken lightly. There is an innate sense that this particular PM, unlike all those before him, has somehow escaped the critique that has shaped the nation's understanding of political leaders.
This piece isn’t an emotional outburst or an attack on character—it’s a lyrical mirror, reflecting the promises, the missed opportunities, and the legacy that stands under the weight of scrutiny. It’s a wake-up call, a direct message not only to the Prime Minister but to all who hold power. "Your Turn Now" stands as one of the most daring calypsos I have ever composed, a reminder that the voice of the people cannot be ignored.
With this song, I, Kurt Allen—The Last Bardjohn of Calypso—step up to the role that calypsonians have carried for generations: the fearless watchdogs of the people, unafraid to confront power and to call it out when it drifts from its duty. This is not merely a critique of one individual, but a reinforcement of Calypso’s tradition of holding leaders to account, no matter which side of the political divide they stand on.
So, Dr. Row, “Your Turn Now isn’t just a song; it’s a message, a call to action, and a reminder of the promise Calypso has made to this nation—to always, without fear, call a spade a spade.
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 Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, 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: Your Turn Now
Sung/Composed by: Kurt Allen—The Last Bardjohn of Calypso
Arranged/Produced by: Kenny Phillips
Background Vocals by: Judith Edwards and Kurt Allen
Executive Producer: C.E.F Ltd
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso
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 Bardjohn himself/Earla's Verse
