Sonny Roberts the Pioneer, the Music Producer and his Legacy
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
October 05, 2024
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!
Today, we feature an article from our culture partner, Nikki G of NikkiGMedia. You may have heard her voice in so many Soca ads, but you were unaware that Nikki was doing the voice-over work. Nikki, along with Sokah2Soca, is now part of the Islandvybe Radio community. We are pleased to present this article from NikkiGMedia for all our fans. Nikki celebrates the contribution of Jamaican-born Sonny Roberts, aka Sonny Orbitone, to world music. If you are an avid reader and a culture vulture, you will want to read this article and become a smarter person. Take the Nikki G route!
From NikkiGMedia:
Sonny Roberts, a trailblazing Jamaican-born music producer, left an indelible mark on the UK and global music scenes. Born in Spice Grove, Manchester, Jamaica, Sonny moved to London in 1958 aboard the historic Manistee ship.
While originally working as a carpenter, his passion for music led him to create Planetone Studio in 1961, the first recording studio owned by a Jamaican in Britain. Located at 108 Cambridge Road, Kilburn, this studio became a hotspot for budding artists and legendary musicians alike, including Mike Elliott and Rico Rodriguez.
Sonny’s friendship with Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, also played a significant role in the development of both their careers.
In the late 1970s, Sonny launched Orbitone Records in Harlesden, London. Orbitone became a vibrant hub for reggae, Afrobeat, and Soca music, producing timeless hits like *Can’t Be with You Tonight* by Judy Boucher, which reached No. 2 on the British charts, and *Hot Hot Hot* by Arrow, a Soca classic.
Sonny also produced groundbreaking Afrobeat albums with the Nkengas and collaborated with many African musicians in London, helping to define the early Afrobeat sound in the UK.
In a recent two-part interview on the *Table Talk* show with Nikki G, Sonny’s daughter, Angie Roberts, shared her father’s incredible journey. She highlighted his pioneering work, noting how his recording studios became essential steppingstones for many black British and Jamaican artists.
Angie also emphasized his immense kindness, loyalty to clients, and dedication to his family. As a businessman and music producer, Sonny’s influence was vast, shaping the sounds of generations while staying true to his roots and family values.
Tune in this Saturday at 10 a.m. for part 2 of Angie’s interview on *Table Talk* for more on Sonny Roberts’ legacy part 2!
Ref:
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫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!
The groove is back! Do you remember the days of Dancehall/Soca? Well, today we have one that delivers that old-school music feel. So here we go. Get ready to feel the vibes of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival 2025 with the electrifying new track "Manpower" by Taste of Madness! This song is a perfect blend of dancehall and Soca, guaranteed to get you moving and grooving.
Jasmin "JU" Uglow wrote and composed the song; Junior "Ibo" Joseph, a renowned Soca music producer, arranged the music; and Emmanuel "Blocker" Thomas handled executive production. We'll let anyone interpret the lyrics, but we think it's a teaser, just the way West Indians like it. We love the vibe delivered by the production team. A package of Soca and Dancehall vibes encapsulates the overall vibe.
"Manpower," with its infectious rhythm and high-energy beats, has the potential to become a party favorite rather than a song to jam on the road. So, if you are just vibing at home, liming with friends on the block, or at a fete, this track will bring the carnival spirit straight to you.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Manpower
Artist/Performed by: Taste of Madness
Singer: Jasmin 'Ju' Uglow
Written and composed by: Jasmin 'ju' Uglow
Arranged by: Junior 'Ibo' Joseph
Executive Producer: Emmanuel 'Blocker' Thomas
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Genre: Soca
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Celebrating "Endurance" by Nadia Batson: Pure Soca Vibes from Carnival 2023
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
October 05, 2024
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 guess with the overcast and rainy weather in New York City today, I am in a reminiscing mood. So, after celebrating "No Tomorrow" by Kerwin and Adana, we turn our attention to the sensual Nadia Batson and her monster hit song "Endurance." She said it, "I come here to make you feel good!" No insurance needed, just plenty of vibes and a little endurance. The lyrics are sure to make you feel good and immerse yourself in the sensual atmosphere of Carnival. We love it.
Can anyone keep up with this superstar Soca singer? She possesses all of the qualities that stardom brings, along with a winning smile and personality. She even has the ability to make your eyes roll up and your toes curl up. That is the true power of an excellent songwriter to bring it all out in the open with class. Now if you're looking for a song that embodies pure vibes and feel-good energy, look no further than "Endurance" by the incredible talent that is Nadia Batson. Released for Carnival 2023, this track became a favorite for its infectious rhythm and uplifting lyrics. Yes, it is an impactful song, so much so that I felt compelled to repost it with Carnival 2025 on the horizon.
Nadia really hit the sweet spot with "Endurance"; the melody, the excellent lyrics, and her captivating voice sealed the deal. To reiterate, the song's catchy beat and vibrant melody are perfect for any celebration, whether you're on the road for Carnival or just 'liming' with friends.
Indeed, "Endurance" remains timeless, a fitting accompaniment to any West Indian-style party with a carnival atmosphere. Let's keep the energy high as Carnival 2025 approaches. Feel free to share this post and spread all the love you can muster for Nadia Batson's excellent music. I know you love it, so why not press play and vibe with this hit song from Carnival 2023? Don't forget to share this post with your social media peers. Thank you for engaging with us.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Endurance
Artist/Performed by: Nadia Batson
Produced by: XplicitMevon
Written by: Nadia Batson & Erikkson George
Background vocals by: Nadia Batson, Keisha Bradshaw & Don Iko
Mixed & mastered by: Precision Productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Genre: Soca
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Looking back at "No Tomorrow" by Kerwin Du Bois x Adana Roberts: A Joyful Soca Anthem
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
October 05, 2024
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!
"If it was meant to be, I will find you; I go end up behind you, jamming right day behind you." There is more: "I want to behave the worst way; I want to give you meh worse wine, though it's the first time... take me down low, take me down slow"! I must admit, I absolutely adore this song! While browsing through new music releases on YouTube, I stumbled upon an old favorite, and yes, this song brought back fond memories. So here we are, I am damn sure posting this song again! "No Tomorrow," for me, is a standout track for 2020 by Kerwin Du Bois and Adana Roberts. Everything about this song is solid—the vocals, the music, and the music video (showcasing beautiful islands of Anguilla and Tobago)—100% perfect!
"No Tomorrow" shines brightly with pure joy and infectious energy. The music video captures the vibrant spirit, and sexy style of Adana in particular, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and passion for the music, the genre of Soca. Both Kerwin and Adana have what it takes to bring life to the visuals and along with the dynamic choreography add to the overall feel-good vibe to the music video. "No Tomorrow" brings a sense of euphoria, transporting listeners to a place where worries are left behind, and only the present moment matters. It's a reminder of the power of music to uplift and unite people, even in challenging times.
As we enjoy the infectious rhythm and positive energy of "No Tomorrow," we can't help but hope for more music like this from Kerwin Du Bois and Adana Roberts. Their collaboration has set a high bar, and fans eagerly await more tracks that bring the same level of joy and excitement. Here's to more anthems that make us dance like there's no tomorrow! Was it worth it? Would you like us to feature some of the songs that made your toes curl when you heard them? Hit us up and we will endeavor to make it happen.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: No Tomorrow
Artist/Performed by: Kerwin Du Bois x Adana
Produced by: Nikholai Greene and Gideon Bishop
Written by: Kerwin DuBois
Mixed and Mastered by: Gayle Clunie Lampshade
Live Guitars and Bass by: Gideon Bishop
Live Drums by: Gerion Williams
Artwork by: Royalty Club
Song: Trinidad
Video: Anguilla
Anguilla videography - Lunatik (The Creators)
Tobago videography - Ian Davis
Genre: Soca
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
