Spicemas 2024 is coming: Get Ready for a Vibrant Cultural Experience
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 16, 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!!
It is coming, and we want you to be aware and ready for Grenada's August Carnival, better known as Spicemas. Spicemas isn’t just a carnival—it’s an expression of Caribbean culture, a celebration of freedom, and a testament to the island’s vibrant spirit. This exhilarating carnival extravaganza promises a fusion of culture, music, and unbridled joy.
All Caribbean carnivals have their origins in slavery, and with the end of slavery came the ability to celebrate and mock the slave master in song, costume, and dance. Spicemas commemorates the end of slavery and pays homage to Grenada’s rich cultural heritage. The festival has evolved over the years, blending tradition with modern flair.
Every island promotes its carnival differently. Grenada is famous for its jab-mas and Jab-Soca music. Some of the events one can look forward to experiencing are J'ouvert (the daybreak mas celebration) and Fancy Mas, where all the costumes are displayed in all their splendor. Monday Night Mas is unique to Grenada, and it's a way to continue the celebration with more music, dancing, and a euphoric feeling of joy.
As with most Caribbean Carnivals, there are competitions that people look forward to witnessing, such as Soca Monarch, when many talented Soca singers compete to be crowned Soca Monarch. Dimanche Gras is the final 'big show' before the street parades take place. The Carnival queen and Calypso monarch are crowned, after which the people head to the streets to celebrate J'ouvert.
Spicemas isn’t just about events; it’s an immersive experience. Visitors from around the globe flock to Grenada to revel in the music, colors, and infectious vibe. The streets come alive with tantalizing street food, friendly locals, and an overall sense of celebration. And the best part? It all happens in a safe, crime-free environment.
The dates and events are posted above, now it's time to get ready to party hard. The actual parade starts on Monday, August 12th and culminates in a sea of vibrant colors on Tuesday, August 13th., 2024. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Spicemas. Whether you’re dancing in J’ouvert, admiring the elaborate costumes, or savoring the flavors of Grenada, this carnival promises memories that will last a lifetime.
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, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Spicemas 2024: Grenada's Carnival
Origin: Grenada
Music Genre: Calypso & 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).
The Carnival Is Over: A Reflection on the End of a Season of Joy, 2024
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 16, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vbye Radio rocks it live on the air!!
Live, love, and be happy is a code that I aspire to achieve. That code, when one thinks about it, can be applied to the festive nature of Trinidad and Tobago's carnival culture. Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is a celebration of life, culture, and creativity. Our passion for life and love can be seen on our faces as we plan for fetes and major carnival events. It is a time when people of all backgrounds and walks of life come together to express themselves through music, dance, and masquerade. It is a time when the streets are filled with vibrant colors, infectious rhythms, and exuberant energy. It is a time when the spirit of the nation is at its highest. We embrace and accept everyone and invite everyone to play mas with us; it brings out the best in us, and we live a life of joy and share our love for all, and our happiness shines from our faces. But...
But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And so, on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the Carnival season reaches its climax and conclusion. All frustrations are unburdened, and in that tropical sunshine, our joy for life explodes on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago. Then, as the day comes to an end and the sun sets on the final day of revelry, the masqueraders make their way back to their homes, leaving behind a trail of discarded costumes, broken bottles, and fading memories. The music stops, the crowds disperse, and the silence settles in.
This is the moment that Lord Kitchener, the Grand Master of Calypso, captures in his poignant song, "The Carnival Is Over." In this song, he laments the end of the festivities and the return to the mundane realities of everyday life. The sadness creeps in as many "chip" their way from the masquerade bands and return to their homes. We will go back to complaining that the radio stations don't play enough Soca and Calypso and that the culture slowly dies for the rest of the year until King Carnival breathes life into the cultural fire once again.
The Carnival Is Over is a song that resonates with many Trinidadians and Tobagonians, as well as anyone who has ever participated in or witnessed the spectacle of Carnival. It captures the mixed emotions that accompany the end of a season of joy. It is a song that reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment of happiness that we have. Even though the song signals that the carnival is over, it is a song that inspires us to look forward to the next carnival and to keep the spirit of carnival alive in our hearts throughout the year.
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, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: The Carnival is Over
Artists/Performed by: Lord Kitchener
Written by: Aldwyn Roberts aka Lord Kitchener
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Genre: Calypso
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).
Mical Teja's DNA Triumphs Over Bunji Garlin's Carnival Contract: Roadmarch Winner 2024
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 14, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vbye Radio rocks it live on the air!!
Mical Teja, the young and talented singer, songwriter, and producer, has made history by winning the 2024 Roadmarch title with his song "DNA." As the bands paraded across the various judging points, it looked like Bunji Garlin had a lock on the Roadmarch competition. Masqueraders were seen singing carnival contracts "on de road." However, Mical Teja had a good lawyer who eventually rescinded all carnival contracts and contacts. After all was said and done, all the parlancing on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago, DNA by Mical Teja rode into the sunset triumphant!
This was the year of Mical Teja, who won the Young Kings Calypso Monarch title, placed fourth in the National Calypso Monarch title, and eventually captured the prestigious Roadmarch title. DNA surged on celebrating the diversity and unity of Trinidad and Tobago's culture. The sentiment was that for the first time, the good guy won (not the case for KES and Savannah Grass). We look forward to more sweet music for years to come from this very talented young singer.
In the end, it was the rhythm of the music, the vibe, and the unity of the people that propelled the Roadmarch competition to an exciting climax. To the victor go the spoils of victory; kudos to Mical Teja and his team. The Roadmarch results were announced by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organization (TUCO) on Wednesday afternoon, after a thrilling and competitive Carnival season. The Roadmarch title is one of the most coveted and prestigious awards in the Soca industry, as it reflects the popularity and impact of the song among the people.
Mical Teja has proven himself to be a rising star and a force to be reckoned with in the Soca arena. His song "DNA" has become an anthem for the nation and a testament to the power and beauty of the Carnival. Before you know it, we will be talking about new music releases as King Carnival begins to tease for another year. It was an awesome year for Soca and one that Mical Teja will look back on as the year he made history. Congratulations to the Roadmarch champion of Carnival 2024, Mical Teja!
The Official Results are as follows:
- Mical Williams aka Mical Teja - DNA - 341 Plays
- Ian Alvarez aka Bunji Garlin - Carnival Contract - 225
- Patrice Roberts - Anxiety - 48
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, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/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).
Energy Killers: Our Pick, Our Favorite Groovy Soca for Carnival 2024
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 14, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vbye Radio rocks it live on the air!!
Carnival is over in Trinidad and Tobago, but the music lives on! Everyone had "their favorite song" for the season, and for that reason, we decided to do this post because I too have a favorite song for Carnival 2024. When we looked at all the music released for Carnival 2024, we were pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the songs. Everyone has a favorite artist or favorite artist, and they select their favorite song from that pool. Today, after listening to so many songs, we have selected “Energy Killers” by the talented Kerwin Du Bois as our favorite song for Carnival 2024. This infectious track pulses through the airwaves, infusing revelers with an electric vibe that transcends mere music—it’s a code to live by!
The Song:
- Title: Energy Killers
- Artist: Kerwin Du Bois
- Album: Candy Dance Riddim
- Produced by: Chinese Laundry & Rishi Mahato of Maha Productions
- Genre: Groove Soca
The Vibe:
Picture this: The sun-kissed streets of Trinidad and Tobago are alive with color, rhythm, and unbridled joy. As the parade winds its way through the pulsating crowds, “Energy Killers” sets the pace. It’s more than a song; it’s a declaration of life. The beat syncs with heartbeats, urging everyone to dance, laugh, and embrace the moment. Barring the fact that I am an extrovert, I am weary of those who can place the proverbial yolk around my neck, weighing me down with negative vibes. Energy Killers creates an awareness that powers me through the day!
The Lyrics:
"I'm only here for a good time. I'm not here forever. You can call me that never care what nobody says. Call me Mr. Nothing; I will deal with that."
These lines resonate like a mantra—a reminder that life is fleeting, and we must seize every second. The energy we bring shapes our reality. So, let go of inhibitions, dance like nobody’s watching, and celebrate the sheer vitality of existence. Stay away from negative people, and negative vibes, and just enjoy life!
The Carnival Connection:
“Energy Killers” isn’t just a song; it’s the heartbeat of Carnival. As masqueraders sway in feathered costumes, their bodies become vessels of pure energy. The streets transform into a canvas of movement, color, and unity. And Kerwin Du Bois, with his magnetic vocals, leads the charge. Hey, this is my story and I can imagine anything that makes me feel good; just go to the clouds with me...
Why It Matters:
In a world that often drains us, this song is a resounding call to recharge and just enjoy life without that which drains us! It reminds us that joy, passion, and connection are our birthright. Whether you’re on the road, in the office, or simply grooving in your living room, channel your inner “Energy Killer.” Be unapologetically alive.
Just me:
This is how I feel; this song just resonates with me and helps me cope with all the negative vibes around me. Energy Killers does not have to be your favorite Soca for Carnival 2024, and you may not get the same vibe that I do from it, so c'est la vie! Just know this, I love it!
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, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/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).
