Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan: Geographical Indicators - GI's
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 20, 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!!
Pan sweet pan and yes, we are talking about the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. The steelpan is a unique musical instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s. Originally, it was made from discarded oil drums that are hammered and tuned to produce different notes. The steelpan is widely regarded as a symbol of Caribbean culture and innovation, and has been adopted by musicians and bands around the world.
We never seem to catch a break and the following should be noted: the steelpan also faces challenges in terms of intellectual property protection and recognition. Despite its popularity and significance, the steelpan has not been patented or registered as a national instrument by the government of Trinidad and Tobago. This has allowed other countries and individuals to claim ownership and innovation over various aspects of the steelpan design and tuning processes, and to profit from its commercialization.
As an example, in 2001, two US academics were granted a patent for a method of producing a Caribbean steelpan using hydroforming, a technique that was already used by local steelpan makers in the 1970s. The patent was contested by the Trinidad and Tobago government, but the case is still pending. Another example is the E-Pan, an electronic version of the steelpan that was invented by a Trinidadian engineer, but has not been officially recognized or supported by the government.
These cases illustrate the need for more awareness and action on the part of the steelpan community and the government of Trinidad and Tobago to protect and promote the steelpan as a national and cultural asset. The steelpan deserves respect and recognition as an original and innovative invention that reflects the history and identity of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Shenanagins aside, everyone understands that if you want a quality steelpan, a steelpan made in Trinidad and Tobago is worth its weight in gold. Yes, we are the gold standard, regardless of all the hoopla and claims by others. Now, with the cooperation of the EU International Intellectual Property Cooperation, our national instrument will gain respect with that stamp of approval. Read on...
EU International Intellectual Property Cooperation - Geographical Indicator/Intellectual Property Rights:
The steel pan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago ?? and it holds a profound significance during the carnival season, serving as both a cultural emblem and a rhythmic heartbeat of the festivities.
Beyond its role in entertainment, the steel pan fosters a sense of community and pride, uniting individuals through shared traditions and collective expression. The steel pan is part of #CarIPI’s Origin Linked Products Mentorship Programme, intended to provide producers with technical assistance to develop business strategies based on #IntellectualProperty rights.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - Geographical indications (GIs) are intellectual property (IP) rights that serve to identify a product that originates from a specific geographical area and that has a quality, reputation, or other characteristics that are essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Source: EU International Intellectual Property Cooperation
Topic: Steelpan - Geographical Indicator/Intellectual Property Rights (GI's)
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.
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Fantastic Friday in Trinidad: Bring back the International Soca Monarch Competition
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 20, 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!!
What happened to Fantastic Friday in Trinidad and Tobago? Fantastic Friday featured the "Play Whe International Soca Monarch" competition, with artists from the Caribbean basin and North America competing to win this prestigious title. As mentioned by Fan Ann Lyons, this competition was 'our Grammys'. It may not be a simple reason for the demise of the show, but there is a void that needs to be filled. The rest of the Caribbean region—Grenada, Saint Vincent, Antigua, and Saint Lucia—all have a Soca Monarch Competition. Trinidad got rid of the International Soca Monarch and did not even replace it with a local Soca Monarch competition. Is this a lack of vision or just a lack of will?
So let's put this question to 'the powers that run things', Mecca of what? We need to really rethink our place, our position as the 'so-called leader' for the business of Soca as we forge ahead intending to advance Soca for the International market.
The International Soca Monarch Competition is a very important event for soca music and culture, but it has faced some challenges in recent years, such as lack of funding, low attendance, and competition from other fetes and events.
Some possible ways to revive the competition are:
- Attracting more sponsors and investors who are willing to support the event financially and provide incentives for the artists and the audience.
- Inviting more international and regional Soca artists to participate and showcase their talent, as well as collaborating with other genres and cultures, will create more diversity and appeal.
- Improving the format and judging criteria of the competition to make it more fair, transparent, and engaging for both the performers and the viewers.
- Promoting the event more effectively through social media, streaming platforms, and other channels will reach a wider and younger audience and generate more interest and excitement.
- Preserving the tradition and heritage of soca music and its role in Carnival while also innovating and adapting to the changing trends and preferences of soca fans.
- Use the ideas of the Soca artists to improve the show, have a forum, and collaborate with the people who will actually participate.
These are just some suggestions that could help the sun rise for this needed competition. What do you think? Do you have any ideas on how to revive the International Soca Monarch Competition? Maybe you do, maybe you don't, or just maybe you think that this show is a weight on the Soca industry. Look, everyone has an opinion, but trust me, this show generates energy, keeps artists focused on doing better, and generates income in so many ways that we really need to take notice and advance the show.
Well, what we can tell you, or better yet, show you, are the comments of Fayann Lyons and Bunji Garlin. Fayann had a short stint organizing the Soca Monarch competition, but 'the powers that run things' decided that it was not worth their time and money. She is very opinionated and fires shots at 'the power that runs things'. Watch the video below, and share your comments here and with your social media peers. Let's light a fire and make Fay-Ann's ideas come to fruition.
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.
Video Production Notes:
Video from "De Party Start"
Origin: Trinidad
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).
2024 Kayak Soca Mega Mixtape: Selector Jason Unleashes Carriacou Soca to the World
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 18, 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!!
We have a boss mixtape that may have gone unnoticed by most Soca music lovers, especially those based in Trindad and Tobago. While most Trinis were focused on Trinidad and Tobago, just north of Trinidad, the island of Carriacou also experienced the joy of carnival, as did Trinidad and Tobago. So let's set the record straight: while both countries use Christian calendars to fix their carnival dates, both festivals, though similar, feature a different style of Soca. We have a mixtape by Selector Jason to help you feel the vibe of Kayak Mas 2024.
So, get ready to have fun! This is energy Soca, Jab Soca, or, you may simply say, sweet Soca music. If you are looking for a way to spice up your playlist with some Caribbean vibes, look no further than the 2024 Carriacou Soca Mega Mix by Selector Jason. This mix features some of the hottest soca tunes from the island of Carriacou, a part of Grenada, and showcases the talent and diversity of its artists.
We believe that the 2024 Carriacou Soca Mega Mix by Selector Jason is a great introduction to the soca scene of Carriacou and a must-listen for anyone who loves Caribbean music.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Mixtape Title: 2024 Kayak Soca Mega Mixtape
Artists/Performed by: Selector Jason
Compiled and Mixed by: Selector Jason
Presented by: Indego World
Released: February 2024
Origin: Carriacou, Grenada
Genre: Soca/Jab 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).
Carnival Lagniappe Trinidad 2024: A Night with the Champs
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 17, 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!!
The carnival is over, but we just can't get enough of Trinidad and Tobago's carnival culture. Now is the time to celebrate the champs and savor the success of another successful carnival. So here we are, once again: are you ready for a night of pure magic from the Mecca of Steelpan and Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago? If so, you won’t want to miss the Carnival Lagniappe 2024, a spectacular show featuring the reigning champions of various Carnival categories, such as Steelpan, Mas, Soca, Calypso, Chutney, Chutney Soca, Extempo, Brass, and then some...
Now, what really is Carnival Lagniappe? Carnival Lagniappe, which means “a little something extra” in French Creole, is a gift from Pan Trinbago, the world governing body for steelpan, to the public. It is a way of celebrating and showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the talent and creativity of its people.
We head back to the central point, where the champions were crowned. The event will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Queen’s Park Savannah, the iconic venue for Carnival festivities. Tickets are only TT$300 (US $44) and can be purchased online or at Pan Trinbago’s head office. You can also watch the live stream on their website, and social media platforms or WACK Radio 90.1 FM/Television for US $30.
Another year and one last celebration of our culture before King Carnival rests until it is time for another carnival. Carnival Lagniappe 2024 promises to be an unforgettable night of rhythm and revelry, as you immerse yourself in the vibrant beats and captivating performances that define the heart and soul of Carnival. You will witness the best of the best in each category as they deliver their winning pieces with passion and flair.
You will not only be entertained but also educated as you enjoy the night's proceedings. You will also learn about the history and evolution of the different Carnival elements, such as the blue devils, a traditional character that dates back to the days of slavery, or the Jab Molassie, which means “molasses devil” in French patois. You will also discover the origins and influences of the various musical genres, such as Soca, which is a fusion of soul and calypso, or Chutney, which is a blend of Indian and Caribbean sounds.
This is not just another show; Carnival Lagniappe 2024 is more than just a show; it is a celebration of the spirit of Carnival, a spirit that transcends boundaries and unites people of all backgrounds and walks of life. It is a spirit that is alive and thriving in Trinidad and Tobago, the land of steelpan and carnival. The show will feature the winning steelbands in all categories, Calypso, Soca, and Chutney Soca winners, along with the champions of Mas, Kings, and Queens of the bands from Junior all the way up to the adult bands.
You are invited to come back to Sokah2Soca for links to the show. We intend to bring audio and hopefully video of the presentations. So, don’t miss the beat! Join us for a night with the champs and experience the magic of Carnival Lagniappe 2024.
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:
Event: Carnival Lagniappe 2024
Performances by Steelpan, Mas, Soca, Calypso, Chutney, Chutney Soca Extempo, Brass Champs
Origin: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Culture of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
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).
