Late Night Riddim: Smooth or Snooze? Sekon Sta’s Production Misses the Mark
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 26, 2025
Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca — your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. First published on Sokah2Soca, now streaming live via Island Vybe Radio.
I am about to be beaten up online for my take on this "Late Night Riddim" release, but, as I usually do, I say what I feel when I first listen. However, "before mouth open and story jump out," before I bare my soul, here’s the buzz online about the new production by Sekon Sta, although this isn’t his first time creating vibes.
The vibe online for Sekon Sta’s newly released Late Night Riddim is pure fire—a sultry, sensual celebration of nighttime energy wrapped in Caribbean rhythm. The project is being embraced as a bold evolution for Sekon Sta, who’s now stepping confidently into the producer’s chair, and fans are loving the results.
I am going to cut through the hype and speak candidly. Soca, like many genres, thrives on energy and innovation, and when a riddim feels too safe or underproduced, it can struggle to stand out in a crowded release cycle. This rhythm feels too simple... like a bedroom-produced beat. Good things can happen in a bedroom, but this one feels a bit too simple.
Let's try and unpack my thoughts. As I said above, the production feels too simple. So, what does that mean? The Late Night Riddim leans into a minimalistic vibe. While some fans appreciate the stripped-down sensuality, others—like myself—might find it lacking the layered complexity or punch that defines more memorable Soca hits.
Fans of these artists are unlikely to favor this album review. I am convinced this review will ruffle some feathers; feelings will be frayed and hurt here. Even seasoned artists can sound tentative when stepping into a new sonic space. It’s possible that the mellow tone of the riddim didn’t give them enough room to showcase their full vocal dynamism. I don't mean to imply they sound amateurish, but damn, I've heard better from these artists.
So here is my main concern. Soca is fast-moving, especially with Carnival seasons and regional releases constantly refreshing the soundscape. Without a breakout hit or viral moment, riddims like this can easily get overshadowed and fade away and be totally forgotten as a wave of new music floods the music scene.
Fans and artists can counter my review/thinking here for sure. Some listeners are embracing the album as a “vibe piece” rather than a chart-chaser—something to set the mood rather than dominate the dance floor. But your perspective highlights a real tension in Soca: the balance between vibe and vitality.
Please listen to all the songs before commenting. If you think I was unfair to the producer or the artists, call me out! Time for some honesty now: if you were the program director on a radio station, or if you were or are a DJ, would you prioritize these songs? Just asking for a friend!
YouTube Music Notes:
Get ready for a sensual soca experience! The highly anticipated Late Night Riddim, produced by Sekon Sta, blends smooth, seductive melodies with infectious Caribbean energy, delivering a soundtrack for unforgettable moments.
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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:
Album Title: Late Night Riddim
Artists/Performed by: Nessa Preppy, Kris Kennedy, Preedy & Sekon Sta
Produced by: Sekon Sta
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered by: Kingston @Sheppard Pro Studios)
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
Songs:
Nessa Preppy—Front Way
Written by: Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Vanessa “Nessa Preppy” John
Kris Kennedy—Sweetest Whine
Written by: Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Kris Kennedy
Preedy—Late Night Love
Written by Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Akeem Chance
Sekon Sta—Mother Good Daughter
Written by: Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Akeem Chance
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
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 small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
Early Carnival Drop “Friendship” Faces the Realities of Trini Airplay
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 26, 2025
This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
It is Friday and a good time to release new music for the weekend. Today we feature a well-known but often overlooked artist, Devon George. He is back with a vibrant new track titled Friendship, a feel-good Soca release that would, hopefully, stir emotions for carnival 2026. Written by Anthony Devon George, produced by Devon himself, and engineered by Shawn Jackie, this early drop blends upbeat rhythms with a message that’s all about connection and celebration.
Apart from this featured post, the song is on our new music playlist on YouTube, where the infectious groove and polished production shine through. It’s a track that feels tailor-made for liming with friends, even if radio rotation in Trinidad and Tobago remains uncertain. Unless you are well known to radio jocks and management in Trinidad and Tobago, it will be an uncertain road to get on rotation!
Will it even get on the airwaves? It is uncertain whether music will be played on the radio in Trinidad, as the reality of radio there is quite unpredictable regarding music selection. Our best guess? Maybe not. But in a digital-first world, Devon’s real challenge—and opportunity—lies in social media. If your song lights up social media, listeners won't have a choice but to engage if they want to remain relevant. With the right push, "Friendship" could find its tribe online, especially among his "beautiful friends" and Soca fans looking for fresh vibes.
Devon’s got a solid foundation with Friendship. Now it’s all about momentum. Devon will have to lean on his friends and 'friendship' to ensure that this song creates a buzz that goes beyond the challenges of SEO clicks online. Radio promotion will require good luck, along with many phone calls and connections to be effective. Good luck, Devon.
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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: Friendship
Artist/Performed by: Devon George
Written by: Anthony Devon George
Produced by: Devon George
Mix and mastered by Shawn Jackie
Guitar—Shiva Ramdass
Background Vocals by-Felicia Roberts
Executive Producer—Anthony Devon George
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
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 small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
Miami Gets the Freaze: IslandVybe’s Djaay Freaze Enters Viva Carnival’s Next Up
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 26, 2025
Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca—your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. First published on Sokah2Soca, now streaming live via Island Vybe Radio.
Today, I’m proud to announce another IslandVybe Radio DJ stepping into the Viva Next Up Miami competition. The heat is rising, and this time it’s Djaay Freaze—loaded with energy and ready to unleash musical mayhem. Alongside TremorJayy, he’s representing the IslandVybe family on one of the biggest stages of this Carnival season.
Miami, get ready for Philly's ones-and-twos magic. Are you ready for this?
The magic of Viva Next Up unfolds on Saturday, October 11. For those who don’t know, this isn’t just a DJ showcase—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the selectors who keep Carnival’s heartbeat alive. It’s tropical music madness and fusion-style mixes that the diaspora embraces.
? Listen to Djaay Freaze’s mixtape entry—it captures the essence of Caribbean culture and carries the spirit of the islands. This is what Miami Carnival is all about. You’re about to experience IslandVybe Radio mayhem with two powerful entrants.
Remember his name: Djaay Freaze is coming with the spirit of his ancestors on his shoulders. This won’t be just music—it’s movement, memory, and magic.
As the competition heats up, now’s the time to rally behind our IslandVybe DJs. Stream Djaay Freaze’s mixtape, share it with your crew, and let the world know: the IslandVybe sound isn’t just next up—it’s now.
Let’s show Miami what unity, rhythm, and Caribbean pride really sound like.
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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:
Event: Viva Next Up: Miami
Who: Digital Entertainment
Curated and mixed by: Djaay Freaze
Origin: Philadelphia, USA
Genre: Soca ?
?Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
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 small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
Welcome Back to the Bacchanal: Mr Lee Welcomes Carnival 2026
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 26, 2025
Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca—your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. First published on Sokah2Soca, now streaming live via Island Vybe Radio.
Sokah2Soca is officially on high alert—Carnival 2026 is calling, and Mr. Lee just answered with a tune that feels like a sunrise over the Savannah: warm, electric, and full of promise. Mr. Lee's vocals are vibrant and capture the spirit of Carnival. Welcome back to Trinidad, welcome back to Carnival”—that’s not just a lyric. That’s a heartbeat. A rallying cry. A love letter to the greatest street fête on Earth. The songwriting team of Joseph "Pronto" Figueroa and Tyro "Mr. Lee" Matthews managed to lyrically capture the vibe of the people for carnival with this composition... we applaud this.
Mr. Lee’s latest release, aptly titled “Welcome Back,” is a sonic homecoming. It’s Carnival time again, and while Tobago will showcase its excitement later this year, this track specifically highlights Trinidad’s glorious return to full Carnival form in 2026. The energy? Instant. The vibe? Irresistible. The runtime? Just under three minutes—but it leaves you wanting more. A DJ extended mix isn’t just recommended—it’s necessary.
This isn’t just a song—it’s a declaration. Carnival is not a season. It’s a spirit. And Mr. Lee just lit the first match. We absolutely feel this song; the vocals, music, and songwriting skills paint a picture that all Caribbean people can appreciate.
This song brings a vibe and the feeling that Carnival is here at last. Let the rhythm rise. Let the people say, "Welcome back."
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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: Welcome Back
Artist/Performed by: Mr Lee
Written & Composed by: Joseph "Pronto" Figueroa and Tyro "Mr. Lee" Matthews
Produced by: Joseph "Pronto" Figueroa
Additional Production by: Khadeem Edwards
Recorded at: Pirate Studios NYC™
Mixed & mastered by: Trypp Records®
Label: Trypp Records®
Publisher: Songtrust, NY
All rights reserved © 2025 Tyro Matthews and Trypp Records®
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca Thrive!
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 small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
