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.
You never know until you know... "mouth open and story jump out!" this is an intriguing story. We do not imply any bias for or against anyone. We believed the story was compelling enough to document. So here goes... In a raw and reflective moment on The Therapy Lounge podcast, Darryl “Farmer Nappy” Henry opened up about a memory that still stings—one tied to Toronto Carnival, Xtatik’s early antics, and a Soca anthem that took flight without him.
Back in 1990, atop a truck rolling down University Avenue, Farmer recalls jamming with Machel Montano with Roger George and David Rudder watching on. As part of Xtatik’s playful skits, he began chanting:
“Cent, five cent, ten cent, dollar…”
The rhythm, which originated from a joke by legendary comedian Tommy Joseph, transformed into an Xtatic band dance call that captivated the crowd. It was spontaneous, infectious, and—according to Farmer—the seed of what would become “Dollar Whine.”
Fast forward to 1991. Colin Lucas, then joining the band Taxi, released "Dollar Wine"—a runaway hit. When Farmer first heard "Dollar Wine," he recalls feeling a surge of emotion:
“Tears came out my eye… That is my song.”
He claims the concept was lifted wholesale, not just the chant but the spirit of the performance. And it wasn’t the only time. Farmer also alleges that Colin borrowed lines from Derek Seales’ Brooklyn dance calls and even echoed phrases like “Put yuh hand on yuh head and whine” in later tunes. He lashed out with "He came that again, so Colin only have two hits, Farmer have repertoire, the two things that yuh thief."
Despite the testament of a friend who said that David Rudder backed his account in an interview: Hoppy told him, "Yo, I had an interview with David and David say that why this is your song because David Rudder them witness it." Farmer says the matter was brushed aside. Even COTT’s inquiry ended with a shrug:
“Liz Montano say leave it alone.”
But the pain lingers—not just from the lack of credit, but from the cultural erasure of a moment that was meant to be shared.
“I took it from somebody—as God say, a thief from a thief make God smile. So God smile. Colin Lucas, big up yourself. But that is only Dollar Wine.”
Farmer’s repertoire runs deep, and his legacy is secure. But this story reminds us that behind every Soca hit is a web of creativity, collaboration, and sometimes, controversy. We are here to report on the jokes, the dances, and the voices that have shaped the genre, which often go uncredited. If Farmer is correct, one can understand how this stings to this day. Songwriters in particular should take note and protect all written works. What is your opinion about this story?
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Podcast: The Therapy Lounge S1 Episode 5: Farmer Nappy
Featured on YouTube: DrJayTV
Origin: Toronto, Canada
Featured YouTube Song: Dollar Wine
Singer/Performed by: Colin Lucas
Genre: Soca ?
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Top: Full Interview Bottom: Dollar Wine by Colin Lucas
