FEEL THE
ISLAND
VYBE

 

In the Caribbean and especially in Trinidad and Tobago, where playful mischief and romantic entanglements often palance hand-in-hand, islanders know and understand the phrase “yuh getting horn!” In fact, it is a cultural norm—an unmistakable signal that someone’s partner might be stepping out—and cheating! Blackie's song, "Who Is He," explores this cheating theme with humor, rhythm, and lyrical wit, creating a song suited to today's generation.

The Story Behind the Song
“Who Is He” is a Soca track with a Calypso soul! It is a modern Soca rhythm with vocals delivered in classic Calypso style. The story is captivating and relatable to many people. It tells the story of a man thrown into emotional turmoil when his partner blurts out a strange name while in bed making love to his supposedly 'trustworthy partner.' The lyrics are cleverly written with confusion, suspicion, and a desperate need for clarity. Ronald Ford, the lyricist, skillfully crafted lines such as "Tell me, I want to know," repeating them with a sense of urgency and a desire to understand the depths of his confusion. The song captures the speaker’s emotional spiral as he tries to uncover the identity of the mysterious “he” who seems to be “on the property” or “digging in.” Somebody, please tell Blackie this is a case of horn but apparently he is keeping his mouth shut and thinking, "horn meh but don't leave me!"

On a serious note, this topic is more significant and can lead to dire consequences. In Trinidad and Tobago we love to say "plain talk, bad manners," and while it may feel comedic, the underlying message is serious—infidelity can have real consequences, and Blackie’s storytelling balances the silly nature of the song’s delivery with the seriousness of the situation.

A Rich, Live Production
During an interview on WACK Visual Radio with Mr. Desmond, Blackie revealed that “Who Is He” was no ordinary studio creation. The track features a full live band, making it a standout in an era dominated by digital production. The music was arranged and produced by the legendary Leston Paul, engineered by Franklyn Grant and Leston Paul, and mastered by Yohan of Madmen Productions. When music producers opt for live band members to create the music, people have to be paid, resulting in higher costs to bring the song to life. Success or failure can lead to monetary losses for the artist involved. So please share this post on all social media platforms to help promote the song.

Soca, Calypso and  Blackie’s Unique Blend
When I called into the station to ask Blackie whether he considered the song Soca or CalypSoca, he offered a thoughtful response. He acknowledged the Soca-style drumkit that drives the rhythm but emphasized his Calypso-rooted vocal delivery. Instead of following prevailing trends, Blackie forged his own unique style, combining the lively modern Soca with the storytelling and vocal techniques of Calypso. This music style was successful last carnival with the Tilden Hall album by De Red Boyz out of Barbados.

The CalypSoca style, which blends Calypso and Soca, keeps the music grounded in tradition while appealing to contemporary tastes. It’s a style that bridges generations, making “Who Is He” both nostalgic and fresh.

Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of sweet melodies, clever lyrics, and music that speaks to real-life experiences with a wink and a groove, “Who Is He” rightly deserves your attention. Once again, to conclude, please share this song with your social media peers and on all platforms that you visit regularly.