This post first appeared on Kaiso Dial, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
Few calypso melodies carry the weight of history quite like Rum and Coca-Cola. First penned and performed by Rupert Westmore Grant—the legendary Lord Invader—the song became a global sensation when The Andrews Sisters recorded their version in the 1940s. What followed was one of the most famous copyright battles in music history, a case that etched itself into the very fabric of Caribbean cultural memory.
Fast‑forward to today, and instead of revisiting the old melody, Kes & Tano reinvent the idea of Rum & Coca Cola with a modern twist. They take us back to a memorable period in the history of Calypso music when Calypso tent performances became a popular Carnival tradition. That tradition is recreated in the imagery of the video production... it is so well done!
Carnivals come and go, and by borrowing from a wedding scene, we take something old; we approach each new season with the promise that we can reflect on the past while introducing something fresh and unique. Kes and Tano have boldly reimagined this iconic song's name. This track is a conceptual revival of a song that was once controversial but has lived on for generations. Kes and Tano have honored the name, Rum and Coca-Cola, while reshaping its narrative for a new generation.
This track is not a remake. It’s a reinvention.
Let your imagination go on a playful ride with Kes and Tano. The recreation takes us back in time, creating the story in a fresh direction: a lively encounter with Miss Grace, a woman who was drinking Rum and Coca-Cola, unfolds in a throwback black‑and‑white production infused with Caribbean joy. In this context, Kes and Tano evoke the spirit of Invader’s era while incorporating the energy of contemporary soca and calypso into their performance.
Musically, the track is pure Kes—with Tano’s creative edge woven in—a seamless fusion of heritage and innovation. Rather than replaying Lord Invader’s melody, this version celebrates a new idea, dressed in the vibrancy of today’s Carnival generation.
The result? A feel-good, timeless song that bridges eras: storytelling and celebration, nostalgia, and reinvention. Flawless... the video production and the creative process from Kes, Tano and the team involved with the making of the song. Let's not forget the work of Kyle Peters on guitar and Josh Richardson on bass, as well as the background vocals by the triple team of Terri Lyons, Coutain, and Tano.
Born again, resurrected or all new, call it what you may, but this version of Rum & Coca-Cola resurrects a name that once ignited global debates—not as a relic, but as a vibrant reinvention for Carnival 2026.
For those who love 'red-man' music, 'de ting now start'; Carnival begins here!
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Rum & Coca-Cola
Artist/Performed by: Kes & Tano
Written by: Kes & Tano
Produced by: Tano
Guitars by: Kyle Peters
Bass by: Josh Richardson
Background vocals by Terri Lyons, Coutain & Tano
Horn Credits:
Trumpet: Charles “Randy” Williams
Trombone: Aaron Blenman
Saxophones: Daniel Ryan
Horns Arranged by: Daniel Ryan
Mixed by: N.M.G music
Mastered by: Precision Productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso ?
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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. Kaiso Dial/Calypso 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/.
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Laventille Meets Chutney: A Carnival First on the SLS Riddim
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 13, 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.
The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival season has always been a laboratory for musical innovation, but Team Foxx out of Saint Lucia may have just broken new ground. Their latest release, the SLS Riddim, was inspired by the pulsating energy of the Laventille Riddim Section, where Motto reportedly spent time soaking in the vibe before translating it into music. The riddim features Blaka Dan, Salty, M1, and Motto, each delivering their own brand of soca fire.
What makes this project truly remarkable, however, is Motto’s contribution titled “The Chutney Melody.” While soca and chutney have long existed as parallel subgenres, with occasional crossovers—such as Ajala’s “So Nanny” (Ragga Soca reworked into a chutney version)—this feels different. Instead of creating a separate chutney track or remix, Motto has embedded East Indian lyrical elements directly into a soca riddim that otherwise carries three conventional soca songs. It’s not a remix, not a rework, but a deliberate fusion within the same riddim framework.
Talk about breaking barriers and bridging the music. This is fascinating since Lord Shorty's goal was to unite the East Indian and African nationalities through the creation of his music... Sokah! Chutney soca has historically been treated as a distinct lane, often released on its own riddims or as chutney-specific projects. This album isn't a case of just giving one of the tracks a chutney title; it is more than that. By incorporating “The Chutney Melody” and weaving Indian vocals into the riddim, Motto has blurred the lines between chutney and soca in a way that feels fresh and unprecedented. Interestingly, the production notes do not list the female voice delivering the Indian lyrics, which remains uncredited, adding a layer of mystery to the release. One has to wonder if it is a mystery or if AI was used here.
For Sokah2Soca, this moment is worth spotlighting. It’s not just another Carnival riddim—it’s a cultural experiment that could signal new directions for soca’s evolution. If soca is synonymous with rhythm, energy, and inclusivity, then the bold incorporation of chutney elements into a mainstream riddim could be remembered as a pivotal moment, and we were here to highlight this fact!
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Artist: Teamfoxx
Title: The Chutney Melody
Riddim: SLS Riddim
Produced by Lashley Motto Winter - Teamfoxx
Written by Teamfoxx
Mix and mastered by Lashley Motto Winter - Teamfoxx
Origin: Saint Lucia/Trinidad
Genre: Soca (Laventille Drumming Riddim) ?
?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 are thriving!
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/.
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Rum & Coca Cola Returns — Revisited, Reimagined, and Ready for Carnival 2026
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 13, 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.
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore 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: Rum & Coca-Cola
Artist/Performed by: Kes & Tano
Written by: Kes & Tano
Produced by: Tano
Guitars by: Kyle Peters
Bass by: Josh Richardson
Background vocals by Terri Lyons, Coutain & Tano
Horn Credits:
Trumpet: Charles “Randy” Williams
Trombone: Aaron Blenman
Saxophones: Daniel Ryan
Horns Arranged by: Daniel Ryan
Mixed by: N.M.G music
Mastered by: Precision Productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: CalypSoca ?
?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 are thriving!
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.
So Nanny Returns: Chutney Soca Firestorm for Carnival 2026
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 13, 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.
The 1996 Ragga Soca hit “So Nanny,” arranged by Robin Imamsha and Ajala, is reborn as a Chutney Soca anthem featuring Savita Singh and Yuh Bredda. With Yung Bredda’s signature flair, this revival bridges generations and promises to be a Carnival 2026 banger in Trinidad and Tobago.
So Nanny is back—and it’s blazing hotter than ever! This 1996 Ragga Soca production has been reborn for a new generation, the next generation, reimagined as a Chutney Soca track that fuses nostalgia with fresh fire and the influence of Yung Bredda.
Is it just a remix or more in the offering? The transition from Ragga Soca to Chutney Soca serves as a cultural bridge, and we are eagerly anticipating what will come next. I listened to the song and loved it, but the vocals of Savita Singh could have been more powerful. The playful antics of Yuh Bredda covered that aspect of the production. Like the original version, the track bursts with energy, humor, and undeniable Carnival spirit. This song serves as a teaser in many ways, particularly through its use of double entendre... priceless! What was old is new again, and this rebirth ensures that "So Nanny" will dominate the road for Carnival 2026.
A Legacy Reignited
- Originally arranged by Robin Imamsha and Ajala, So Nanny first dropped in 1996, instantly becoming a crowd favorite.
- Its infectious rhythm and cheeky lyrics made it a staple of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival soundtrack.
- Three decades later, the song stands poised to reclaim its throne, demonstrating that true classics never fade—they evolve. And this evolution
The Yung Bredda Effect
- He is known for his signature catchphrase
- Yung Bredda injects his unique style into the track with his signature catchphrase, “Who does that?”
- His playful delivery and modern spin ensure that the song resonates not only with the youth but also with the “old heads” who remember the original.
- This dual appeal makes So Nanny a rare Carnival gem: a tune that unites generations on the road and in the fete.
Carnival 2026 Anthem in the Making With its fusion of Ragga Soca roots, Chutney Soca flair, and contemporary swagger, "So Nanny" is set to be more than just a song—it’s a movement. We expect it to light up the airwaves, mash up the fetes, and become a must-play on every DJ’s Carnival playlist. So, do you think that this song can take control once again? Share your comments with us.
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore 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: So Nanny (Remix)
Artist/Performed by: Ajala x Savita Singh x Yung Bredda
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Chutney Soca ?
Original Song: So Nanny
Artist/Performed by: Ajala
Arranged by: Robin Imamshah & Ajala
Rangkang Katang
J.W. Ragga Soca Hits '96
Released on: 1996-01-01
Genre: Ragga 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 are thriving!
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.
