Ananda/Sokah2Soca
The content was first published 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!
Once again, the Calypso magician has put on his Griot armor to deliver a social commentary calypso for the people. "The Last Bardjohn of Calypso," Kurt Allen, is back with a report to educate the people. He wants you to know who is responsible for your district, their role in parliament, and to share some lighthearted banter along the way. The song is titled "Welcome to Parliament." After hearing this song, you won't need to look up who runs each government agency.
The combination of Kurt and Kenny, the double K's of Calypso, brings us this new song out of their "challenge music productions." This track is challenge number three. We have the song via the SoundCloud player, but we have also posted the "challenge video" discussion and the recording of the song. Kurt offers commentary on his role as the 'griot.' Watch and learn how and why he delivers music that resonates with the population and his neutral position in politics. He simply calls it as he sees it! Kenny also discusses his role as the employer and manager of his business, emphasizing in the video that making tough decisions is necessary because it's just business.
The lyrics for the song are simple... Kurt is simply reporting the news, incorporating his clever writing style to deliver the facts with masterful precision. Kurt states that education is the key; it serves as a teaching tool and he goes on to provide insight into the makeup of our system of governance. "Welcome to Parliament" was composed and produced by the incredibly talented Kenny Phillips of KMP Music. Together, they've created a piece that's both thought-provoking and undeniably musical.
The song is simple yet incredibly catchy and danceable. Everything feels excellent and the BPM is perfectly balanced. You get to enjoy some excellent music while learning about the people who will determine the failures or success of the new government.
Don't miss out on this new music release! To all the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago: Be sure to know your 41 MPs and the constituencies they represent. And to the incoming class of representatives, welcome to Parliament! Kaiso, Kaiso!
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 through social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, 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 to Parliament
Artist/Performed by: Kurt Allen
Written by: Kurt Allen
Composed by: Kurt Allen & Kenny Phillips
Produced by: Kenny Phillips
Recorded at: KMP Music Lab
Origin: San Fernando, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso?
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 music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
The producer has not granted permission for the upload to SoundCloud. Full YouTube ? ?
The Sweet Steelband Music of 'Misbehave': Phase II Pan Groove's 1997 Panorama Magic
in
Blog
May 31, 2025
The content was first published 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!
Today, you are in for a steelpan musical treat! It was an exceptional time in Trinidad and Tobago; it was 1997, and there was so much anticipation for the National Panorama Finals. Among the titans looking to grab the top prize for champion steelband were Phase II Pan Groove, Renegades, and Exodus. For this post, we focus on the performance of Phase II, Pan Groove, under the guidance of the master himself, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe. Their tune of choice was Denyse Plummer's (RIP) "Misbehave"; this performance is one to remember and for this reason, with the help of Mr. Kenny Phillips, we present that stellar performance.
"Misbehave," if you don't know the song, was co-written by Alvin Daniel and Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, with the musical arrangement for the song done by the genius, Leston Paul. Denyse Plummer, who recorded the song at the esteemed Sunset Studios and J&W Recording Studios, already made it a hit. However, Boogsie's interpretation for the steelpan orchestra took the infectious energy of the original and elevated it to a whole new dimension.
What a beautiful arrangement of this song by Boogsie! It soothes the soul with a very mellow feel. Boogsie's arrangement, undoubtedly infused with his signature flair, highlighted the rich textures and versatility of the steelpan. The sweet, resonant tones of the tenors danced with the deeper, grounding notes of the bass pans, all woven together by the intricate rhythms of the seconds, guitars, and cellos.
We, at Sokah2Soca, are thankful to Mr. Kenny Phillips for bringing this beautiful performance to our attention. Along with Kenny, our goal is to create another record of the music for those who love to listen to our national instrument. We owe a deep sense of gratitude to the individuals who diligently preserve these precious moments of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage. In particular, a special thank you goes out to Mr. Kenny Phillips of WACK Visual Radio. His dedicated work in reproducing these historical performances from original VHS tapes, many of which were initially recorded by Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), allows new generations to experience the magic of events like Phase II's 1997 Panorama performance. Without his efforts, many of these iconic moments might have been lost to time.
While we applauded this performance, to put it all in perspective, Phase II and Boogsie did not win the Panorama competition that year. The first place went to Renegades playing "Guitar Pan" by Lord Kitchener and arranged by Jit Samaroo. The third spot went to Exodus and they also played "Guitar Pan," arranged by Pelham Goddard.
This music is incredibly beautiful; it serves as a testament to the unifying spirit of Caribbean rhythm, capturing the heartbeat of Trinidad in every perfectly struck note of "Misbehave". To this day, discussions of iconic Panorama performances often include Phase II's 1997 showing, a vibrant reminder of the magic that happens when exceptional musicianship meets the infectious energy of Soca.
If you are interested in more posts like this one or have a memory that you believe we can look back on, we can, together with Kenny and his vast archive of local music, bring similar posts for your enjoyment. Leave a comment letting us know your interests.
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 through social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, 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:
Misbehave - Phase II Pan Groove Panorama 1997
Steelband Music Arranged by: Len Boogsie Sharpe
Song Title: Misbehave
Singer/Performed by: Denyse Plummer
Written by: Alvin Daniel and Len "Boogsie" Sharpe
Composed by: Len "Boogsie" Sharpe and Denyse Plummer
Arranged by: Leston Paul
Recorded at: Sunset Studios & J&W Recording Studios, Trinidad
Distributed by: Crosby Music Centre
Executive Producer: Alvin Daniel
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca/Steelband Music ?
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 music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
The content was first published 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 heartbeat of the Caribbean is a rhythm we all feel, a shared pulse that transcends geographical lines and island borders. It's in the way we greet each other, the warmth of our smiles, and the undeniable spice in our food. But perhaps nowhere is this unity more evident, more vibrantly celebrated, than in our Soca music.
From Trinidad and Tobago's carnival epicenter to the pulsating fetes in Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and beyond, soca is the ultimate unifier. It’s the soundtrack to our joy, our resilience, and our unwavering spirit. One listen to Patrice Roberts' "Anxiety - Stronger Together," and you'll understand—it's not just a song; it's an anthem for our collective Caribbean soul.
Whether you're enjoying a groovy track, jumping to a high-energy power Soca tune, or swaying to a sweet, melodic rendition, the feeling remains universal. It’s the freedom of movement, the release of inhibitions, and the shared understanding of a culture that thrives on connection. We may have our island songs, but when the bass drops and the riddim takes over, we are one.
Here at Sokah2Soca, our mission is to bottle that feeling and share it with the world. We believe that by shining a spotlight on the incredible talent across the Caribbean—from the legendary pioneers to the freshest voices—we're not just promoting music; we're championing a movement. We're showcasing the vibrant tapestry of our culture, reminding everyone that while we are many islands, we are undeniably Stronger Together.
Let’s keep the vibes alive, the music playing, and the spirit of Caribbean unity burning bright! What's a soca song that makes you feel instantly connected to the Caribbean?
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 through social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, 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: Anxiety (Stronger Together)
Artist/Performed by: Patrice Roberts
Produced by: XplicitMevon, Millbeatz Entertainment & Advokit Productions
Written by: Kitwana Israel, Patrice Roberts, Mevon Soodeen & David Millien
Live Guitars by: Kyle Peters
Background Vocals by: Patrice Roberts & Kitwana Israel
Recorded by : David Millien at MillBeatz Studios, Trinidad
Vocal Production : Kitwana Israel, Mevon Soodeen & David Millien.
Mixed & Mastered by: Andre “Dre Major” Stewart.
Lyric Video by: Move With Time
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
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 music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
Celebrating Nailah Blackman & Nigy Boy's Sweet Music Cross-Caribbean Collab: "Hold On"
in
Blog
May 25, 2025
The content was first published 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!
Ok, Nikki, "The Voice" brought this song to my attention after I posted Nigy's most recent music release! We had it in our playlist but failed to do a post for the song. Yes, your preferred blog must acknowledge that some true gems have nearly vanished amidst the rush of new releases. But don't panic; we are here to provide one such song—"Hold On"—by Trinidad's sensation Nailah Blackman and Jamaica's very own, New York-based dancehall musician, Nigy Boy, the much-needed attention it merits. This song has been on our playlists and radiating positive vibrations. Now we are sharing this post to highlight a wonderful song!
We know that there are so many excellent music releases, both during and following the Carnival season. Giving each deserving tune its own complete attention is challenging. Though it's more than just another song, we couldn't let "Hold On" pass without giving it a suitable shout-out, as it's evidence of the beauty that results from Caribbean musical elements coming together.
Released as part of the 2025 Soca wave, "Hold On" is a smooth, appealing mix highlighting both performers' skills. A genuine descendant of Soca royalty (Soca was developed by her grandpa, Lord Shorty), Nailah Blackman adds her unique musical ability and unquestionable vocal charm infused with a sly, sexy style. She uses a delivery as sweet as sugarcane to gently seduce you into the rhythm.
Then comes Nigy Boy, a musical genius with a visual disability whose unique lyrical flow and arresting presence have been creating waves. His dancehall instincts give the song a mesmerizing edge and craft a narrative that hopefully complements Nailah's explosive vitality. Cooperating artists distinguish a successful cross-genre project, translating into a natural rather than forced effort. As we say in the Caribbean, this son of Jamaica has "throat!" Nigy Boy has a really sweet-sounding voice; he should do more Soca collaborations and release Soca tracks of his own!
Jonny Blaze is the executive producer of the song, which has an obvious "feel-good" character and was produced by Stadic Music and RealDrLoveMusic. The music makes you wish to travel or just lounge in your living room with a bottle of wine. Though the lyrics convey the want to "hold on" to a good time and a solid relationship, the general mood is one of sheer, unadulterated delight. Your head still has the beautiful, melodic grooves long after the last note.
"Hold On" is more than just a song; it's a celebration of Caribbean unity through music. It showcases how Soca and Dancehall artists and music can intertwine to create something fresh, exciting, and universally appealing. This track is a reminder that when artists from different islands come together, the result is often pure fire!
So, if "Hold On" somehow slipped past your radar amidst the flurry of new releases, do yourself a favor and go give it a listen. You won't regret it. Shout out to sexy and sultry Nailah Blackman and Nigy Boy—keep giving us that undeniable Caribbean flavor! We're certainly holding on for more.
Sweet, that is not how you do it, but we want to know your thoughts on "holding on." Please let us know in the comments below!
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 through social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, 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: Hold On
Artists/Performed by: Nailah Blackman and Nigy Boy
Produced by: Stadic Music, RealDrLoverMusic
Executive Producer: Jonny Blaze Productions
Origin: Jamaica/New York/Trinidad
Genre: Soca ?
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 music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
