Ananda/Sokah2Soca
Kurt Allen and Kenny Phillips Team Up to Challenge Political Divide Through Calypso
in
Blog
March 31, 2025
Originally posted 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!
We tell our stories with Calypso. Today we have a Calypso story to tell you. When Kenny Phillips challenged Kurt Allen to come up with an after-carnival calypso, he took on the challenge and gave us "Doh Puck We Around." Today, after Kurt challenged Kenny Phillips to come up with the concept for a song and produce the music, a video of the 'music build' was posted to YouTube. This is Challenge 2 completed, but the song itself took three parts to make one whole song. Kenny felt deeply hurt when people accused him of being a "lick-bottom African" for taking a job to broadcast UNC political meetings. Aha, how about "Lick Bottom African" by Cro Cro and "Sugar Bum Bum" by Lord Kitchener? These two songs inspired the concept for a song titled "Lick A Bum Bum." It is a political/social commentary that addresses partisan politics and the calypsonian's role as a fearless commentator on societal issues. Kurt Allen is a genius songwriter, and he came up with a cleverly written song that addresses the issues without taking sides.
The role of the Calypsonian is to address any issue, regardless of how controversial, without giving in to the pressures of race and politics. Do you recall what happened when Kurt performed for the Calypso semis this year? Those who felt he should not have sung "Your Turn Now" greeted him with toilet paper. While many in attendance chose sides, Kurt realized that the role of the Calypsonian is not to succumb to political pressure but to sing for the people and remain impartial but certainly very fearless. Kurt understands that he is not just an entertainer but a historian, a messenger, and most certainly, the voice of the people. He makes sure to explain his thought process before recording the vocals for the song. We posted the unedited version apart from the YouTube video of the project.
Kenny took his hurt feelings and produced a song along with Kurt's brilliant lyrics that should educate those who labeled him a 'Lick Bottom African.' Kenny took a concept of a song and replied to Cro Cro's song with a Lord Kitchener Sugar Bum Bum vibe. Then the song, the music takes off and we have a new after-carnival gem just in time for this rabid political season.
The video provides an insight into the production of a song. In the realm of Calypso and Soca, it's uncommon to witness such a process, but this video unveils the hidden formula! The video itself is a testament to the creative process and the power of collaboration. It showcases the dynamic interplay between Allen's lyrical prowess and Kenny's musical genius. Viewers get a front-row seat to the creation of a calypso masterpiece as they navigate the complexities of the song's theme.
This song serves as a poignant reminder for everyone. Kurt's idea to respond to Cro Cro's song is brilliant and should engage anyone listening to remind us that we should unite instead of trying to belittle those with different views. Kurt's message to the supporters of the People's National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC), who are increasingly pressured to pick sides based on race and identity politics, is unity makes us all stronger. In this charged atmosphere, Allen's vision is a call for calypsonians to rise above the fray and remind their audiences of the art form's true purpose.
This song, released after Carnival, is sure to stir up controversy and spark discussions. But that's precisely the point. Allen's challenge serves as a reminder of the calypsonian's enduring legacy as a fearless commentator and unifier, particularly in a time when politics threaten to create a rift between communities. We are about to learn a lesson from The Last Bardjohn of Calypso that we won't soon forget.
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: Lick A Bum Bum (Raw Unedited)
Artist/Performed by: Last Bardjohn of Calypso
Written by: Kurt Allen
Produced by: Kenny Phillips
Origin: 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 (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
Originally posted 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!
Gone are the days of witty and mischievous Calypsos, the type that the Mighty Sparrow gave to us. We took so much for granted, and now that he has retired, we look back at his work and smile continuously as we listen to his witty songs. One song in particular that I really like is "Steering Wheel." The 45 RPM single featured "Steering Wheel" on side 1 and "You Don't Love Me" on side 2. The original release was 1965, from the album titled "Sparrow's Carnival 1965."
Sparrow, in his mischievous ways, showcased his wit, charisma, and so much humor while describing his adventures as a philandering young man. "Steering Wheel" provides excellent storytelling while creating a playful and provocative song for the ages. Sparrow's masterful wordplay telling about the woman's feet on the steering wheel while her father laments the chastity of his daughter is priceless. Sparrow in the garage, demonstrating his "wukking up, wukking up and wukking up with she foot stick up in the steering wheel blowing the horn!"
Though not as mobile as he once was as a younger man, his voice is as beautiful as ever. You would be shocked at how good he can sing at his current age. He was a wonderful cultural figure, the King of Calypso, and his song had you hooked." Steering Wheel is one of many songs Sparrow gifted us. It paints a picture of a society that was and is still relevant today. In today's world, we all need to laugh a little—laugh at ourselves and society in general. This song paints a picture of our society with splashes of humor and Sparrow mischief. This song perfectly captures the essence of our society. Yes, he is still the King of Calypso!
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites 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: Steering Wheel
Album: Sparrow's Carnival 1965
Artist/Performed by: Sparrow
Label: National Recording Company NLP 5050A
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Year: 1965
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 (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
Originally posted 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!
Every year the early Soca mixes arrive midway into summer here in New York City! Surprisingly, it's New York City instead of Trinidad and Tobago! Julian's Promos distributes the songs, and we have the honor of hearing them first. But here is the thing: the radio stations in Trinidad and Tobago responsible for helping the people become aware of the new music are not in 'new Soca mode' until their program directors direct them 'to become Carnival aware'. Despite their claims, it dates back to our colonial period. They may not realize they're doing it, but that's another topic.
Today, we reflect on one of the songs that came early and got left behind by the radio stations in Trinidad and Tobago. We feature "Aye Gyal" by Hey Choppi. This is a terrible shame because the song is great, there are no remixes online, and even the DJs don't know why. Machel Montano's star attraction and hype led everyone down a path that even excluded Kes and his early pioneering cocoa tea! Wow, can you begin to understand how significant that is? Oh wait, what about "Coffee" by Nadia Batson? Sigh...
Ok, enough complaining! We want you to give this song a listen and tell us if you believe it was not excellent enough to be on radio rotation. If you believe it deserves more recognition, we'd love to hear your thoughts on its standout elements. Tell us what you believe makes it successful or why you believe it may have gone unnoticed!
Just watch what is going to happen with the weekly Soca Top 10 by COTT or any weekly charting for Trinidad and Tobago music from now and deep into summer. The chart will have the same 10 songs changing places with a novelty song thrown in once in a while.
This pattern often reflects a lack of diversity in what listeners are exposed to, making it harder for new artists to break through. As the summer heats up, we hope to see fresh sounds emerge and challenge the status quo, bringing excitement back to the airwaves. With any luck, these new tracks will captivate audiences and inspire established artists to experiment with their sound. The music scene thrives on innovation, and the summer months provide the perfect backdrop for creative exploration and unexpected collaborations.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites 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: Aye Gyal
Singer/Performed by: Hey Choppi
Written by: Hey Choppi & Chalmer John
Produced by: AdvoKit Productions
Mixed & Mastered by: Precision Production
Artwork by: “iamkirky"
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/.
Originally posted 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!
Who does keep me up? She does keep me up; Nadie does keep me up! Fire in the house, and as we reflect on Carnival 2025, we have to applaud the work of Nadia Batson. One of our favorite tracks for the season was "Coffee" by this superb and talented artist, Miss Nadia Batson.
We firmly believe that the influential figures, the Soca Gods, overlooked this one. Yes, initially people were excited about the song, but just like that, it was as if the world was against Nadie, against some sweet Soca music, as the song disappeared from the radio rotation. What a shame for such a wonderful song.
Could we explore why this song didn't perform better on the radio? Why Trinidad? This song was well written with a vibe that rivals most of the songs released for Carnival 2025. One has to ask, why didn't this song reach its full potential? Was it a lack of promotion by the artist, or was it that Nadie and her team were not being aggressive enough with the radio stations? We must not let gems like this one fade so quickly; instead, we must release the next best thing by a champion artist!
Maybe we need to "tune up" the way we look at, appreciate, and consume music. We need to address the challenge of ensuring that really good music/songs like "Coffee" receive the recognition they deserve. What can be done? I asked around and searched online for ideas, and here are a few that caught my attention:
- Support Local Artists Year-Round: Carnival shouldn't be the only moment to champion our soca stars. Let’s build platforms that celebrate their creativity beyond the seasonal hype.
- Demand Variety: As listeners, we can encourage radio stations and DJs to diversify their playlists. There’s room for both high-energy anthems and soulful masterpieces.
- Leverage Social Media: Share, like, and stream the songs you love. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools for amplifying excellent music.
While "Coffee" may be just a memory for Carnival 2025, it does not have to be that way for the rest of the year; the song is sweet and still relevant. Do you drink coffee? Many of us enjoy coffee in the mornings, don't we? Please consider sharing the song link with your colleagues to brighten their day as they enjoy their morning coffee. Don't allow excellent music to fade away just like that. We at Sokah2Soca recommend streaming "Coffee" today—let's transform it into the anthem it deserves to be.
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: Coffee
Written by: Nadia Batson
Artist/Performed by: Nadia Batson
Produced by: Papo Productions
Featured Roadmix by: Madness MUV
Directed By: One Eyed Perspective
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 (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
