“Tay Lay Lay” by GBM Nutron x Nailah Blackman: Tired, Stylish, Telele Energy
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 30, 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.
I’m trying to understand this song… really! Growing up in Trinidad, I remember hearing the phrase, “The old lady walked a mile and ah half and she ta lay lay.” It was a vivid, humorous way of saying someone was exhausted—physically spent from a long trek. However, let’s take a moment to consider that “tay lay lay” (or “telele”) represents more than just fatigue (ah tired boi). We love to say we are "Trini 2 de bone," and if you really think about it, this song is deeply embedded in Trinidadian vernacular that can also evoke pride in simplicity—like wearing old fabric with flair or moving through life with a kind of unbothered, joyful resilience.
In the context of this new Soca release, “Tay Lay Lay” feels like a celebration of that very spirit. Nailah Blackman and GBM Nutron have taken a phrase that’s nostalgic and colloquial and transformed it into a rhythmic anthem of carefree movement. It’s playful, down-to-earth, and unapologetically Caribbean. Maybe I’m reaching, but I think the artists are inviting us to embrace our quirks, our culture, and our dancefloor selves with pride.
Let's move on and talk a little about the music and vibe of the song, my kind of vibe, Groove Soca! This is a GBM Production along with Anson Pro, who is continually pushing Nailah to be her best self. “Tay Lay Lay” is a groove-energy Soca track that blends infectious percussion with melodic hooks. The beat smells and feels GBMish; it is crisp and kinetic—designed to get waistlines moving and feet shuffling. It’s Carnival-coded: vibrant, sweaty, and full of life.
I have not always been kind to Nailah and her nasal vocals, but I will give this peeve a pass today. In today's installment, Nailah’s voice brings a sultry, commanding presence, while Nutron adds his signature flair. When you hear GBM on this track, you know he is bringing a sexy vibe to the affair. Their chemistry is undeniable, bouncing off each other with playful ease.
As readers would observe, I’ve been critical of musical productions lately, but today we’re focusing on the vibe. Expect punchy drums, layered synths, and a bassline that drives the groove forward. It’s polished but raw enough to feel like a street jam—the kind that bubbles up from a corner sound system and dares you not to move.
But then comes 2:29. And I feel cheated.
What is it with these producers? Are they making songs for DJs only? The groove had legs, but the track barely stretched them. I would’ve preferred 3:29 — something that gave the phrase room to breathe, to evolve, to become a full musical idea. Instead, it feels like the hook was strong, but the concept got lost in translation. The lyrics never quite caught up to the vibe.
Does this song set the mood or does it chase people off the floor? The song radiates joy and movement. It's not just about dancing; it's about embracing the simple, carefree moments of life.
And finally, we look into our island's soul, our culture. “Tay Lay Lay” isn’t just a Soca song—it’s a cultural echo of an era that once was, but we can still look back upon it with pride. It pulls from the everyday language of Trinidad & Tobago and repackages it for the global stage. It’s a reminder that our stories, our sayings, and our rhythms are worthy of celebration. Whether you interpret “tay lay lay” as tired, stylishly ragged, or joyfully carefree, the song invites you to move with it, laugh with it, and live in it.
So yes, I’m still trying to understand this song… but maybe that's the point. “Tay Lay Lay” doesn’t ask to be understood—it asks to be felt.
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, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. 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: Tay Lay Lay
Artist/Performed by: GBM Nutron x Nailah Blackman
GBM Nutron x Nailah Blackman - Tay Lay Lay
Produced By: GBM Production & Anson Pro
Written By: Nailah Blackman, GBM Nutron, Anson Pro
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by:
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: 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 Thrive!
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.
3AM by Blaka Dan: A Groove Soca Celebration That Never Sleeps
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 30, 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.
This feels like a Carnival anthem—he is back and sounding like a winner already! When the party refuses to end and the vibes are too sweet to ignore, you get “3AM”—a vibrant, groove-soca anthem from Grenadian and adopted Trini artist Blaka Dan that celebrates the unstoppable energy of nightlife in the Caribbean Diaspora, this time in New York City.
Who is going to control the music scene, and who is going to come out the gate with a song to remember? This is the key to longevity for any Carnival season. Blaka Dan has the formula, and I can tell you that the party is in full swing at "3AM." This isn’t just a sweet soca song—it’s a snapshot of a moment when the music is still pumping, the crowd is still moving, and the night is far from over. West Indians will party until daylight or the cops shut it down. With its infectious rhythm and melodic Soca groove, the track captures the essence of a celebration that stretches into the early morning hours.
The lyrics vividly depict the party scene with our Caribbean party fans "whining" and "dripping wet" at 2:57, demonstrating no signs of slowing down even at 3:00 AM (1:07, 2:17). It’s a tribute to the stamina, spirit, and joy of partygoers who live for the rhythm and refuse to let the clock dictate their fun. No matter the hour (3:03–3:08), the vibes remain vibrant and alive as Blaka Dan sings.
I must mention that nervous artists will be watching and thinking about the next major competition, which Blaka Dan won in Trinidad. This could be magic; it could become groove soca gold for Blaka Dan. This is a groove soca song filled with melodic richness, which is the perfect vehicle for this kind of storytelling. This song is inviting and will invite listeners to the groove—smooth, flowing, and rhythmic.
“3AM” has the goods; it is music with all the attributes to become a hit with catchy melodies & hooks:
- The chorus is unforgettable, with Blaka Dan’s vocal delivery gliding effortlessly over the beat.
- Instrumentation with vibe: Guinness book record holder for the longest playing of the steelpan is on set for this one. Joshua Regrello provides the Trinidad connection with some sweet steelpan notes.
- Then we get Live Guitar licks by Jeavid Neckles that add layers of warmth and color, giving the track its signature groove.
- Bass That Moves You: Jerrod Nelson’s live bass provides a deep, danceable foundation that anchors the entire song.
- Party-Focused Lyrics: The narrative of a party that won’t quit is classic soca—joyful, communal, and unapologetically alive.
The people behind the scenes, the production gurus of “3AM,” benefit from the expert touch of Loyalty Family Production. This is a Damion “Pappy Boi” La Pompe and Joseph “Tus” Thomas production. Pappy Boi himself handled the engineering, mixing, and mastering, polishing the track to perfection. From the vocals to the instrumentation, every element exudes intentionality and immersiveness.
The YouTube video is visually appealing and showcases the vibrant Caribbean party energy found in the diaspora, specifically in New York City. New York City serves as a home away from home, where the celebrations can be just as wild! It’s a visual celebration of Caribbean culture, where the party is more than an event—it’s a lifestyle.
I need to stop now, I should pause here to avoid turning this into a lengthy essay for the production.is a groove soca gem that captures the heart of Trinidadian nightlife. It’s melodic, rhythmic, and irresistibly danceable. Whether you’re winding down or just getting started, this track reminds you that the best vibes often come when the world is asleep—and the music is still playing. What do you think? You are already aware of my feelings towards this song. If we share the same sentiments, please share the post on all your social media platforms.
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, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. 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: 3AM
Artist/Performed by: Blaka Dan
Engineered by (Mixed and Mastered): Damion "Pappy Boi" La Pompe of Loyalty Family Production
Written by: Wrenroy "Blaka Dan" Ogiste
Background Vocals by: Wrenroy "Blaka Dan" Ogiste & Wildfire
Live Steel Pan by : Joshua Regrello
Live Bass by: Jerrod Nelson
Live Guitar by: Jeavid Neckles
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
Video Produced and Directed by: Cowin "Dori" Thorpe
?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 Thrive!
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.
Keoné Returns with a Sweet Serenade for Carnival 2026: Sweet Like Soca
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 28, 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.
Keoné is back—and she’s bringing the sweetness. I remember her voice. I remember Ms. Carnival, that unforgettable duet with Voice in 2022 that turned heads and stirred hearts. She is back and sounding sexy with her silky voice and new Carnival 2026 offering titled Sweet Like Soca.
Produced and mixed by Don Iko, with additional production from Keoné herself and final mastering by NMG Music, this track is a full-bodied blend of smooth vocals and undeniable groove. It’s Soca with finesse—crafted, layered, and emotionally charged.
Sweet Like Soca is a tribute to ladies who got it—it isn't just a title. The lyrics celebrate a woman’s beauty, her confidence, and the way she moves—provocative, poised, and “put together.” She’s described as a “delicacy,” a “wifey type,” and yes, “sweet like soca.” It’s admiration wrapped in rhythm, a melodic ode to feminine power and Carnival allure.
The vibe is classic Soca, the style I love to listen to: groovy, percussive, and built to move waistlines. Syncopated grooves drive the energy forward, matching the lyrical praise with a rhythm that demands attention. It’s the kind of track that makes you look twice—and whine once.
Keoné’s vocals glide over Don Iko’s lush production with effortless charm, seducing the listener not with romance, but with reverence. This isn’t about a guy—it’s about her. She is the woman who commands the dance floor, looks outstanding in her carnival costume, commands the gaze, and embodies the sweetness of Soca itself.
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, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. 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: Sweet Like Soca
Artist/Performed by: Keoné x Don Iko
Produced By: Don Iko
Additional Production: Keoné Osbourne
Written By: Keoné Osbourne & Erikkson George
Mixed By: Don Iko
Mastered By: NMG Music
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: 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 Thrive!
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.
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.
I am constantly looking for the next topic for a post to keep things buzzing at Sokah2Soca. I call it as I see it; yes, I call balls and strikes as it relates to Soca and our culture. So, when I came across the image posted above, I said, "Damn, this is the ideal post to debunk." To be honest, it looks good, and it may feel good, but truth be told, I have to say... I don't think so, dear Team Soca!
Indeed, Soca is deeply ingrained in our culture; it is the offspring of Calypso and, to a certain extent, embodies the essence of the Calypsons. I believe that the artists are deviating in terms of melody and musical style, but I must emphasize that the following statement is true: Soca music is vibrant, powerful, and deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. Caribbean people love to party, and Soca music serves to uplift, unify, and energize them. But to claim that “Soca music doesn’t lie” and that “if there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through soca music” is poetic—but not factual. Yes, it may feel good to say it, but let's get real... No!
We hold great admiration for all of you at @TeamSoca, but here is why that statement warrants a reality check:
1. Music is an expression, not absolute truth.
Soca, like all genres, is a form of artistic expression. Lyricists deliver musical code—emotions, fantasies, exaggerations, and contradictions. Just like Calypso, Soca can be playful, political, aspirational, or mischievous.
Saying it “doesn’t lie” ignores the creative liberties artists take. Hey, I get it—you’re not talking about lies in the literal sense. You’re speaking figuratively and showing your creativity, inspired by the griot tradition, out of love for the music. But let’s not confuse metaphor with gospel.
2. Change Comes from Collective Action
Music can inspire change, yes—but there is more to it and Soca is not the only driver here. Real-world change comes from policy, activism, education, innovation, and community efforts. The industry is grappling with numerous misconceptions and challenges. Even in Trinidad, KG Muzik is struggling with the grip of the Soca Griots and the lack of help for upcoming artists. Soca may be a soundtrack to revolution, but it’s not the sole engine.
3. Soca Has Its Own Myths and Escapism
Each Soca song takes us on a journey. Songs depict a lifestyle of endless partying, romanticizing island life, and depicting the Caribbean as a paradise—sun, sea, freedom, and sensuality—with little mention of the region’s social, economic, or political complexities. That’s part of its charm—but it’s not always grounded in reality. To say it “doesn’t lie” is to ignore its role in fantasy and celebration.
Let's conclude by saying the following: Soca is a powerful cultural force, but it’s not infallible or omnipotent (all-powerful). Let’s celebrate its impact without turning it into dogma (a system of belief).
And while we’re here—producers, please: color the music. Let’s move beyond the same bass-and-drum-kit formulas. Soca deserves sonic evolution, not repetition.
Tagging with love: @TeamSoca. Let’s keep the vibes real and honest.
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, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. 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: King Liar
Artist/Performed by: Lord Nelson
Album: Ah Ha
Written by: Lord Nelson
Arranged by: Art De Coteau
Label: Charlie's Record
Year: 1977
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso ?
?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 Thrive!
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.