Skinny Fabulous x Fireman Hooper Set SVG Soca Monarch Ablaze!
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
July 10, 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!
The hype of Soca Monarch is always a feature of carnivals in the Caribbean. However, the demographics of people attending these shows vary across the Caribbean. Crowds in Grenada and Saint Vincent are truly impressive; their energy shook the Victoria Park. This used to be the case in Trinidad when Superblue reigned supreme but not again. Now fast forward to Vincy Mas 2025 and the Soca Monarch competition that took place last night, July 5, 2025. It was another sell-out show and the performers delivered. Ultimately, Skinny Fabulous and Fireman Hooper collaborated to create a performance that was so powerful and electric that it transformed the Victoria Park crowd into a flurry of flags, voices, and pure soca euphoria. They emerged victorious... Soca Monarchs for Vincy Mas 2025!
These artists spread their energy throughout Victoria Park, molding the audience with their energetic performances. With Skinny Fabulous and Fireman Hooper leading the charge, the atmosphere was palpable. This wasn’t just a win. It was a cultural reaffirmation. The energy was relentless. The crowd didn’t just cheer—they became part of the performance. Every call-and-response, every rhythm drop, and every lyrical declaration was met with thunderous approval. It was the kind of crowd engagement we rarely see these days in larger markets… a throwback to the glory days of Trinidad’s Superblue era, when audiences were just as legendary as the artists.
Saint Vincent, Grenada, and St. Lucia—these so-called “small island” territories have proven that their soca scenes are mighty. Their artists take risks. Their fans bring passion. Their Carnival culture thrives with authenticity and unfiltered joy. Last night, the joy experienced at the event was represented by two names: Skinny Fabulous and Fireman Hooper.
The chemistry, Flawless. The delivery? Ruthless. The result? Unforgettable. The pyrotechnics display lit up Victoria Park like the 4th of July celebrations in the US (a little exaggeration won't hurt).
Sokah2Soca extends congratulations to two monarchs who didn’t just perform—they ignited a movement. Long live Vincy soca. Long live the power of the people. Finally, thank you to Trini Jungle Juice for the video of the performance. We have included the studio recording with this post because the crowd participation during the live performance made it difficult to hear the vocals clearly. The lack of recorded audio clarity extended to all performers, not just the winners. We invite you to share your experience using our comment feature if you were there.
The Soca Monarch Results:
- Skinny Fabulous x Fireman Hooper—Erupt
- Utuma Bongo Prime (Ragga Soca Monarch)—Maddest Place
- Jamarie Romel “L Pank” Stepleton—Love Yuh Bad
- Lornette "Fyah Empress" Nedd—Acrobat
Below is a list of the remaining artists who performed and the songs they sang:
- Angelique “Angie Maya” Garraway—Curry
- Claydon “Dymez” Roache & Elrico “Dapixel” Hunte—Mas Forever
- Hance “John”—“Party Like We”
- Derron Jamal “Magikal” Rouse—Count Yo Days
- Lee “Jace” Gerald Bullock—Till Morning
- Rajiv William Amron "Suh Raw" Sutherland & Giovanni “Geo” Anthony Collins—Shellings
- Shannan “Kelly J” John—“Start Again”
- Justin “Spyout” Cambridge, Collin “Boxamoney” Marshall & Jahiem “Voltage” Pitt—No Sleep
- Kendel “Chow Minister” Burke—Cya Bowl Me
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 via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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: Erupt
Artists/Performed by Skinny Fabulous & Fireman Hooper ?
Written by Gamal Doyle, Kemuel “Karbon JAMZ” Stapleton and Delroy “Fireman” Hooper
Produced by: Karbon Jamz
Mixing engineer: Parry Jack
Mastering engineer: Rodney “Caruth”—“Chemical X”
Graphic Art: Creations Revel Studio
Marketed & Distributed by: Monk Music Group
Origin: Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Genre: Soca ?
Live Recorded Soca Performance: Trini Jungle Juice
Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
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.
Trini Jungle Juice YouTube Notes:
Watch the explosive performance of "Erupt" by Skinny Fabulous and Fireman Hooper at the Vincymas 2025 Soca Monarch Finals, held on Saturday, 5th July, at Victoria Park, St. Vincent ??
Wheel and Come Again #1: Launching Our Radio Rebroadcast Series
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
July 10, 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!
At Sokah2Soca, we’ve always shared gems from Caribbean radio shows—but today marks something new. Our "Wheel and Come Again—Radio Rebroadcast Series" is the result of a seed that has blossomed into a series that was conceived and is now acted on for your listening pleasure. This curated journey will bring you clips that deserve a rewind—or as the DJs say, “Wheel and come again!”
We’re kicking things off with a one-hour slice from Mr. Desmond’s Saturday show, Old School Saturdays—a soulful selection of classic hits, rich vibes, and timeless grooves. Mr. Desmond is an experienced international DJ who knows how to build a vibe and drop the right track at just the right moment.
Expect music that takes you back and makes you feel warm and fuzzy while keeping your feet moving. If you’ve ever missed a show that left you saying, “I wish I caught that,” now you can—on demand. That’s our mission. That’s our goal.
We want to hear from you! What do you think of this new series? How did Mr. Desmond’s selections hit your spirit today? Please share your thoughts with us; now kick back, turn up the speakers, and relive the energy—because on Sokah2Soca, it’s always our culture, our music.
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 via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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:
Show Title: Wheel and Come Again: Launching Our Radio Rebroadcast Series #1
Segment: Old School Saturdays with Mr. Desmond
Curated and Presented by: Mr. Desmond
Record from Radio Feed: Saturday, June 5, 2025
Broadcast Platform: Mr.Desmond.net
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Caribbean Vibes ?
Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
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.
Sacred Rhythms Saturdays 1: DJ Callie on Sokah2Soca, Powered by MrDesmond.net
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
July 10, 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!
This is a special segment for all those who are spiritually blessed. We invite you to take this journey with us. So settle your soul and get ready to lift your spirit with a musical embrace curated by DJ Callie, broadcasting from Mr. Desmond’s Internet Radio at mrdesmond.net.
Our goal is to regularly present this segment. We invite you to come along with us for this Saturday morning segment. It isn’t just a playlist—it’s a gentle, grounding ritual. We cater to all with this segment; whether you’re steeped in faith or simply seeking comfort in melody, DJ Callie delivers a balm for the heart with timeless spiritual sounds and calming world music.
It's all about your beliefs and we think the music will help you get there. Our hope and goal is to let the rhythms bless your morning, drawing from global traditions and kissing with Caribbean warmth. In a world that often feels loud and unsettled, this offering reminds you:
You are blessed. You are cherished. You are not alone. So instead of green noise, choose grace. Tune in, slow down, and let this hour become your sanctuary.
With heartfelt thanks to DJ Callie and Mr. Desmond, we bring this spiritual oasis to you. Let it meet you wherever you are—with love, always. Stay blessed, stay grounded, and come back anytime your soul needs a song.
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 via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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: Sacred Rhythms Saturdays 1
Artist/Performed by: DJ Callie
Powered by MrDesmond.net (Recorded Live Programming)
Origin: USA/Trinidad
Genre: Religious?
Station link: Mr.Desmond.net
Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
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.
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!
"With Calypso, our stories are told!" We’ve heard those words countless times, and yet the question still echoes: What is Calypso?
This post isn’t a scholarly review of the genre’s beginnings or its evolution in today’s world. Instead, it’s a moment to pause—and feel. It’s about the emotional impact of Calypso: how it moves you, teaches you, makes you laugh, and makes you think.
And today, we explore it through the lens of the Calypsonian. In fact, we explore it through the music of Kelvin Pope, The Mighty Duke—one of the greatest performers in calypso history.
So, pull up a chair. Take a breath. Let’s talk about Calypso. Calypso isn't just a genre you listen to on a playlist; it's a sound that resonates deeply within you, evoked by your grandmother's laughter, the sting of political injustice, and the sweetness of Carnival love. To this day, people are searching for the music of the bards of generations past; those songs are still relevant today.
We now turn to the singer with that unique golden voice, Kelvin Pope. Back in 1968, the legendary Mighty Duke asked a question so simple, yet so profound: “What is Calypso?” And then—he answered it in song. He questioned whether or not most people know what Calypso was and is today. With the calm and soothing tone of a caring father, he sang to the audience, emphasizing that "it's a feeling that comes from deep within"—a statement that truly resonated! That year, he won the Calypso Monarch title, and a memorable line from the song serves as the central theme of this article.
“An editorial in song of the life that we undergo.”
What does that single line mean? That’s it. That’s everything. It’s Calypso as storytelling, Calypso as resistance, and Calypso as a love letter. Duke didn't provide a conventional definition. He gave you a vibe. A memory. A mission. It means Calypso is our voice when the news forgets us. It’s our side of the story, sung in melody. It’s commentary with rhythm. Protest with harmony. He delivered the celebration with a wink. The Mighty Duke wasn’t just telling us what calypso is—he was showing us how to listen. Watch the Dimanche Gras winning performance to fully understand the meaning; his expression conveys the essence of true storytelling.
Duke knew exactly what his audience needed to hear; he mapped out an emotional link to the calypso that will live on. Duke’s voice was smooth like morning cocoa tea, and his delivery—cool, confident, deeply rooted in knowing. He spoke to the soul of Calypso with each verse. The genre did not evolve to be pleasing; rather, it aimed to be newsworthy, often sharing picong and sometimes with biting lyrical content akin to sharing bois blows. It was born to be real, to be the voice of the people. The style was the way Caribbean folks—especially Trinidadians—expressed to the world, “This is who we are.”
He didn’t just sing; he chronicled.
From the streets of Laventille to the stages of Skinner Park, calypso shaped public opinion, sparked debate, made people laugh, cry, dance, and think.
Types of Calypsos, the Duke Way
If you listen closely to Duke’s songs, you’ll hear Calypso’s many voices:
- Social Commentary Calypso: Sharp and thoughtful. Similar to Duke's "Black is Beautiful," Calypso creates songs that inspire, provoke, and instill dignity.
- Political Calypso: Bold and unapologetic. It is a genre in which power is questioned and history is corrected.
- Humorous Calypso: Witty, mischievous, clever. Punchlines and nuanced interpretations elicit laughter and provoke contemplation.
- Romantic & Party Calypso: Pure joy. The music embodies celebration, carnival, and passion. We embrace life without any regrets.
And Duke didn’t pick one lane—he mastered them all.
While you contemplate it all, keep in mind that Calypso is timeless because the struggles are still real, the love is still deep, and the stories are still ours. Duke’s “What is Calypso?” is more than a song—it’s a guidepost for our understanding and for those who love Kaiso.
So next time you hear a sweet melody wrapped in clever lyrics, don’t just nod your head. Listen closer. It might be telling you something profound. It suggests that Calypso is not just the medium but the companion to our storytelling. It feels like a shared experience, a collaboration between voice and rhythm. Kaiso, Kaiso? Yes, 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 via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, 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: What is Calypso
Artist/Performed by: Kelvin Pope
Sobriquet: The Mighty Duke
Written by: Kelvin Pope
Arranged by:
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Year: 1968
Genre: Calypso ?
Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
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.
