Origins: Nailah Blackman Walks in the Footsteps of Lord Shorty
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 24, 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.
In the past we have been critical of Nailah's vocals and the difficulty, at times, to understand her vocals. But there is something different about this song. Maybe it was the concept video, the visuals, or even the message that made a difference. Whatever it was, it is not relevant. We love the song; our initial thoughts about understanding and grasping her sound (at times) and her diction have not changed. With “Origins,” Nailah Blackman steps boldly into the river of her heritage, tracing the musical bloodline that flows directly from her grandfather, Lord Shorty, the visionary who created Soca music. This song isn’t just a release—it’s a reclamation, a reminder, and a celebration of where the music comes from and where it continues to go through her.
The video beautifully reinforces that lineage. Nailah’s mother appears with a quiet, regal presence—her beauty grounding the visuals in family, femininity, and continuity. Together, mother and daughter embody the living legacy of a dynasty that shaped Caribbean sound.
Visually, Origins is a feast of culture: traditional garments, ancestral symbolism, natural landscapes, and scenes that echo the spiritual and communal roots of Trinidad & Tobago. Every frame feels intentional, honoring the past while embracing the modern pulse of Soca’s evolution.
Musically, the production is crisp, layered, and deeply respectful of the genre’s foundation. Stemz and Johann “Madman” Seaton crafted a soundscape that feels both contemporary and ancestral, while Seaton’s mixing and mastering give the track its polished, immersive finish. The writing team—Nailah Blackman, Azaryah, and Anson Pro—delivers a message that is personal yet universal.
"Origins" is more than a song; it’s a statement of identity. A salute to the creator of Soca. A tribute to the women who carry the culture. This tribute serves as a reminder that the Blackman legacy continues to be one of the strongest forces in Caribbean music.
Sokah2Soca proudly approves this one.
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: Origins
Artist/Performed by: Nailah Blackman
Produced by: Stemz & Johann “Madman” Seaton.
Written by: Nailah Blackman, Azaryah & Anson Pro
Mixed & Mastered by: Johann “Madman” Seaton.
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 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.
Sorrel and Parang Soca: A Festive Mixtape by DJ Aaron
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 24, 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.
We cannot forget the season. Yes, we have a weakness for new Soca music, but this is Christmas—and in Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, it is Parang season. Over time, we’ve moved away from American popular Christmas songs to embrace our own homegrown blends. Borrowed from our panyol neighbors in Venezuela, traditional Parang was fused with Soca to create two uniquely Caribbean styles: Parang Soca and Soca Parang.
Each brings its own flavor: one emphasizes traditional Parang instrumentation layered with the Soca beat, while the other drives forward with an uptempo Soca rhythm and lighter use of traditional instruments. Together, they embody the festive spirit of the islands.
Now, on to the mixtape. DJ Aaron is no stranger to Sokah2Soca—his work is featured on our link list menu. Today, we spotlight his seasonal offering: “Sorrell and Parang Soca.” ’Tis the season for Parang Soca and Soca Parang, so as you prepare your homes for the holidays, turn up the volume and enjoy the sweet sounds of Caribbean Christmas.
We wholeheartedly approve of this mixtape and encourage you to share it with your social media contacts. For many in the diaspora, music is a bridge back to the homeland. We hope this collection eases the missing‑home syndrome and brings joy wherever you are.
Enjoy the music, and have a very Merry Christmas!
Name of Singer/Song
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Name of Singer/Song
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We do our part 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: Sorrel & Soca Parang
Curated & Mixed by:
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Parang Soca Parang ?
DJ AARON 868 Contact Information
Instagram: @djaaron868
Twitter: @djaaron868
Facebook: @DJAaron868
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/DJAaron868
Bookings: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
?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.
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.
Here comes the Power Soca soundtrack that you have been waiting on, this is the Most Wanted Riddim released for Trinidad's 2026 Carnival—it's about impact. From the very first drop, the riddim announces itself with chest-thumping bass, a relentless drive that places it firmly in the Power Soca category. Featuring Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous from Saint Vincent, Jab King from Grenada, and Preedy from Trinidad, this album is road-ready and sure to impact Trinidad's 2026 Carnival. It is music designed to move bodies, to command attention, and to remind listeners why Carnival remains the ultimate stage for sonic innovation.
The energy makers are here and with the likes of Johnny Blaze and Wetty Beatz on the production side, the menu is definitely energy driven. They produced a vibe that feels both raw but polished at the same time. They managed to balance grit with clarity so that every note hits with maximum force. The riddim is heavy, urgent, and unapologetically loud, the kind of music that thrives in the gym as much as it does on the road. It is built for endurance, for sweat, for the kind of collective release that Carnival day demands. If you aren't fit and didn't prepare, you'll fizzle out on Carnival Day in the hot sun.
The "Most Wanted Riddim" embodies the spirit and energy of Carnival, offering a soundtrack that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in the culture of soca. We provided the mixtape for this post so that the listener experiences the riddim as a journey rather than a series of isolated tracks, a continuous wave of energy that mirrors the flow of Carnival itself.
While the vibe is the same, the vocals and the artist's delivery make each song unique. We are confident the fans of these known artists will accept this release as a gift: a chance to hear familiar voices riding a riddim that challenges them to bring their fiercest performances. For newcomers, it is an invitation into the world of Power Soca, where the music is not just heard but felt. And for Trinidad’s Carnival 2026, it is a declaration that the season will be loud, proud, and unforgettable.
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:
Most Wanted Riddim (Instrumental)
Skinny Fabulous—Most Wanted SVG
Preedy—What We Go Do TT
Problem Child—Make it Move SVG
Jab King—Brakes Cut
Produced by: Johnny Blaze & Wetty Beatz
Origin: SVG (Saint Vincent)
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 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.
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.
The president of Trinidad and Tobago hosted this unforgettable Christmas celebration that fused musical brilliance with national pride—the evening belonged to the national instrument, the steelpan! The evening honored the soul of Trinidad and Tobago through the artistry of steelpan legends Dr. Ray Holman, Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, and Ms. Natasha Joseph, whose performances embodied the spirit of the nation. Guiding the soundscape was musical maestro Dr. Pelham Goddard and his band, weaving an exquisite web of rhythm and harmony. Together, they created a regal showcase of heritage, innovation, and festive joy—an ode to the enduring heartbeat of the steelpan.
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:
Special Presentation: Steelpan Royale—An Evening of Elegance
Venue: President's House, Port of Spain
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelpan Music ?
?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.
