Love That Lasts: Hey Choppi’s “Old & Grey” Brings Tenderness to the Soca Stage
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 27, 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.
Who said Soca can’t be tender? “Old & Grey” is here to prove them wrong. This heartfelt love song from Hey Choppi and AdvoKit Productions paints a vivid picture of a couple who’ve lived, loved, and laughed their way through life—now growing old together with grace and gratitude.
Yes, it shares a title with Patrice Roberts’ “Old and Grey,” but this one takes a different emotional route. It’s not just about aging—it’s about fulfillment, legacy, and the kind of love that dances through decades. Soca music isn’t just for the jump and wave—it’s for the heart, too. And this track? It’s a keeper.
The songwriting team of Sean “Hey Choppi” Padmore and Chalmer John did a wonderful job with the lyrics for this song. It was produced, mixed, and mastered by AdvoKit Productions... it all adds up to making it a keeper. We believe in giving credit where it is due, and in this case, we applaud Gideon Bishop for the additional instrumentation and Shania K. Perez for directing the visualizer. Everything helps make the track a professional effort, of which we take note.
The track is a keeper and if you’re curating your personal playlist or setting the mood for a backyard lime, this one deserves a spot. Expect it to echo across the diaspora—from headphones to house parties, from quiet reflections to Carnival whine-downs.
Soca encompasses a wide range of music, appealing to both young and old generations. The accompanying image depicts a youthful couple envisioning themselves as they age, illustrating how Soca takes us home. "Old & Grey" serves as a reminder that love, in all its stages, is woven into the rhythm.
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: Old & Grey
Artist/Performed by: Hey Choppi x AdvoKit
Written by: Sean "Hey Choppi" Padmore and Chalmer John
Additional Guitar and Bass by: Gideon Bishop
Produced, Mixed and Mastered by: AdvoKit Productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
Video Production:
Directed by: Shania K Perez
Camera operator—Bryan Bisson
Editor & colorist—Hey Choppi
Model/dancer—Marie Kembers
Movement director—XOriginals
Lighting design—Aaron Baptiste
Studio- affordable imports
? 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.
Kristina James Ignites the Soca Scene for Carnival 2026 with “Take Me Away”
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 27, 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 is a moment for a sound check; I am captivated by this song and the talent behind it—it's wonderful! As Trinidad and Tobago prepares for Carnival 2026, a new and captivating voice, Kristina James, is leading the way. I feel like a proud parent as I debut this song on Sokah2Soca. Take Me Away is outstanding from start to finish—the vocals, the music, and the video imagery are all exceptional; more importantly, it signifies the arrival of new and emerging talent. This young lady is proof of our island's reputation as a powerhouse for female Soca artists... the future is in excellent hands.
Kristina's potential shines brightly with this song, her command of the camera, and her vocals, which just punctuate the concept of the video. Her command of the camera captured my attention as I watched the visualizer on YouTube. Indeed, it offers a glimpse of her future, demonstrating her readiness to leave her mark. If you watch the video and listen attentively, I assure you that it will transport you into a realm of longing, rhythm, and the release of pleasure. The title itself feels prophetic: she has, indeed, taken us away.
Now let's give credit where it is due. The talented team of Kristina James, Kitwana Israel & Bailey Management wrote Take Me Away, while Devon "Chippy" Joseph & AdvoKit Productions produced it. AdvoKit Productions handled the engineering (mixing and mastering). The mixing and mastering, also done by AdvoKit Productions, ensure that every beat and vocal nuance lands with clarity and impact.
What makes Kristina’s debut especially exciting is how seamlessly she fits into Trinidad’s lineage of formidable female Soca performers. Fans of Patrice Roberts, Fay-Ann Lyons, Destra Garcia and my favorite, Terri Lyons, will immediately see the potential that is bursting out with this new song. Kristina is not just following her peers; she is carving her path, and Sokah2Soca is thrilled to be part of that journey.
This release is more than a song drop—it’s a cultural moment. "Take Me Away" is poised to become a Carnival anthem, and Kristina James is an artist to watch. Her voice, her presence, and her creative team have all come together to deliver something truly special. Sokah2Soca takes pride in showcasing this debut, urging listeners to tune in, amp up the volume, and experience the ascent of a rising star.
Kristina James is on fire—and Carnival 2026 just got its first spark. Radio personalities, please don't stick on this track... have it on rotation!
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: Take Me Away
Artist/Performed by: Kristina James
Written by: Kristina James, Kitwana Israel & Bailey Management
Produced by: Devon “Chippy” Joseph & AdvoKit Productions
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by: AdvoKit Productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
Video Credits
Filmed and Edited: Hamidxda
Directed by: Bailey Management
Dancers: Turbo Zero Limits
Stylist: Karmelo Kouture
?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.
Black Prince, "My Desire" aka “Kill Ah Cat,” and the Art of Calypso Mischief
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 27, 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.
De Dotish Hour served up a calypso on WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM yesterday, which had me laughing heartily in front of my PC here in New York City. I vaguely remembered the song from years ago, but thanks to Mr. Desmond and co-host Kenny Phillips, it came roaring back to life—tail, claws, and then some.
So let’s do this: long before Soca turned up the BPM and Carnival became a cardio workout, calypso reigned as the art of lyrical seduction—where wit was a weapon and double entendre was king. Recall Sparrow's song, "Sell The Pussy," another classic!
Now, for those too young to know, double entendre is the art of saying something—usually clean and witty on the surface—that means something entirely different underneath. In the world of calypso, it was often smut dressed in fine Sunday clothes, fit for royalty.
The calypso you’re about to experience comes from Black Prince. This one’s special. A master of musical mischief, he delivered the legendary tune "My Desire," aka "Kill Ah Cat." Do you know what cat he’s about to slaughter?
On the surface: a man lamenting the accidental demise of a feline. However, in the calypso tent, a place where metaphors are abundant and innuendo is considered an Olympic sport, the audience had a more profound understanding. “Kill Ah Cat” wasn’t about pet tragedy. It was about a form of pleasure so intense that it left a woman in a state of shock. And the “cat”? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t meowing. Maybe it was bliss and exhaustion—but end of life? Oh hell no!
What made this song iconic wasn’t just the cheeky premise—it was the delivery. Black Prince didn’t need crude language. He used clever phrasing and theatrical pauses and knowingly made eye contact with females in the audience. and winked to turn smut into satire. The crowd roared, not because it was vulgar, but because it was brilliantly disguised. You had to be sharp to catch the meaning—and even sharper to explain it to your granny without blushing.
Can you imagine something like this from today’s calypsonians? They’d be exposed early. Could you envision the youth of today? The youth of today often exhibit rudeness, crudeness, and vulgarity. Don’t believe me? Listen to Yung Bredda’s "Ambiance."
But the calypsonian of old? He was a lyrical genius. He made politicians cringe, but in the tent, he was hilarious. He was a teacher, a commentator, and a griot. He educated and delivered the news of the day with rhythm and rhyme. The griot held a dominant position, with only Kurt Allen remaining today. However, let's return to discussing Black Prince and his classic song...
What the hell? I’m going to repeat myself to make the point: this is the genius of yesteryear calypsonians. They could make you laugh, squirm, and applaud—all in one verse. They were cultural commentators, comedians, and poets rolled into one. And Black Prince? He was royalty in that realm.
So next time someone says calypso is just old-time music, play them Kill Ah Cat. And watch their expression when they realize that the cat had nine lives, but none survived the lyrical blade of Black Prince ?.
Now, before you run out bragging that you intend to “Kill Ah Cat” tonight, just remember—the owner of the cat might be pretending to lock you down. It’s the work of sweet rice, but in a pleasurable way. Then again, 'get that thought out of your head; it might be a divine thought, but you will only kill that pussy in your mind!' Just saying...
I do hope you enjoyed reading this post—and most of all, the song!
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: My Desire (Kill Ah Cat)
Artist/Performed by: Black Prince
Real Name: Christopher Howell
Written by: Black Prince
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.
Live Performance of "My Desire," aka "Kill Ah Cat"
Three New Drops, One Big Vibe—2026 Soca: Ding Dong, Verrse & Burton Toney
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 27, 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.
At Sokah2Soca, we’re always chasing the rhythm of the Caribbean—new music, new voices, and new vibes. However, due to the influx of releases, we occasionally need to shift our focus. Today’s post brings you a trio of fresh Soca tracks, each with its own flavor, energy, and road-ready spirit.
Let’s dive in and celebrate these three new music releases for Tobago's upcoming October carnival in 2025 and Trinidad's supreme carnival event in 2026.
Ding Dong—Mas Band Thoughts
Ding Dong delivers a silky-smooth anthem for the masqueraders, the revelers, and the road warriors. Mas Band Thoughts is a love letter to “De Road,” written and produced by Haskell “DJ Spider” Greenidge, with engineering by Johann Seaton of Madmen Productions.
The only drawback of the song is its short duration. At 2 minutes and 8 seconds, the song ends just as you begin to crave more. Soca deserves a minimum of 3:00—this one leaves us wanting more. Still, the vibe is undeniable. You can hear it as Ding Dong expresses his daydreaming desires in "Mas Band Thoughts"—a short but sweet groove that captures the essence of Carnival joy.
Verse—Paradise
Verse takes us to a place where mas and bacchanal reign supreme. Paradise is up-tempo, infectious, and built for the road. Written by Triston Andrews and Jahiem 'Verrse' Thomas and produced by Badjohn Republic & Chryston Floyd, this one hits the sweet spot at 3:43 minutes—long enough to get lost in the rhythm.
Two themes collide, making the tune feel like the joyful cousin to Ding Dong’s track, but with more pace and punch. Verrse is carving out his lane, and Paradise is proof he’s ready to ride the wave.
Burton Toney—Tobago
Released just in time for Tobago’s year-end Carnival, the song "Tobago Tobago" celebrates island pride and party spirit. Andre Davis of Studio Life Entertainment produced this track, which was written by Burton Toney, and it was engineered to perfection by Precision Productions.
The groove is sweet, the vibe is rich, and the love for Tobago is prominently featured. You can feel the energy of Tobago in Burton Toney; it comes alive in the music video, which serves as a visual and sonic tribute to the island’s Carnival spirit. For more behind-the-scenes and artist insight, listen to "Tobago Tobago" as you get ready for Tobago's upcoming carnival at the end of 2025.
These three songs deserve a spot on your playlist, whether you're preparing for Carnival or simply navigating through the week. Sokah2Soca will always find ways to celebrate the artists pushing Caribbean music forward—even if it means grouping them up for one big, beautiful post.
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/Singer: Mas Band Thoughts—Ding Dong
Written by: Haskell "Dj Spider" Greenidge
Produced by: Darien Bailey x DJ Spider
Engineered (Mixed and Mastered by: Johann Seaton of Madmen Productions
Song/Singer: Paradise —Verrse
Written by: Triston Andrews & Jahiem "Verrse" Thomas
Produced by: Badjohn Republic & Chryston Floyd
Engineered (Mixed and Mastered) by: Badjohn Republic
Song/Singer: Tobago Tobago—Burton Toney
Written by: Burton Toney
Produced by: Andrew Davis of Studio Life Entertainment
Engineered (Mixed and Mastered) by: Precision Productions
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.