Shadow’s “Goumangala” – A Calypso Spell That Still Holds Us
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.
Shadow’s music was—and remains—some of the best calypso ever created. As time progressed, his unique vibe stood alone… consider it Soca on steroids, powered by that signature Shadow beat captured straight from the universe. His sound was cosmic yet grounded, mystical yet unmistakably Caribbean. No one, to this day, has truly replicated the magic he delivered.
This post was inspired by the vibrant, heartfelt comments left under the YouTube upload by jason1985riddims—a reminder that Shadow’s music continues to mesmerize, educate, and entertain across generations and platforms.
Winston McGarland Bailey, also known as The Mighty Shadow, was not just a calypsonian, but a distinct genre in his own right. A storyteller of the highest order, Shadow’s music didn’t just entertain—it bewitched, it provoked, and it made you laugh and think and dance all at once. And Nothing is more evident than the classic, "Goumangala."
Pretty sure I ate that homemade bread a long time ago—no turning back now. And speaking of bread, Kenny and Desmond from De Dotish Hour on WACK Visual Radio love to tease Sharon about her banana bread. Sharon, next time just sprinkle a little Goumangala in there for the boys… trust me, the only thing they’ll be serving on air after that is flowers and praise. Just saying the quiet part out loud.
What is Goumangala? Ask any Trinidadian and they’ll tell you: it’s the art of “fixing yuh man.” Obeah, spells, and culinary sorcery—stay-home potions and sweat-rice cooked with questionable ingredients (yes, even underwear). In this track, Shadow warns poor Leroy to stop liming by a certain house before he ends up tied for life. It’s folklore meets social commentary, wrapped in infectious rhythm and Shadow’s unmistakable bassline delivery.
The horns punch.
The percussion dances.
The melody hypnotizes.
And Shadow? He wails and raps in a voice that’s part chant, part sermon, and part village gossip.
This track is calypso on another level. A masterpiece.
For me, this song brings back childhood memories—when a girl in the village fancied a boy, and the mother or grandmother would invite him for dinner. You knew what was coming. You just didn’t know what was in the food. ?
Shadow was the everyday man’s griot. He sang of the real, the raw, the ridiculous, and the sacred. Despite exploring various cultures, he never lost the essence of the West Indian experience. He was a champion—no matter how it swung.
And though he’s no longer with us, his music lives on. Infectious, timeless, and still mesmerizing new generations. No one has ever delivered music quite like Shadow. That vibe? Unmistakable.
Rest in power, Shadow. Your spell still holds.
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: Goumangala
Artist/Performed by: Shadow
Real Name: Winston McGarland Bailey (Born date: 10/04/1941 Transition date: 10/23/2018)
Chorus—Carol Jacobs, Natalie Yorke, Shadiwsh Bailey, Shirley Samaroo
Composed by Winston Bailey
Drum Programming—Winston Bailey
Drums—Soonilal Samaroo
Keyboards—Fitz Melo Thomas
Percussion—Len Coombs, Olatunji Massimba
Saxophone—Pedro Lezama
Trombone—David Jacob
Trumpet—Philo Neptune
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.
New Soca Release: Tevin Hartman’s “Rock With Me” Celebrates Romance and Rhythm
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.
Tevin Hartman is back with a groove-soca gem that’s pure vibes and tender emotion. His latest track, “Rock With Me,” produced and engineered by the ever-slick Brooklyn Decent, is a sonic love letter wrapped in rhythm and warmth.
Unlike Patrice Roberts’ fiery “Rock So,” which claps back at the haters, Tevin’s “Rock With Me” takes us in a softer, more intimate direction. This is not about defiance—it’s about devotion. The song narrates Tevin's intense love for someone special, engulfed in a captivating wave of infatuation. His only wish? He longs for her to "rock with me" throughout the entire night.
As new songs are released, people are seeking one that resonates with them. It could be a hook in the chorus or something about the beat that they love. So what's so special about this song? What stands out? One special aspect of this song is its groove, which followers of this blog already know I prefer over other types of music. This groove invites you to sway and enjoy musical waves, not 'jump and wave.' The song's lyrical content encapsulates the essence of gratitude, joy, and the exhilarating rush of falling in love or becoming enthralled with someone special.
Now let's shower some flowers for the production team involved with this song. Brooklyn Decent’s production brings a polished, soulful edge that complements Tevin’s vocal sincerity. Supayouth's additional work on the keys and Trinibaby's background vocals all add up to make this groove feel good. Finally, let's not forget the songwriting team of Philo, Coutain, Tevin Hartman & Brooklyn Decent; we appreciate the thought process and look forward to more positive vibes.
And there you have it, groovy Soca music just the way I like it... inviting and delivering sentiments that make for a sweet carnival whine. Whether you are experiencing love, yearning, or simply enjoying your own company, “Rock With Me” is a track that resonates deeply—perhaps even leaving you feeling a bit enchanted. Ready to rock with Tevin? Let’s go.
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: Rock With Me
Artist/Performed by: Tevin Hartman
Written by: Philo, Coutain, Tevin Hartman & Brooklyn Decent
Produced by: Brooklyn Decent
Additional Keys: Supayouth
Background Vocals by: Trinibaby
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by: Brooklyn Decent
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.
Rock So by Patrice Roberts x MadLypso: Friday Pop Up Vibes
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 26, 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.
Patrice Roberts just dropped her latest Soca gem—“Rock So”—and it’s giving us all the feels! This one’s not just a dancefloor banger; it’s a peek into Patrice’s evolving emotional palette. Her recent releases have been more introspective, and “Rock So” continues that journey with a smooth, sultry vibe that’s both playful and personal.
Songs like "Cook It" and "Great Escape" show how she’s been blending bold visuals with deeper themes—and "Rock So" is no exception. The music video is flirtatious and full of energy, but there’s one moment that made me pause: a male voice clip that pops in unexpectedly. I think it breaks the flow; others think it adds a layer of mystery. C'est La Vie!
Patrice is poised to make a significant impact during the upcoming carnival celebrations. This entry feels good, and we expect at least six music releases from this talented vocalist/artist for the upcoming season. Rock Me shows her range—from tender to fierce. Patrice can do no wrong; enjoy her road to female vocalist domination in Soca!
So let’s get into it as I wrap up this post: I absolutely love this song. The lyrical content is relatable, and the production is not just clean—it’s musically layered and full of sonic sweetness. The instrumentation sets the mood beautifully, with melodies that wash over you—whether crafted by live players or digital hands, it works.
And then there’s Patrice. Elegant and saucy all at once, her vocals make you feel so good. You want more of her as the song pulls you in deeper. She’s mesmerizing, she’s gorgeous, and she knows exactly how to deliver.
“Rock So” is the kind of track that hits you in the chest and the waistline. This isn’t just Soca for the moment—it’s Soca with depth. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.
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: Rock So
Artist/Performed by: Patrice Roberts x MadLypso
Written by: Kern Rose
Music by: MadLypso—Johann Seaton—Kern Rose
Produced by: Johann Seaton
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by:
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
Music Video
Directed by: Kern Rose
?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.
Late Night Riddim: Smooth or Snooze? Sekon Sta’s Production Misses the Mark
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 26, 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 am about to be beaten up online for my take on this "Late Night Riddim" release, but, as I usually do, I say what I feel when I first listen. However, "before mouth open and story jump out," before I bare my soul, here’s the buzz online about the new production by Sekon Sta, although this isn’t his first time creating vibes.
The vibe online for Sekon Sta’s newly released Late Night Riddim is pure fire—a sultry, sensual celebration of nighttime energy wrapped in Caribbean rhythm. The project is being embraced as a bold evolution for Sekon Sta, who’s now stepping confidently into the producer’s chair, and fans are loving the results.
I am going to cut through the hype and speak candidly. Soca, like many genres, thrives on energy and innovation, and when a riddim feels too safe or underproduced, it can struggle to stand out in a crowded release cycle. This rhythm feels too simple... like a bedroom-produced beat. Good things can happen in a bedroom, but this one feels a bit too simple.
Let's try and unpack my thoughts. As I said above, the production feels too simple. So, what does that mean? The Late Night Riddim leans into a minimalistic vibe. While some fans appreciate the stripped-down sensuality, others—like myself—might find it lacking the layered complexity or punch that defines more memorable Soca hits.
Fans of these artists are unlikely to favor this album review. I am convinced this review will ruffle some feathers; feelings will be frayed and hurt here. Even seasoned artists can sound tentative when stepping into a new sonic space. It’s possible that the mellow tone of the riddim didn’t give them enough room to showcase their full vocal dynamism. I don't mean to imply they sound amateurish, but damn, I've heard better from these artists.
So here is my main concern. Soca is fast-moving, especially with Carnival seasons and regional releases constantly refreshing the soundscape. Without a breakout hit or viral moment, riddims like this can easily get overshadowed and fade away and be totally forgotten as a wave of new music floods the music scene.
Fans and artists can counter my review/thinking here for sure. Some listeners are embracing the album as a “vibe piece” rather than a chart-chaser—something to set the mood rather than dominate the dance floor. But your perspective highlights a real tension in Soca: the balance between vibe and vitality.
Please listen to all the songs before commenting. If you think I was unfair to the producer or the artists, call me out! Time for some honesty now: if you were the program director on a radio station, or if you were or are a DJ, would you prioritize these songs? Just asking for a friend!
YouTube Music Notes:
Get ready for a sensual soca experience! The highly anticipated Late Night Riddim, produced by Sekon Sta, blends smooth, seductive melodies with infectious Caribbean energy, delivering a soundtrack for unforgettable moments.
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:
Album Title: Late Night Riddim
Artists/Performed by: Nessa Preppy, Kris Kennedy, Preedy & Sekon Sta
Produced by: Sekon Sta
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered by: Kingston @Sheppard Pro Studios)
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca ?
Songs:
Nessa Preppy—Front Way
Written by: Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Vanessa “Nessa Preppy” John
Kris Kennedy—Sweetest Whine
Written by: Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Kris Kennedy
Preedy—Late Night Love
Written by Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Akeem Chance
Sekon Sta—Mother Good Daughter
Written by: Nesta “Sekon Sta” Boxill & Akeem Chance
?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.
