Tobago’s Carnival Is Coming—And We’ve Got Selectah Stephan's Sunset Steam Soca Mix
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.
Tobago’s Fall Carnival is heating up, and this mix is your first taste of the steam! As the twin-island republic gears up for October 2025, Tobago is calling—get ready for Soca and Calypso competitions, Steelband performances, J’ouvert, Parade of the Bands, and yes, fetes for days.
Whether you're a local from the big sister isle or flying in from abroad, this Carnival is your warm-up for Trinidad’s 2026 showdown, scheduled for October 24–26. And remember: those dates don’t even cover the avalanche of pre-Carnival parties!
This mix? It’s pure Tobago energy—sunset vibes, Soca fire, and that sweet anticipation of bacchanal to come. Tobago Carnival (Sunset Steam) Soca Mix—curated and mixed by Selectah Stefon—is pure Tobago energy: sunset vibes, Soca fire, and that sweet anticipation of bacchanal to come.
Tobago’s Carnival is growing fast, drawing crowds from Trinidad and beyond. It’s going to be a vibe, a celebration, and a perfect prep for the road ahead.
Carnival dates are just the tip of the iceberg—fetes start early and end late. Press play, prep your waistline, and let the Sunset Steam rise. ? Press play, prep your waistline, and let the Sunset Steam rise.
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: Tobago Carnival (Sunset Steam) Soca Mix
Curated, Mixed & Presented by: Selectah Stefon
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.
Soca Music Producers: Sokah2Soca is Crying for Soca’s Soul
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 28, 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.
There’s a quiet ache in the heart of Soca lovers—an ache masked by the euphoria of Carnival, the thunder of basslines, and the glitter of feting culture. But beneath the surface, something is missing. Something sacred. Something soulful.
At Sokah2Soca, we’ve long celebrated the evolution of Soca, but today we pause to reflect. The genre has drifted—driven by digital convenience, stripped of its instrumental warmth, and divorced from the melodic intimacy that once defined Groove Soca. The guitar licks are gone. The brass section silenced. The heartbeat of the music is replaced by loops and presets.
We call this new wave “Bacchanal Soca,” or for markets inside and outside the diaspora, "Party Soca"—a style engineered for instant hype, optimized for the party, but often lacking the emotional depth that made Soca a cultural force. It’s fast, it’s loud, and it’s everywhere. But is it timeless?
Where is the storytelling? The musicality? The soul?
We’re not here to tear down. We’re here to build up. To inspire. To challenge. Sokah2Soca is crying in the diaspora—not for nostalgia, but for balance. We believe Soca can be more than a Carnival soundtrack. It can be a year-round celebration of Caribbean artistry. As an example, artists like Patrice Roberts, Nadia Batson, Kes the Band and a few others create music with 'color' and lyrical content with a story/message.
Imagine a new Soca—one that blends the sweetness of Groove Soca, the lyrical wisdom of Calypso, and the energy of the fete. A genre that moves your waistline and your spirit. A genre that dares to go beyond the Savannah Grass.
We call on producers, musicians, and artists to rise. To experiment. To bring back the guitar, the horns, and the live feel. To create a “Fusion Soca”—a sound that honors the past while pushing the boundaries of the future.
Sokah2Soca is not just a blog. We are the heartbeat of the diaspora. The conscience of Soca. The voice calling for a renaissance.
Let the movement begin.
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: Soca Zess Promo Mix
Curated, Mixed & Presented by: Indego Central
Mixtape Year: 2021 (Caribbean Vibes)
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.
“Same Time” Is Right on Time—Soca That Speaks Today: A Vibe We Endorse
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.
Let me say this out front: I like this song! I love Groove Soca music and when a production catches me, I am all in. This song, titled “Same Time,” is the latest collaboration between Lyrikal and MadLypso. So let me tell you what I love about the song. It is a smooth, vibe-heavy anthem that blends lyrical relevance with rhythmic finesse. Now comes the magic: the song was produced by Johan Seaton and penned by Kern Rose alongside Lyro himself; this track is a testament to what happens when seasoned artistry meets sharp storytelling and voices that make you feel warm inside.
Lyrics are important, and vocals sweeten the vibe, but it is the music that sets the mood and warms your soul. The music that “Same Time” delivers pulls you into its flow—easy, infectious, and unmistakably Caribbean. Lyrikal vocals are distinctive; he delivers his signature good vibes with clarity and charisma. And while MadLypso adds a textured layer that elevates the groove, we fall into the charm of the music production. This work is polished yet soulful, allowing the lyrics to breathe and resonate in today’s cultural climate.
So let me repeat myself: I love Groove Soca music and especially the style that comes out of Trinidad and Trinbago artists. This song delivers everything I love about Groove Soca and yes, it sits squarely in the genre's sweet spot: melodic, danceable, and emotionally tuned. It’s not just about the rhythm—it’s about the message, the mood, and the movement. Whether you're winding down or gearing up, “Same Time” fits the moment.
Sokah2Soca recommends this one. It’s a reminder that when talent aligns, magic happens—same time, same vibe, same fire.
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: Same Time
Artists/Performed by: Lyrikal x MadLypso
Produced by: Johann Seaton
Written by: Kern Rose & Lyrikal (Devon Martin)
Label: MadLypso
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.
Soca’s Generational Gridlock: Who’s Holding the Mic Too Tight?
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
September 28, 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 was cruising YouTube for fresh Chutney Soca—thinking about curating a Top 10—when a Yung Bredda post pulled me into the Plenty Island Buzz vortex. One has to ask: what was the buzz all about? Plenty. Mood posts, religion talk, cultural commentary—you name it.
But one post hit different.
KG Muzik was venting. Again. He sounds like an angry puppy, yes—but does he have a point worth contemplating? Honestly, yes. His gripe this time? The OGs of Soca.
His point: the youth are ready. The talent is there. But the old heads—beloved as they are—still run the show. OG Artists, producers, and radio stations. They serve as the guardians of Carnival culture. And the gates? Still closed.
Meanwhile:
- Dancehall linked up—Bounty, Kartel, Popcaan, and Skillibeng.
- Afrobeats linked up—Burna, Wizkid, Tems, and the world.
- Soca? The music industry is still grappling with its identity.
We’re not short on vibes. We’re short on unity.
The OG Dilemma
Let’s be clear: we love our legends. They built the foundation. But if the same five names headline every Carnival, every cruise, every syndicated playlist—where’s the space for the next wave?
Respect shouldn’t mean monopoly. Legacy shouldn’t mean lockout. Not every upcoming artist will have the same opportunity to achieve success as Yung Bredda. Many younger artists possess talent, but in this industry, being talented is not sufficient; without a "helping hand," genuine, raw, and hidden talent may remain undiscovered. However, with appropriate promotion and assistance, a star emerges!
Some of the most exciting Soca right now is coming from:
- Diaspora creatives with digital-first strategies
- Female artists pushing sonic boundaries
- Producers blending Soca with Amapiano, EDM, and styles unfamiliar to many in the diaspora
However, without mentorship, collaboration, or even basic access, nostalgia and pettiness will drown out these voices.
So What’s the Fix?
Soca doesn’t need a revolution. It needs a relay. I get it; the older heads worked so hard to get where they are today and it is difficult to let go. However, by 'letting go,' they will create a future that honors their hard work and diligence, ensuring a bright future for this industry. The next generation will honor them with glowing tributes, just as they have honored Sparrow, Kitchener, Stalin, Shadow, and other Calypso greats. How about that, Soca OGs?
- Pass the mic. Let the youth run the road.
- Build bridges. Cross-island, cross-genre, cross-generational.
- Open the gates. More stages, more airplay, more risk-taking.
Let the OGs become griots, not gatekeepers. Let the culture breathe.
Because Soca isn’t just a sound—it’s a movement. And movements thrive when everyone’s marching.
At Sokah2Soca, our mission is to amplify voices—not silence constructive critique. If this article resonated with you, stirred thought, or sparked conversation, we invite you to share it across your social platforms.
Yes, our blog is growing. Yes, our reach is expanding. But social media? That’s where the culture moves fast and far.
So take a moment: like, share, and subscribe to Sokah2Soca. Your support helps us keep the rhythm alive, the dialogue sharp, and the Caribbean spirit front and center.
Thank you for marching with us.
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/Bonus Mixtape:
Song Title: Caribbean Brunch Party Mix (Clean Lyrics)
Music Styles: Dancehall, Soca, Afrobeats
Curated & Mixed by: DJ Weapon
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Caribbean & Afro ?
? 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.
