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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.

 
Shal Marshall is back with “Hot Foot,” a high-energy Soca track that will have heads popping and waistlines bubbling.  Social media posts are already buzzing with positive comments; it is already lighting up the diaspora and carnival circuits. It is already lighting up the diaspora and carnival circuit—Miami and Tobago will be craving Shal for their upcoming carnivals.”  As always, Shal delivers what he’s known for: party-ready vibes, infectious hooks, and a voice that feels like home to feters across the diaspora. The track is undeniably fun, and fans are loving the message—movement, release, and revelry.
 
But let’s talk about the production.
A troubling production pattern is emerging in Soca: heavy basslines, recycled drum kits, and little else. There are no guitar licks and brass is sorely absent. Melodic color, a key element to good music, is absent. It's just a thumping beat that's designed to move waistlines, not stir souls. It’s built for Carnival hype—but like many seasonal hits, it risks fading fast once Lent arrives.” 
 
It’s efficient. It’s effective. But is it enough?
Carnival music has always been more than just rhythm—it’s storytelling, instrumentation, and cultural layering. When producers lean too hard on minimalism, we risk losing the richness that made Soca a global force. If “Hot Foot” is the blueprint for Carnival 2026, we may be heading into a season of sonic sameness. Yikes. It’s time to get off the riddims and craft something original. Yes, it may cost more—but the payoff is timeless music: sweet, rich, and unforgettable.
 
We celebrate Shal’s consistency and charisma. But we also challenge our creatives, aka our music production teams: bring back the brass, the strings, and the unexpected. Give us music that moves feet, stirs souls, and honors the full spectrum of Caribbean sound.
 
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
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, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Hot Foot 
Artist/Performed by: Shal Marshall
Written by: *****
Produced by: *****
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.

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 vibrant echo chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural scene, it doesn’t take much for a well-mixed show to become a poorly spun story. The latest target? Kenny Phillips, newly appointed Chairman of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), and his son Kyle Phillips, the audio engineer behind the recent National Philharmonic Orchestra performance.

 

Newssauce's Facebook post has sparked controversy, accusing Kenny of nepotism and urging an investigation by the Integrity Commission. The post, which notably did not seek comment from Mr. Phillips, questions Kyle’s role in mixing and mastering the show’s audio feed. The comments range from cheeky to cynical:

 

  • “Ohhh goshhh Kenny ah eh looking for u dey! But then again!”
  • “Everybody have to eat ah food...some eating it twice!”
  • “Since he hashtagged his own radio station, will all the paid radio coverage be going there?”

 

Let’s pause the drama and rewind the tape.

 

?The Engineer in Question

 

Kyle Phillips is no stranger to the music scene. As owner and producer at Badjohn Republic and a multiple Road March winner, Kyle’s credentials in audio reproduction are solid. The Philharmonic show’s recording was crisp, balanced, and professionally executed—something Kenny has long advocated for, having publicly criticized the poor engineering standards of local productions for years.

 

To suggest that Kyle’s involvement was a last-minute favor or political maneuver ignores the timeline: Kenny Phillips has been Chairman for just two weeks. The staffing decisions, and especially the technical hires, were made prior to Kenny's appointment as Chairman of NAPA! Well... Any comments?

One has to ask the following question: Why the Rush to Judgment?

 

Nepotism is a serious accusation, and one that deserves scrutiny—not social media speculation. Kenny has devoted his life to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago. He has championed positive change and faced criticism when the concept of a radio station featuring only local content emerged. He was called a "WACKO," but that did not stop him, and the Diaspora has greatly benefited because of his vision. So one has to ask: is this about transparency or just a political hit job dressed like Miss Mary on J'ouvert morning or, for a modern twist, dressed in hashtags?

 

Newssauce’s decision to publish without contacting Mr. Phillips undermines journalistic integrity. It’s clickbait masquerading as accountability. If we’re serious about protecting our institutions, we must also protect the reputations of those working to improve them.

 

In Trini parlance terms: "Give de Man ah Chance, nah Man!"

 

Kenny Phillips has spent decades championing Caribbean music, elevating calypso, soca, and pan with technical excellence and cultural pride. His appointment to NAPA signals a long-overdue shift toward professionalism and vision. To attack him before he’s had a chance to lead is not just unfair—it’s counterproductive.

 

Let’s not confuse familiarity with favoritism. Let’s not weaponize family ties to discredit talent. And let’s not forget: in a small industry, excellence often runs in the blood.

 

Next time, call for comment. Until then, let the music speak louder than the noise.

 
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 FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 

Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca—your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. The post was initially published on Sokah2Soca and is currently available for live streaming on Island Vybe Radio.

 
Kenny Phillips of WACK Visual Radio's studio session last night inspired this post. It's time to explore our diverse cultural heritage and remind the nation of the upcoming festivities. Not only will a steelband arranger bring the music session to life, but serenaders and musicians will also be getting into the groove for the upcoming Christmas music season. But it is the season for parang music; from box bass to cuatro, the rhythm of Christmas is already knocking. Soca may be warming up, but Parang is leading the charge with heritage, humor, and harmony. Let the serenades begin!
 
Say it louder for the people in the back, Ananda! While Soca and steelpan are gearing up to mash up Carnival, the Christmas heartbeat is already pulsing through Trinidad and Tobago with the unmistakable strum of cuatros and the rhythmic thump of box bass. Parang season is not waiting for December—it’s creeping in like a sweet serenade under the moonlight.
 
So let the music play and share the joy of our multicultural society—Trinbago sweet, eh?
  • Cuatros, mandolins, and box basses aren’t just instruments—they’re cultural anchors. When they start tuning up, it’s a signal: the spirit of Parang is awakening.
  • Parang isn’t background music—it’s a full-on celebration of heritage, language, and community. From house-to-house serenades to stage shows, it’s where Spanish meets Trini soul.
  • Trinidad and Tobago’s dual-island magic means we get to enjoy Soca’s fire and Parang’s warmth. That’s not a clash—it’s a cultural crescendo.
So yes, while the Soca warriors are prepping for Carnival, let’s not forget the Parang pioneers who are already stringing up joy. It’s time to remind the diaspora and the digital crowd: Parang is not just music—it’s a mood, a movement, and a memory in the making.
 
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 FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Post Title: ? Parang Is In the Air—Tune Up, Trinbago! 
Mixtape Title: Soca Parang Mix—All the Classics and Current Hits
Curated and mixed by: DJ Tuff Gong
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.

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.

 
As September fades and Fall settles over North America, the Caribbean heat rises—because Carnival season is stirring in Trinidad & Tobago! While Trinidad’s Single Pan Panorama ignites panyards with sweet steelpan energy, Tobago is gearing up for its Carnival celebration, and it’s not to be overlooked. Scheduled to take place from October 24-25, 2025, this carnival celebration is the appetizer for what comes next—Trinidad and Tobago's annual World renowned Carnival Celebrations.  
 
This post focuses on the upcoming Tobago Carnival, which promises a high-spirited atmosphere, fierce steelpan competition, and the coveted Road March title. Among the contenders is a track that’s already turning heads: “Paradise” by Verrse, produced by Badjohn Republic and Chryston Floyd. With its lush instrumentation and infectious groove, “Paradise” is staking its claim in the Road March race. Tobago also has some talented steelband players and champion steelbands that are a force to rekon with, especially the  pride of Black Roca, Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra.
 
So what other songs are in contention for Tobago’s Road March crown? That’s the question on every Soca lover’s mind—and we’re here to spark the conversation.
 
We invite Soca producers, artists, DJs, and fans to drop their picks, predictions, and passion in the comments. Whether you're backing Verrse or another rising star, let’s build the buzz and celebrate the creativity fueling Tobago’s Carnival.
 
Tag your favorite artists. Share your favorite tracks. Let the Road March debate 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 FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Paradise
Artist/Performed by: Verrse
Written by: Triston Andrews , Jahiem 'Verrse' Thomas
Guitar by: Chryston Floyd
Produced by: Badjohn Republic & Chryston Floyd 
Background Vocals by: Karyce Marcano
Mixed & Mastered by: Badjohn Republic
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.
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