San Juan East Side Symphony are crowned National Single Pan Band Champions for 2025
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 15, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Pan fever gripped the environs of Port of Spain tonight as 25 single-pan steelbands performed for the coveted title of National Single-Pan Band Champions for Carnival 2025. And tonight San Juan East Side Symphony playing "The Guns" emerged as champions, with Chord Masters Steel Orchestra in second place, followed by Metro Stars Steel Orchestra in third position. We consider all bands performing tonight winners! However, Duvonne Stewart's arrangement of "The Guns," played by the San Juan East Side Symphony, emerged as the clear winner and deserving champions tonight with a score of 284 points.
Despite placing a respectable second tonight, the results dethroned last year's champions, Chord Masters Steel Orchestra. It was an exciting night of competition, but regrettably we were unable to broadcast live stage performances as we typically do through a radio feed. However, we were able to provide a video feed of the bands 'practicing on the drag' before their stage performances. We are grateful to "I Am Living My Life" for providing the YouTube video feed.
Despite the preparations leading up to the competition and our frustrations, the Single Pan Finals in Trinidad's Queen's Park Savannah were truly spectacular tonight! The arrangements were absolutely fantastic, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our steel orchestras. Every beat and melody resonated with the passion and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument.
As we celebrate the success of this unforgettable evening, we are now eagerly looking forward to the conventional band competitions in 2025. The excitement is building, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for our vibrant Steelpan community.
Tonight, not everyone achieved their desired outcome. I am not talking about winners and losers of the Steelpan fraternity that competed tonight. I am talking about the fans who love listening to Steelpan music but are unable to attend for various reasons. The international community also had to deal with a limited PPV feed from WACK Radio/TV tonight, which cost $15 US. The fee was reasonable, but the lack of a customary radio feed was notable. The issue at hand is that some individuals are unable to attend, relying instead on the radio feed to enjoy the event. The decision to "limit access" to the feed to a single entity, thereby turning performances into a paid event, seems to have been made by those in authority. So what did they achieve? They limited the spread and ability to enjoy this wonderful instrument and competition. They not only excluded Trinis who were living abroad but also those who were at home. We must not only promote culture but also ensure that everyone, regardless of income, can witness history!
Thank you to all the performers, organizers, and fans for making this event a truly magical experience. Let's continue to celebrate and support our world-renowned culture, and especially our incredible Steelband musicians!
Finally, the results (top 6 bands, songs, arrangers, and points):
- San Juan East Side Symphony - The Guns - Duvonne Stewart - 284 points
- Chord Masters Steel Orchestra - Swing Engine - André White - 276
- Metro Stars Steel Orchestra - Disco Daddy - Kersh Ramsey - 272
- Hope Pan Groovers - Long Time - Ojay Richards - 271
- New Age Trendsetters - This Melody Sweet - Nicholas Joseph & Myles Phillips - 268
- Platinum Steel Orchestra - Natasha Joseph - 265
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale, but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. All our posts can be accessed on social media via Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event/Competition: National Single Pan Steelband Finals
Event Organizer: Pan Trinibag TT
Website: Pan Trinbago Inc
Venue: Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain
Date and Time: Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband
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. We intend no copyright infringement! We present this music here for promotional purposes only; we do not own the rights to it. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! Neither I nor this blog claim any ownership over the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used in this post, as they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV Frame).
For those not familiar with the winning song, we are posting it here for your listening pleasure. "Spice and Company" released the song for Crop Over in Barbados back in 2011.
Mical Teja's Energy gets a new remix: Secret Society, Madness Muv & Marcus Williams Roadmix
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 15, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Just when you thought Mical Teja's Energy couldn't get any better, it did, and we are here to share the improved version. Originally produced by Nicholai Greene of N.M.G. Music, the song got a taste of Madness when the Madness Muv and his Secret Society of DJs got into the action. Additionally, Macrus Williams's contribution to the Roadmix resulted in a unique sound that we believe you will find compelling enough to include in your Soca music playlist.
This remix elevates the original version of "Energy" to a new height. The talented DJs mentioned above work on making the original something different, giving the music a more dynamic and infectious feel. We believe that you will find this vibe 'just what the Soca Music Jumbie' ordered. Enjoy some excellent DJ remixing vibes.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale, but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. All our posts can be accessed on social media via Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Energy
Written by: Mical Teja & Tano
Produced by: Tano & Mical Teja
Guitars by:Kyle Peters
Bass by:Kyle Peters
Mixed and Mastered by: Nicholai Greene of NMG Music
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca
Remix: Secret Society, Madness Muv & Marcus Williams Roadmix
Soundcloud @madnessmuv
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. We intend no copyright infringement! We present this music here for promotional purposes only; we do not own the rights to it. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! Neither I nor this blog claim any ownership over the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used in this post, as they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Hey Island Vybe Radio Blog Readers: Discover More with Sokah2Soca!
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 14, 2024
If you have a deep passion for Calypso, Soca, Steelpan, and Carnival, Sokah2Soca offers a wealth of content just for you. Dive into the history of these vibrant art forms, learn about the "Merikins," and explore our extensive "Pages" features. Our "Yuh iz ah Trini" series will give you an authentic taste of Trinidadian life, culture, and humor.
Our top menu bar connects you to a wealth of information, including information on the Soca Monarchs, Calypso Monarchs, the various subgenres of Soca, Trini facts, our unique cuisine, and our rich cultural heritage. We could go on, but we'd rather you come see for yourself.
Our blog is part of the Island Vybe family, and we want you to know us better. So head over to www.sokah2soca.com and explore our files. You've seen our links on Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky, and other platforms, but now it's time to come home and check us out. Help us continue this cultural journey together.
About Sokah2Soca
I am absolutely thrilled to introduce you to Sokah2Soca, the ultimate blog dedicated to Soca music! This fantastic platform offers a wealth of information for all Soca enthusiasts, bringing the vibrant and exhilarating beats of this genre to life. With every article and review meticulously crafted by knowledgeable experts in the field, Sokah2Soca provides an exceptional and authoritative perspective on this energetic and infectious music.
This blog keeps readers updated on everything Soca, from exploring the history and evolution of Soca to sharing the latest releases from beloved artists. Beyond just conveying information, Sokah2Soca brings a contagious excitement to each post; it ignites a burning passion in readers to further immerse themselves in this lively world of Caribbean rhythms.
So, brace yourself for an unforgettable journey as Sokah2Soca guides you through the captivating realm of Soca music with unmatched enthusiasm!: Sokah2Soca.
Single Pan Bands Panorama Finals 2025: Live Steelpan Fuh So!
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
December 14, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Today is an exciting day, as the first of multiple-category National Panorama finals begins at the "Big Yard" in Port of Spain, Trinidad. This prestigious event is a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication of single pan steel orchestras from all over Trinidad and Tobago. The exhilarating rhythms of the top 25 bands selected for today's finals will mesmerize you. As expected, the bands should provide breathtaking arrangements and the sheer joy of steelpan music that this competition brings.
What is a "Single Pan Steelband?" Simply stated, it is a steel band that uses single-pan instruments played by individual players, unlike conventional steel bands that allow pan players to use multiple steel pans.
This year, the atmosphere is ripe with excitement and promises to be unforgettable, with bands vying for the coveted title of Single Pan Panorama Champions. Whether you're a die-hard pan enthusiast or just discovering the magic of steelpan music, this event is the perfect way to experience the vibrant culture and infectious energy of Carnival. We at Sokah2Soca believe that this aspect of our culture is unparalleled.
? Tune in Live! ?
Despite not being able to attend the finals, you can still enjoy the music. What happens now that you are unable to attend the finals? No worries! You can buy the WACK Radio 90.1/TV PPV feed for US $15, or you can catch all the action free of charge and live on the radio. Simply access the radio feed from this post and enjoy the electrifying performances from the comfort of your home, on the road, or wherever you find yourself today. Isn't the Internet a wonderful thing? So, stay updated and immerse yourself in the unfolding excitement of your homeland's sweet steelpan music.
Let's come together to celebrate the extraordinary talent and passion of our single pan orchestras. Here's to an incredible night of music, unity, and pure Carnival spirit!
The 25 bands scheduled to perform in today's finals can be accessed from the following link: Newsday/Single Pan Finalists 2025.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should purchase music for sale, but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists of vital income! All our posts can be accessed on social media via Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, Twitter/X, including Email-subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: National Single Pan Champions Finals
Website: Pan Trinbago Inc
Venue: Grand-Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain
Date and Time: Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Online Pay-Per-View Price: US $15
Streaming Service: WACK.tv
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband
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. We intend no copyright infringement! We present this music here for promotional purposes only; we do not own the rights to it. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! Neither I nor this blog claim any ownership over the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used in this post, as they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
