FEEL THE
ISLAND
VYBE

 

David Rudder gave us High Mas… and today, Ding Dong is blazing the trail with Higher Mas! This track is pure fire and easily one of his best to date. Sokah2Soca proudly  presents this exciting song from Ding Dong. 

 

Ham, parang, and parang soca are integral to our culture; they represent the essence of Trinidad and Tobago, and today we look to Chef Jason Peru and Mickel Maraj for an engaging conversation with singer Marcia Miranda, the new Soca Parang Queen. If you're familiar with Trinbago, you'll understand that Christmas in Trinidad & Tobago wouldn't be complete without our seasonal parang music. Hold on now, there is also the voice of Marcia Miranda. On Notes from The Front Burner, hosted by Chef Jason Peru and Mickel Maraj, Marcia shares her remarkable 35+ year journey across calypso, soca, chutney, and parang. This interview felt like enjoying a good Trini lime with close friends. There were smiles and humor, honesty, and heart as she reflected on her career highlights, personal battles, and festive traditions—reminding us why she remains a beloved cultural icon during the season of joy.

 

 

Baila mami, baila... and just like that, the reprise of the Calypsonian explodes on the scene with a bold new entry. Today we present a song with political intrigue, music to dance with and packed with Geopolitical drama. So let's celebrate the debut of "Not Venezuela" by Alana Sinette. The tune is the type of calypso that fills the space with rich newspaper intrigue and party vibes and delivers more than just music to dance and celebrate for this Christmas season but also our upcoming carnival. But then again, it is more than all of that —it delivers a message.

 

Now let's get into the production of this gem. So, what exactly is the story behind "Not Venezuela"? For that, we have to get into the writer's mindset. Now we understand that while we cannot know everything, we can still make assumptions based on the lyrical content. Penned by Lyndon Peters, the song conveys the uneasy reality of Trinidad's economic and political relationship with Washington, DC. In other words, our economic navel string is rooted in the economic tantrums of the United States... so what can you do to resist? There is absolutely nothing, and for that reason, this song paints a vivid picture of a nation caught in the crosswinds of international conflict. What I know for sure is that we party hard in Trinidad and we are not looking to entertain any conflict or participate in anything relating to the invasion of Venezuela! The song's music, lyrics, and vocals are informative, and as I previously mentioned, we have a strong party culture in Trinidad. 

 

Like it or not, the current administration had to cooperate because of a signed agreement by the previous administration. However, Alana reminds us that our history is intricately linked to the interests of the US, regardless of your agreement or disapproval. But then again, calypso does not ever shy away from what is true. It echoes the genre's tradition of social and political commentary while keeping the rhythm and the vibe irresistibly lively... thanks to Kenny Phillips, who composed and arranged the music. Alana Sinette does a wonderful job with the vocals... yes, Kaiso!

 

Let's do a quick mic drop check:

• The Sound of Resistance
• The production is rich with live instrumentation:
• Rodney Alexander's bass provides a steady pulse to the track.
• Kenny Phillips plays the guitar, adding sharp melodic lines that dance around the percussion.
• Kenny Phillips' arrangement skillfully blends Latin flair and calypso fire.

After hearing the song, you'll love the message and the sweet soundscape that recalls the time when calypso ruled carnivals. In other words, it is music that makes you move while making you think... nice calypso, eh!

 

This marks a new beginning, signaling the rebirth of music that reminds the Soca and Zess generation that sweet music originates from the mother genre. The song is thought provoking and while many are critical of the country's Prime Minister, they should know that her actions put Trinidad in the safe zone with the decision-makers in Washington. Our citizens living there won't be harassed and they can party in America without icebreakers on the lookout. "Not Venezuela" continues that legacy, reminding listeners that even in the most complex geopolitical entanglements, art remains a powerful way to process, critique, and resist.