Soca: Then and Now
A look into the history of Trinidad and Tobago’s most popular genre of music and its promising future
There are moments during Carnival, particularly at 3 in the afternoon, when the sun has become too hot and masquerader’s stamina after more than 8 hours on the road begins to deplete but it just takes that one song. The song that pushed them through their many hours at the gym and made every fete come alive, the song that ignites their energy to continue for another 8 hours. It was Benjai in his 2015 hit Phenomenal that said it best, “Soca does give meh meh powers”.
Soca music is not just the main music of the two day festival known as Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, it is the story of the nation’s history, its citizens creativity and a main part of its cultural identity.
What is Soca?
Soca originates from Trinidad and Tobago’s earliest form of music, Calypso. Calypso was created by West African slaves during French settlement on the island when slaves were forbidden to speak with one another by their plantation owners. Instead, they opted to use music as a way of communicating with one another.
Calypso, began with Patois and slowly came into the English language with the eventual colonization by England. After the abolition of slavery in 1838, Calypso and calypso competitions began to rise in popularity. Soon it became the main music played at Carnival.
The lyrics were never not political, as it continued to grow during colonization and even after independence it constantly pushed the boundaries of free speech. Calypso music is typically composed of percussive beats and is combined with extempo (improvised lyrics).
Calypso quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon both on the island and abroad. However, in the early 70s, when reggae music was quickly gaining popularity in the Caribbean, Lord Shorty, one of the most famous calypsonians of all time, saw a need to improve the music in order to get citizens particularly, the younger generation, to engage with their local music.
So, he combined two entirely different sounds: Calypso, which has inherently African roots and East Indian rhythms, specifically using instruments such as the dholak and dhantal. He named this combination of sounds, (So)ul (Ca)lypso. Soca, thus, created a connection between the music of Trinidad and Tobago’s two largest ethnic groups, which was African, from African slavery under Spanish rule in the 1700s and Indian, from indentured labor under British rule in the 1800s.
This combination of contrasting sounds worked in Lord Shorty’s favor as Soca quickly gained popularity and has continued to remain the main music for Carnival.
The Continued Evolution of Soca
Soca, from its beginning has been an ever changing and collaborative form of music and 2019 is a year that perfectly exemplifies that. Soca tends to ebb and flow each year. Some years have one or two hits, other years like this one bring tons of quality music to the Soca scene.
Typically, Soca music is divided into two sections: groovy and power. Power Soca is music with high speed tempos and an energetic style while Groovy Soca is a slower paced more melodious kind of music. Power soca songs tend to win the Road March, which is the award given to the artist whose song is played the most when bands cross the stage.
At this point in the season when it is only days away till the official two days of Carnival there is usually a clear indication of who will win Road March, however this year, it is still unclear who will take the prize.
Trends of 2019
2019 has showed the immense changes Soca is currently undertaking, the music this year has shown how new artist and new trends in the genre are pushing the traditional limits of the music.
Collaborations
Soca in 2019 has seen an unprecedented amount of collaborations between local Soca artiste as well as musicians from other parts of the Caribbean. Collaborations are not a typical feature of Soca music, especially, with artist from other islands, however, this year has greatly defied that.
One of the biggest collaborations of the season was between Machel Montano, who is undoubtedly one of the biggest Soca artist in the history of the industry, and fellow Soca legend Bunji Garlin, who teamed up with St.Vincent’s soca star Skinny Fabulous in their mega-hit Famalay. The song is a perfect example of power Soca and is a huge contender for Road March this year.
Other credible collabs came from Jamaican Dancehall singer Shenseea who collaborated with Nailah Blackman for their song, “We Ready (Champion Gyal)”. Destra, also joined forces with another famous Jamaican singer, known as Spice, this year for their song entitled, “Trouble”.
Groovy continues to grow:
“Riddims” are a huge part of the Caribbean music industry. They are songs created by music producers which can be bought by multiple singers to use, this is why some Caribbean songs have similar instrumentals but differ in lyrics depending on the artist. This year one of the most popular riddims is “The Purple Heart” Riddim, which was produced by De Red Boyz and used in many of the Groovy Soca songs. Farmer Nappy uses it in his well loved song, “Hookin Meh” and Nadia Batson uses it in her feel good song about seeing an old friend in, “So Long”.
Another contender for Road March this year is Kes with his song “Savannah Grass”. The song teeters between the groovy and power soca categories and is dedicated to the iconic Savannah, which is the largest round about in the world and where the main stage for Carnival is.
Women in Soca:
Similar to Calypso music, women are at a particular disadvantage in the industry. There is a huge disparity between the amount of male and female performers in Soca music and women are under intense scrutiny by the public for their appearance and music in comparison to their male counterparts.
However, 2019 has seen a rise in the amount of hits being put out by women, some by soca icons such as Destra and Patrice Roberts and some by up and comers like Nailah Blackman and Nessa Preppy. It is refreshing to not only see these women create great music but also claim their space in the male dominated industry.
Youth in Soca:
Machel Montano, is the biggest trailblazer of Soca music. Year after year, the artist produces high quality music and videos and has continued to collaborate with foreign artist and music creators to push Soca to an international audience.
There was a time, though, when many felt that the industry relied too much on him. However, the continued success of young artist in Trinidad and Tobago seems to promise a bright future for the industry.
Artist such a Voice, continue to make inspiring and catchy music that push the lyrical boundaries of the genre. This year alone he collaborated with local secondary school, Bishops Anstey, for his hit “Alive and Well” and his recent release, “Pandemonium” in collaboration with Greneda’s soca duo Wuss Ways, is his attempt to break into the power soca scene.
Another power soca song called “Brave” is also a highlight of the rising stars in the industry, the song features three children of Calypso legends and Soca artist in their own right, Erphaan Alves, Nailah Blackman and Sekon Sta.
The continued growth and success of young artist has not only made for more music but a new hope for the future of Soca.
From its origin to now, Soca holds a special place in the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago and if 2019 has showed Soca lovers anything, its that it only gets better. Now, only a few days away, this year’s Soca music has already affirmed that Carnival 2019 is going to be nothing short of amazing.
