A look at the 2019 Japanese Inspired Osaka Riddim
Although it’s early, the 2019 Trinidad soca season is heating up quickly. With bombs like the 10x Over Riddim, Kick Stand Riddim and monster songs from Nailah Blackman the bar is set really high.
Just released today, the Osaka Riddim by Precision Productions adds to already top notch soca releases for the 2019 carnival season. This Japanese inspired riddim features an all star line up including the likes of 5Star Akil, LFS Music, Kerwin Du Bois, Preedy and reigning International Soca Monarch winner Voice. The very much local Trinbagonian riddim brings the vibes and unique sounds that reminds us of the Japanese city it is named after.
Soca music was openly embraced by Japan in the early 2000s. Today, soca music is one of the underground genre’s that is taking the country by storm. It has grown so much that Soca In Japan weekend is one of the biggest soca festivals in the Asian continent. 5Star Akil got the chance to go to Japan to perform, while he was shot the music video for his song “Personal.”
Voice and Kerwin brought their A game on their contributions to the riddim. A lot of thought went into their tunes. Kerwin Du Bois’ “Right For Somebody” tells his story of struggle and how he came to be.
Being the creative soul he is, Voice took an interesting approach to the riddim. His contribution “Alive and Well” features The Bishop Anstey School choir. Putting the youth of tomorrow on this one was the smartest move yet. Towards the end of the unplugged version, Voice uses a social commentary style to address some issues that is he feels is important to Trinidad & Tobago.
LFS Music coming to light a spark to the fete. This new soca group brought different vibes to this one. “Start It” perfectly captures that positive feeling feters have when the carnival season begins. Their track is one that preaches the freedom that comes with feting.
Represent and Wine! Preedy leading the feting judges table with this one. His delivery for “Warm Up” adds an extra element to this song that just makes your waist move. This whining chune adds some versatility to the riddim. Every song on the Osaka Riddim hits on a different topic and does a great job on its execution making it a strong riddim to start the 2019 T&T soca season.
