What is Soca to a British Born Bajan?
Soca
ˈsəʊkə/
Noun
1. Calypso music with elements of soul, originally from Trinidad
This dictionary definition cannot fully encompass the impact that Soca music has had on my life and the life of many others whose roots lay in the Caribbean. To me, it’s like Calypso’s younger, more adventurous brother, full of excitement and energy - the soundtrack to my life.
Barbados has produced many great Soca artists over the years: Lil Rick, Alison Hinds, Krosfyah, Red Plastic Bag and Rupee to name a few. Although it originated in Trinidad & Tobago, Soca is also a huge part of our culture. I don’t know a single Bajan that can resist its hypnotising rhythm and sweet melodies. My happiest memories range from time spent with my family prancing around the living room and gyrating our hips to ‘Pump Me Up’ and ‘Bumpa Catch a Fire’ to the wild days spent with my friends dancing through the colourful streets of London during Notting Hill Carnival, draped in blue, yellow and black, blowing our whistles and horns with vigour and immense pride as we waved our flags to the latest Soca jams.
Being a British-born Caribbean I feel like it is very important to maintain a sense of belonging, and a connection to our culture and our heritage. What better way to do so than through music? - One of the most effective devices that has stood the test of time.
Besides the countless servings of delicious food and drink (macaroni pie, salt fish fritters, black cake, frutee or rum if you’re grown), no Bajan gathering would feel complete without a customary, synchronised wuk up to ‘Moving To The left’ (the Bajan equivalent to ‘Candy’) that will have everyone, from Granny to the toddlers, on their feet jumping and prancing until it’s time to go home.
For us, Soca is not just a genre. It is a way of life. If your spine doesn't tingle when you hear that first horn or whistle blow then it’s likely that you are hearing the music and not feeling it like you should be.
Listening to Soca music should give you a glimpse of the vibrant, colourful, and cheerful island that is Barbados. Once you immerse yourself in the music, the heavy percussion and fast-paced nature that characterise the genre, you should be able to transport yourself mentally to the charming, laid-back and magical island of Barbados that we affectionately call BIM.
