by Alicea James
THE EARLY DAYS OF SOCA MUSIC Whether you’re ‘Rolling It’ with Allison Hinds, wondering ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ with The Baha Men, feting ‘Like a Boss’ with Machel Montana or ‘Tempted to touch’ with Rupee, the infectious power of Soca music is undeniable. Along with the distinctive rhythm, you can’t help but become entranced by the cheeky lyrics that would seem inappropriate if replicated in any other genre. Despite its mass popularity today many are unaware of its remarkable history which dates back to the 1970s in Trinidad and Tobago.
The popularity of Soca music is due in part to Trinidadian, Lord Shorty (Garfield Blackman) who became known as the ‘Father of Soca.’ Lord Shorty’s creation of this unique composition began with the experimentation of African and East Indian rhythms fused with traditional calypso; he also integrated instruments such as the dholak, tabla and dhantal. This creation was inspired by the fear that reggae music was taking the place of Calypso so he wanted to reinvent the genre. Lord Shorty initially called the beat ‘sokah’ but later changed it to ‘soca’ proclaiming it the soul of calypso; supposedly taking the letters ‘so’ from the word soul and ‘ca’ from calypso. The singer’s 1973 hit song ‘Indrani’ is considered the first Soca recording. In 1978 Soca was catapulted to new levels with the release of Lord Kitchener’s song, ‘Sugar Bum Bum,’ the sexually suggestive lyrics and lively melody made it a hit with the Caribbean people, however the rest of the world was unaware of this type of music until the 1980s. In 1983 the artist, Arrow released his hit song ‘Hot Hot Hot’ and the international market took note; since then there was no looking back for Soca. Songs such as ‘Follow the Leader’ by Nigel and Marvin, ‘Turn Me On’ by Kevin Lyttle and ‘Differentology’ by Bunji Garlin easily crossed over into mainstream catapulting these Caribbean artists to international stardom. Others who have experienced fame thanks to their involvement in Soca include, Destra Garcia, Kes the Band, Faye Ann Lyons, Benjai, Berbice, Keety General, Iwer George and Nadia Batson.
SOCA MUSIC TODAY Today, Soca music and its related events are celebrated in almost every Caribbean island, and even countries outside of the Caribbean. Each year, thousands of people from around the world including celebs visit these islands clad in their sequined ensembles as they gyrate and let go of their inhibi-