Soca
What is
Soca Music?
Soca is a vibrant genre of music that emerged from Trinidad & Tobago in the early 1970s.
Its origins lie in Calypso, a musical tradition deeply rooted in Trinidadian culture since the 18th century. Calypso was a significant form of expression for Trinidad’s black underclass, offering social commentary and storytelling shaped by African rhythms and French Creole influences.
In the 1970s, Soca began to take shape as a distinct genre following Trinidad and Tobago’s independence from Great Britain. This transformation wasn’t just a natural progression but a deliberate innovation. Calypsonian Garfield Blackman, also known as Lord Shorty or Ras Shorty I, in collaboration with KH Studios, experimented with blending Calypso and Kaiso (another Caribbean rhythm) with Indo-Caribbean rhythms and instruments like the dholak, tabla, and dhantal.
Lord Shorty’s creation of Soca came at a time when it was thought that Calypso needed a fresh, youthful vibe. He envisioned Soca (originally spelled Sokah) as a way to unite Trinidad’s two main rhythmic traditions and communities—the East Indians and Africans—into a distinctively Trinidadian sound, often referred to as “dougla riddim.” He described Soca as the Soul of Trinidad and the Soul of Calypso.
Unlike its Calypso roots, Soca aimed to bridge cultural divides and energize local music, especially among the youth. While both Soca and Calypso utilize steelpan drums and share cultural foundations, their styles are distinct. Soca is recognized for its high-energy beats, modern production, and focus on celebration, while Calypso is known for its storytelling, social commentary, and more relaxed tempo. Soca is often seen as the “youthful offspring” of Calypso, emphasizing danceability and festive spirit.
Just as Calypso gained international recognition through the British West Indies Regiment’s arrival in Trinidad in 1917 and the Windrush Generation, and as the Steel Pan’s global popularity grew with US Navy soldiers in the 1940s, the Oil Boom of the 1970s significantly boosted Soca’s spread. Caribbean nationals traveling abroad, particularly to the United States and the Netherlands, brought their Carnival traditions and Soca music with them.
By 1975, Lord Shorty’s track “Endless Vibrations” had achieved widespread popularity, reaching not only Trinidad and Tobago but also major cities like New York, Toronto, and London.
Soca continued to evolve and gain traction among Caribbean artists. Lord Shorty, inspired by the Exile One Band during his travels to Dominica, created the track “Ou Petite,” blending Creole lyrics and rhythms with his Soca compositions. This fusion further enriched the genre, highlighting Soca’s expanding diversity and appeal.
During this period, Trinidadian musicians began infusing their songs with Soca’s vibrant rhythms. Even Calypsonians who had once vowed never to embrace Soca found themselves drawn in. Among them was the legendary Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts), who in 1978 released the iconic Soca hit “Sugar Bum Bum.” Produced by Ed Watson and inspired by West African highlife music, the track exemplified the experimental and fusion-driven nature of the genre.
Soca’s influence sparked a creative surge throughout the Caribbean. Islands like Grenada, St. Lucia, and Montserrat embraced the genre, with Montserratian artist Arrow’s hit “Hot Hot Hot,” produced by Leston Paul, becoming a standout example of Soca’s growing international appeal in the 1980s.
However, not all were pleased with this direction. Lord Shorty himself was less fond of the evolving sound and introduced “Jamoo,” a term he used to describe a return to the original Soca essence.
The 1980s and 1990s are often regarded as the Classic Soca period, when the genre evolved into a high-energy form perfect for Caribbean cultural festivities. During this time, a young boy named Machel, initially too young for Soca, would eventually rise to become the genre’s king.
From the 1990s into the 2000s, Soca continued to evolve in Trinidad, incorporating brass bands and rhythm sections before transitioning to fully electronic productions infused with EDM and Dancehall elements. This period also closely linked Soca to major Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean.
Superblue, from Trinidad, played a key role in shaping what is now known as Modern Power Soca. With its faster tempo and energetic rhythms, this style is designed to get Carnival revelers moving with instructions like “get something and wave.”
This evolution highlights Soca’s adaptability and its more modern role in energizing Caribbean Carnival celebrations. However, unlike other popular Caribbean genres such as reggae, dancehall, or bouyon, which are marketed year-round, Soca’s international reach relies heavily on Caribbean governments and businesses promoting Carnival events.
Soca competitions held during these Caribbean Carnival events such as the Road March and Soca Monarch, are crucial for artists. The Road March prize is awarded to the most played song during the Carnival parade, heavily influenced by DJs and their knowledge of what music would move the crowd. The Soca Monarch, on the other hand, is determined by solely by the live performance of the Artist. These competitions are vital for Soca artists, often providing significant income and recognition which help them tour and promote their music until the next Carnival cycle begins.
As Soca approaches its 50th anniversary, its journey from a vibrant fusion of rhythms to a cornerstone of Caribbean Carnival celebrations underscores its remarkable impact. From its innovative beginnings with Lord Shorty to its current global reach, Soca has continuously evolved, embracing new influences while staying true to its roots. This dynamic genre not only enriches Carnival festivities but also showcases the resilience and creativity of Caribbean culture. With its ever-expanding array of subgenres and global appeal, Soca’s future looks as promising and energetic as its past, ensuring that it will continue to captivate and inspire for years to come.
There is more Soca to come! Listen to some of the Top Soca Songs here: