“Some people kind of  “fass and outer place” when it comes to music. Music, first of all is a universal language and plenty genres would not be around today if people weren’t wild, and explored their creativity outside of their comfort zones or borderlines. Soca will never lose its true essence once there are young artistes like me and others, who understand the culture, who’ve been a part of the calypso competitions like TUCO Junior Calypso Monarch and CPF Junior Soca Monarch.”

Alves seemed a bit upset by this sentiment, something that’s been discussed quite a bit in recent time. Some argue that the effort to capture international audiences, has killed the spirit and essence of Soca music. Some have called out the genre’s alteration over the years, to slower beats per minute and in some instances, more of an RnB style. Erphaan would hear nothing of this. “We understand, we know what our culture is, we know the history of calypso and soca. It is coming right back to its original form just in time,” he said. Alves said music is a living organism that should be left to breathe and flourish naturally.

“If somebody wants to do rapso and wants to put some pop in it, leave it. Soca will never lose its true identity once people like myself in this game. We will work hard and find ways and means to continue to make this relatable, identifiable to the youths and acceptable and have them appreciate it, which will also lead to them wanting to get involved in it.”

Alves  noted that international music makers are now tapping into the Caribbean sound, which includes soca, reggae and dancehall, more now, than ever. “The only problem is – the sad reality is that their fans may never know where their songs stem from, but so it goes. Some people may say cultural appropriation in a sense. We have to just work hard to make them aware,” he said.

The video for his hit single, “Over Due” was shot entirely in New York. He said this has been questioned by some.

“If I am a citizen of the world I shouldn’t be bound to shooting my music video in one country. Who created that rule? If I sing a song called “Over Due” and it has an international vibe and appeal in terms of the content, I feel as though I could shoot the video wherever I want to present my craft visually. Once it makes sense.”