Caribbean Buzz
Jamaica Loves Soca. Here’s Nigel’s Jam Down Carnival Recap.
Soca music is definitely loved and appreciated by many people in Jamaica and the events of Jamaica Carnival this past weekend showed and proved this is true beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Thousands of Jamaican nationals joined tourists from across the region and outside of it and participated in numerous Carnival and Soca-themed events over the past two weekends in the land that’s renowned for reggae and dancehall music.
Kes The Band’s live concert hosted by SunNation at Sabina Park last Thursday and the first-ever “WI Fete” at the same venue last Saturday night attracted thousands of willing and eager participants, even as Trinidad staple events such as Private Ryan’s “Soca Brainwash”, Scorch’s “Duck Work” and Caesar’s Army’s “A.M. Bush” J’ouvert also drew massive crowds to different locations in and around the capital city of Kingston.
Creative Carnival decor, themes, customs, aesthetics and soundscapes prevailed throughout the festivities with sprinkes of dancehall and reggae for good measure, similar to the mix experienced during Trinidad Carnival. Soca superstar, Machel Montano made note of the evolution of the carnival music dynamic during his first performance with a full band on the island in many years, on Saturday night.
BUNJI GARLIN RECALLS BEING DISSED IN JA
Meanwhile, T&T Road March champion, Bunji Garlin also shared a story of a time when Soca artistes were not so readily accepted on the island. “The year is 2023,” he related after applauding the massive crowd for singing his hit song, “Differentology” word for word. “The last time I set foot inside here it was 2000. I didnt understand Jamaica dem times and ah come here with muh arrogant self and feel ah coulda do wha ah want. Delano from Rennaissance gimme de microphone and ah say gimme that dancehall riddim and ah woman in de crowd say ‘come offa dat, who is you’ and boo me straight off de stage. Ah fly back home to Trinidad that night and ah say ah never coming back to Jamaica again…”
Garlin freestyled the second half of the story in time with his hit song and the crowd’s response was tremendous. Performing with his live band, the ragga soca artiste showed masterful crowd control, stage presence and potent delivery, alongside his trademarked free-styling skills.
Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous also enjoyed their time on stage, as did three-time Soca Monarch, Aaron “Voice” St. Louis when he appeared during Montano’s closing set. Jeffrey “Agent Sasco” Campbell who sings on the new Caribbean Airlines theme song “Welcome Home,” and rising star, Raheem “Valiant” Bowes were among the few Jamaican, non-Soca performers on the night and both were greeted warmly by the audience, but the Soca stars were definitely the highlight and main attraction at Wi Fete.
T&T EVENT COORDINATOR TALKS CULTURAL INTEGRATION
Similarly, at Kes’ concert two days prior, recent collaborator, reggae and dancehall star, Busy Signal was welcomed and enjoyed by the masses assembled, but it was Iwer George’s 2020 collaboration, “Stage Gone Bad” that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Event Coordinator, Damian Archie has been producing events with Caesar’s Army and others at Jamaica Carnival for over a decade and says the cultural integration is still a work in progress. “The Jamaicans have their own way of doing things generally, but over the years, they have observed us and taken stock of how we do things and so now they’re more willing to collaborate and trust us more to handle certain aspects, and there are still things that can be improved on all sides, but the music is there – Soca is at a level now where we have two and three different generations of talent who are professionals and have hits and catalogue and varying degrees of stage experience, so there are about two generations who have grown up loving them and loving Soca music as much as they love any other genre.”
Archie admitted that Jamaica’s Carnival is not on the level of Trinidad and Tobago’s in terms of size, organization and logistics just yet. He noted that Jamaicas are a very expressive and confident people, adding that their parade of bands is on a different level all by itsel, at the same time.
Caribbean Buzz
Skinny Banton Sets the Tone with ‘Liquor’ ; Reminds Real Revelers of Vibes in Store.
As Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago looms, one of the Caribbean’s most unique and intriguing male artistes, Skinny Banton, is gearing up to make his mark in a big way. With his latest release, Liquor, already causing waves, the Grenadian-born artist is proving he’s here to stay, bringing his personal style, and down- home Caribbean spirit to a global audience.
It’s been five years since his unforgettable hit, Wrong Again, took the world by storm and the track remains a fan favorite to this day. Its infectious energy and authentic vibe solidified Skinny as an artiste to watch, and since then, his music has resonated with listeners across the region and internationally. His ability to blend catchy rhythms with meaningful lyrics has made him a staple in Caribbean music, while his sound remains a perfect blend of traditional influences and contemporary flair.
The Jab culture of Grenada has always been a source of inspiration for the Carriacou native. But it’s not just one island or one genre that defines him. Skinny draws from the wider Caribbean experience, creating music that speaks to all the islands, enticing the international crowd along the way. As he explains, his music isn’t confined to one place or one story; It’s about sharing the universal joy of the Caribbean with the world.
“Music is for everyone,” says Skinny. “It’s not about where you’re from. It’s about connecting people from different walks of life through rhythm, melody, and energy. When people come to Carnival, they’re looking for an experience that will stay with them forever, and I want to be a part of that.”
Ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival, Liquor is quickly becoming one of those intrinsic songs. With its irresistible beat and carefree lyrics, the song is a celebration of the Caribbean spirit — the good times, the laughter, and yes, the drinks that fuel the party. “This is a song for the drinkers, the ones who bring the vibes to the Carnival with every sip they take,” Skinny laughs. “But remember — everything in moderation! You don’t want to be the one ruining the vibes for everyone else.”
Last year, Carriacou, the artiste’s home island, was devastated by Hurricane Beryl. Amid that unfortunate circumstance, he stood up with a sense of determination to draw awareness to the plight of those left to clean up and get their lives back to normal. His popularity as an entertainer, aided somewhat in that effort as he was able to assist with food and necessities for those affected. Through his artistry, Skinny continues to shine a spotlight on his roots, celebrating the vibrant culture and resilience of his community.
In Trinidad recently, he reconnected with fans of his music, sharing the new songs ahead of the 2025 Carnival season. “Music is the universal language,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. What matters is that it makes you feel something — and that’s what I try to give. The people know good music. They need music to lift their spirits, make them move, and sing along,” he explained, adding, “That’s what I strive to provide — music that resonates, that connects, music that brings people together.”
To stay connected with Skinny Banton and get the latest on his upcoming music and Carnival appearances, follow him on Instagram and Facebook @skinnybanton.
Caribbean Buzz
Scorch 101 Soca Hit List Sends Soca Lovers Crazy.
Soca music lovers from all around the world tuned in to Trinidad and Tobago radio station Scorch 101 FM on Friday as the station delivered what can only be described as a deep dive into the music genre. With 101 days to go to Carnival 2025 the team at Scorch Radio pushed out a plan to ensure listeners from around the world tuned in, and that they did.
The Internet could not get enough of the music that is so often attached only to the carnival culture. A list of what the Scorch team considers 101 of the top Soca tracks based on criteria such as danceability, cultural impact, lyrical content, music production, and versatility brought out Soca enthusiasts from every nook and cranny across the Internet. In one day, Scorch radio penetrated the Diaspora and brought people together, though via the Internet, to banter heartily over whether the choices were or were not valid.
Judges on the panel included DJ Adam, Travis World, and DJ Private Ryan among others. Scorch Radio CEO Kwesi ‘Hoppy’Hopkinson steered the event, giving his views throughout the day on the music that would be shared with listeners worldwide. In the end, the most impactful Soca single would be Machel Montano and Destra Garcia’s ‘It’s Carnival.’ Delivered in 2003, the collaboration between these two accomplished Soca artistes maintain a powerful presence at carnival fetes held around the world, annually. The song however, did not capture that year’s Road March in Trinidad and Tobago. That year, Fay Ann Lyons stole the show with ‘Display,’ a song that did not make it to the Scorch Radio 101 Soca Hit List. The multiple title holder’s ‘Meet SuperBlue’ was positioned at #90 on the Scorch 101 Soca Hit List.
The single-day Soca showcase perplexed some who questioned the rationale behind the choices and the placement on the list. Kevin Little’s globally known, ‘Turn Me On,’ made it to #2 while Rupee’s “Jump” was given the third spot on the list. The 2010 Road March “Palance,”made the list at #4.
Whether agreed upon in its entirety or not, the Scorch Radio team created an effective campaign that ignited the energy of Soca music lovers globally.
