Ebuzz News
Archived: New Soca Music Wanted for NottingHill Carnival
Soca artistes are being encouraged to deliver new soca for Nottinghill carnival. IN SET: Lyrikal
There’s a carnival everywhere you turn and with that, soca artistes are now being encouraged to deliver more music. A team of soca music enthusiasts, led by New York based, Georeg Luke and Frontline Radio UK’s, Cleon Lord are behind the effort to get the Caribbean’s soca stars to produce more. T&T’s Precision Production has thrown its support behind the effort saying, “ The UK is a burgeoning market, especially with the increase in the number of carnivals across Europe and the interest shown for soca music by the people there, the market is one we look forward to continue exploring.”
Nottinghill Carnival takes place on August 24th and 25th. Quite a few ‘firsts’ are expected to be established this year, chief among them, a massive collaborative effort by Soca Is Yours and UK based, Frontline Radio UK- a prominent brand on the international Caribbean radio circuit. According to Soca Is Yours’ George Luke, the partnership will see all new soca music being filtered into the market during the promotion of Notting Hill Carnival. “What we’re pushing for is a thrust for artistes and producers to deliver all new music, much like they do for Barbados’ Crop Over, for Notting Hill carnival,” said Luke, adding, “riddims created by the best producers on the Caribbean soca market and featuring a lot of the top billing soca acts, will be released during this particular carnival. We feel this is something that will encourage the artistes themselves, to create more music and fill the market with the sweet sound of soca,” Luke said.
Soca Is Yours Founder, George Luke has collaborated with Cleon Lord of Frontline Radio to encourage the initiative.
Additionally, Brooklyn, New York based production house, Imperial Lyon Roar Productions has taken on the challenge, already delivering one song on their Swanky Riddim- that single, ‘Drink Ah Juice’ sung by St. Vincent’s reigning Ragga Soca Queen Fya Empress. Production work can also be expected from Play Evolution out of Barbados, Miami’s Irontraxx and Advokit who produced 5 Star Akil’s hit single, ‘To Meh Heart’ in 2014. “What we’re doing is giving Notting Hill carnival its very own music, much like it’s done in T&T and Barbados,” said Luke.
Frontline Radio’s Cleon Lord, known for his involvement in the organization of events and carnivals in various cities, is happy that this initiative will aid the careers of many undiscovered soca artistes. He said artistes will benefit tremendously from the partnership. A DJ turned production company owner and artiste manager, the radio station boss understands the rigors of earning a space among the popular faces.
The entities are hoping that the rest of the Caribbean will throw support behind them. “We need strength in numbers and only then will we see our Caribbean culture receiving the true acknowledgement it deserves. We’re only two teams. We want the whole Caribbean army behind us every step of the way,” said Luke.
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.
