Soca soothes the soul

Imagine vacationing on a Caribbean island. You’re lounging in a hammock, sipping a Bahama Mama and gazing toward the blue sky while hearing the ocean waves crash against the shore. Relaxing, isn’t it?

In most of the Caribbean islands, the pride and joy is not just a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for tourism.

The culture is not just about food — conch salads, curry chicken or sawfish and bake — but also about the music. Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), the most southern Caribbean island, gave birth to the energetic musical genre “soca,” meaning “soul of calypso.” Here are a few of the Oracle’s soca favorites:

“Mr. Fete” by Machel Montano

Machel Montano is arguably the most popular soca star in the West Indies. “Mr. Fete,” is one of his latest tracks, released this year. It’s a slower one where listeners can wine, meaning to rotate hips on the dance floor. Montano is also known for his collaboration with Pitbull in the tracks “Defense”, released in 2008, and “Alright, released in 2010.

Click here to listen to this track, from YouTube.


 

“Fly Away” by Zoelah

Remember watching Nicki Minaj’s music video “Pound the Alarm,” which was filmed in Trinidad? The colorful clothing women wore, the partying behind a semi-truck and partygoers waving the Trinidad flag gave viewers and idea of what Carnival, an annual event in Trinidad, is like. The parties are so renowned, people from all over the world travel to the small island to join in the festivities. This song, released in 2007, is the type to make those celebrating Carnival jump, wine and wave their nation’s flag.

Click here to listen to this track. 

 

“Right Now” by Lil Rick

The highly energized track showcases the beats of soca music. This type is called popso riddim (or rhythm). It was released last year and is worth pumping up the volume in your car.

Click here to listen to this track. 

“Dollar Wine” by Collin Lucas

This song was released in 1991 and is a familiar group dance in which each motion of the hip — front, back, left and right — is represented by a penny, nickel, dime and dollar. Every time a monetary amount is said, each dancer must thrust to whichever side is called. It’s a fun and funny song, that’s for sure.

Click here to listen to this track. 

“Trini to de Bone” by David Rudder & Carl Jacobs

Finally, a song about soca’s birthplace, Trinidad. This became a hit when it was released in 2003. Notice that accents translate into the song, when the word “sugar” is sung, it is pronounced as “sug-ah.” Sweet, sweet T&T, indeed.

Click here to listen to this track.