History of Soca Music

The soca, a type of upbeat dance music native to Trinidad and Tobago, is often confused with calypso, or a as a combination of soul and calypso. While the soca was developed as a form of calypso, it stands on its own as a unique genre of world music today.

The Father of Soca

Trinidad native Garfield Blackman, more commonly referred to as "Lord Shorty", is widely acknowledged as the creator of soca. His 1973 hit "Indrani" is the usually thought of as the first soca in a time when reggae was slowly overtaking calypso in terms of popularity.

Eager to reinvent the genre, Lord Shorty combined elements of the calypso with Indian instruments like the tabla, resulting in an energetic and exciting new style.

The word "soca" is a combination of "soul" and "calypso", not because soca is a fusion of the two, but because Lord Shorty referred to soca as "the soul of calypso music."

The Development of Soca

 While soca lyrics initially followed calypso and reggae by way of social commentary, the tunes became increasingly sexual in nature. As soca grew to be more associated with Trinidad's Carnival, the songs became more risque, with thinly veiled references to sexual acts and alcohol, among other things.

This new direction for soca was not embraced by Lord Shorty, who moved on to create a new style of gospel and soca, called jamoo. Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts), an already accomplished calypsonian, is most credited with advancing soca to the genre it is today.Soca music is primarily for dancing, and the lyrics often encourage "wining" and "grinding". The soca is characterized by the driving rhythm section. A typical soca band includes drums, bass, guitar, synthesizer, horns, and steel drums.

International Soca Hits

The most famous internationally known socas today are "Hot Hot Hot" by Arrow (1982) and "Who Let the Dogs Out" as recorded by The Baha Men in 1998. Other well-known hits include "Sweet Soca Music" by Sugar Daddy, "Raggamuffin" by Square One, and "Turn Me On" by Kevin Lyttle.

Even with these hits, soca remains to have an enormous impact on internationally popular music today. However, many artists continue to work at pushing the genre into the global spotlight.

Soca Music In the 21st Century

The soca is the primary style of music heard during Carnival in Trinidad, and is the basis for the steel band arrangements played during the Panorama Steel Band Competition.

One of the most prolific soca composers and musicians today is Machel Montano, a Trinidad native whose band Xtatik is one of the most popular soca bands in the world. Other famous soca artists include Superblue, Shadow, and Alison Hinds, who is referred to as "the Queen of Soca."

Reference: http://michelle-schusterman.suite101.com/the-history-of-soca-music-a128982

History of Reggae Music

Reggae music is musical genre which is a result of the evolution and development of several other musical genres and styles. Although it is strongly influenced by Afro-Caribbean music and American R&B, reggae music primarily originated from the progressive developments of rocksteady and ska back in the 1960s in Jamaica. Bob Marley, a popular reggae musician, said that the term reggae came from the Spanish term for “the king’s music”. Today, reggae music continues to be a significant influence on many other genres such as black music, soul music and chillout music.

The distinguishing characteristic of reggae music would be a heavy and back-beated rhythm. This means that the emphasis of the beat would be on the second and fourth beat in a 4/4 time. This backbeat is actually a general characteristic of most African-based musical compositions and cannot be found in traditional Asian or European music. Another characteristic of reggae music would be an emphasis on the third beat in 4/4 time done through a kick on the bass drum. As for its harmony, reggae music often has a simple one; sometimes an entire song would have just one or two chords. Because of the simple and repetitive chord structures of reggae music, it has been sometimes described to have a hypnotic effect to the listener.

The lyrics of reggae music could somewhat be difficult to understand, as they are typically English-based but have a distinct Jamaican dialect. The common themes of the song lyrics of reggae music are usually associated with various subjects including relationships, love, religion, peace, sexuality, injustice and poverty. There are also some reggae songs with lyrics that attempt to elevate the political awareness of the audience through criticizing materialism, or through informing listeners about controversial topics like Apartheid. Some common socio-political topics which are also used in reggae songs would be Black Nationalism, anti-colonialism, anti-racism and anti-capitalism. Most reggae lyrics also reflect the traditions and beliefs of Rastafarianism, which is a religion practiced by the most famous reggae musicians of the world.

Reggae music has several subgenres. Here are some of them.

1. Skinhead reggae

Skinhead reggae originated in the late 1960s, when several reggae artists started targeting their lyrics and music to skinheads. Its difference from rocksteady would be that it has a slightly faster beat which is done by the drummer making use of the hi-hat, lower mixing of the bass, heavy organ lines and the electronic double rhythm guitar stroke. Some skinhead reggae artists would include Toots & the Maytals, John Holt, and The Pioneers and Symarip.

2. Roots reggae

Roots reggae is a spiritual subgenre of reggae, with lyrics that are mainly about praising Jah or the God of Rastafarianism. Some of the other lyrical themes of roots reggae would include poverty as well as resistance to government oppression. Most of the songs of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh are under this subgenre.

3. Dub

This subgenre of reggae involves an extensive remixing of recorded material. It is also distinguished by the emphasis on the drum and the bass line. Two of the early proponents of dub music would be Mikey Dread and Augustus Pablo.

4. Lovers Rock

With lyrics that are often about love, lovers rock is a subgenre of reggae that originated back in the mid-1970s in South London. In many ways, it is similar to rhythm and blues.

5. Dancehall

This genre was developed back 1980 and has a style which is characterized by a DJ singing and rapping over raw and fast rhythms.

6. Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a combination of reggae and dancehall music, which gained popularity among young Latinos during the early 1990s.

Today, reggae music continues to be one of the more popular musical genres appreciated by a wide range of listeners throughout the world.

Reference:

http://www.reggaemovement.com/rm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=16

Jamaica

Brief History and Contemporary Information of Jamaica:

Jamaica is located along the Atlantic Ocean, south of Cuba, along the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica’s first year of colonial contact was in 1494. The original colonial power was the Spanish. Jamaica gained their independence on August 6, 1962, from the British. The official language of Jamaica is English and patois which is Jamaican Creole.

Evelyn Debrah

The traditional Jamaican dish is ‘Saltfish & Ackee’, for more information on how to make saltfish and ackee, check out the video posted below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EylEkVXOgPs 

One musical artist associated with Jamaica is Bob Marley. Marley is considered as one of the originators of reggae music. One song that has made a lasting impact is ‘Trench Town Rock’, to listen, check out the video posted below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INHVcFFt-a0

Trinidad & Tobago

Brief History and Contemporary Information of Trinidad & Tobago:

Trinidad & Tobago are Caribbean countries that lye off the coast of South America. Their year of first colonial contact was in 1498 by Christopher Columbus. They were later colonized by the British in 1797 and Britain took final possession of Tobago in 1803.

Trinidad’s date of independence was August 31, 1962, from the British to join British Common Wealth. The primary language of Trinidad & Tobago is English. As of 2011, Trinidad & Tobago’s estimated population is 1,227,505 people.

                                                                                                Alexis Rountrea

One popular food that is made and eaten in Trinidad is Pelau. For more information and how to make Pelau, check out the video posted. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC_rPfus7Q8

One musical artist associated with Trinidad & Tobago is Machel Montano. Montano is known for his influential songs of Soca and Calypso. One song by Montano is ‘One More Time’, for lyrics and to catch the soca vibe, check out the video posted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWDJHLBnf7I

Haiti

Brief History and Contemporary Information of Haiti:

Haiti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Haiti’s year of first colonial contact was in 1492, by Christopher Columbus. The original colonial powers were the Spanish. Their date of independence was January 1^st, 1804, from the French. The languages spoken in Haiti are French, Creole, English and Spanish.

As of July 2012, the Haiti population is estimated to be 9,801,664.

Adjoavi Edoh

One food associated with Haiti is ‘Red Beans & Rice’, for information on how to make this dish, check out the video below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4vyh56dMWQ

One musical artist associated with Haiti is Wyclef Jean. Jean is recognized for his influential songs on Haiti. One song by Wyclef is ‘Hold On’, to listen, check out the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAqGcMysFkU

Guyana

Brief History and Contemporary Information of Guyana:

Guyana is a Caribbean country located in South America.  Guyana’s year of first colonial contact took place in the 1600’s, approximately around 1616. The original colonial power was the Dutch. Guyana received their independence on May 26^th, 1966, from Britain. Guyana is a very diverse country; the primary language spoken is English and Guyanese creole but there are numerous other languages spoken in Guyana. These languages are: “Portuguese, Saint Lucian Creole French, Urdu, Chinese, Akawaio, Arawak, Atorada, Berbice Creole Dutch, Caribbean, Hindustani, Macushi, Mapidian, Mauayana, Patamona, Pemon, Skepi Creole Dutch, Waiwai, Wapishana and Warao”. As of July 2011, there was an estimate of 744, 768 individuals living in Guyana.

                                                                                                Natasha Lewis

Popular Food Associated With Guyana

One popular food that is made and eaten in Guyana is Curry Chicken. For more information and how to make Curry Chicken, check out the video posted

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76YV15Ani3g



International Artist Born In Guyana

One musical artist born in Guyana is Eddy Grant. Grant is an international sensation that is associated with the genres of soca, calypso, and reggae. One reggae song that Eddy produced is titled ‘War Party’, to listen, check out the video posted below.

Music- Eddy Grant: Song- War Party



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh1nUaSd-OI

Barbados

Brief History and Contemporary Information of Barbados:

            Barbados is a Caribbean country located along the Atlantic coast. Barbados date of first colonial contact was May 14th 1625. The original colonial powers were the British. They achieved their independence on November 30, 1966, from England. The primary language spoken is English and the African dialect.  Their estimated population is 277,000 people.

                                                                                                Susan Weekes

One food associated with Barbados is ‘Cou Cou’, for more information and how to make Cou Cou, check out the video posted. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ98GWe3Cb0

One musical artist associated with Barbados is Rupee. Rupee is known for his impact on soca in Barbados. One song by Rupee is’ I Am a Bajan, to listen; check out the video posted below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3tUWAsbCgQ

Introduction

Caribbean islands have become mixtures of cultures from Europe, Africa, and India, as well as from the original inhabitants of the islands. Caribbean countries are diverse due to its people and cultural practices. Important symbolisms of culture in the Caribbean are: music, food, clothing, and lifestyle. This blog will encompass brief histories of the Caribbean countries: Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago. Along with the history, popular food dishes and musical artists in relation to the country is examined.