My Favourite Soca Songs of 2022
Hi! I’m back with another blog post. Granted this post is light on the photos but I’m just happy to resume being consistent here again. Today is Carnival Monday in Trinidad & Tobago, granted our famous street masquerades are absent and Carnival lovers are understandably sad about that. Nonetheless, although many Soca songs are written with the street parades in mind, like last year, the genre’s artistes have released some really good music despite pandemic related restrictions. That music has helped to ease my tabanca for mas & home and cope with the crises occurring in the world.
It dawned on me that I missed doing my annual Soca round-up in 2021. I couldn’t let that happen again. So keep reading for the list of my favourite Soca songs for the year. You can click each title to listen to the respective song on Youtube or here for the playlist I’ve created on Spotify.
Out & bad - Voice
Voice always brings the vibes so I’m kicking things off with a big tune by the San Juan youth man. When I heard this song for the first time, my pores rose. I played it ten times straight. It is a sample of Lord Kitchener’s song Brooklyn Woman and in my opinion, Voicey did the legend’s song justice while making something fresh. I can’t wait to hear it on steel-pan!
Do We Ting - Lord Nelson & Kes
This collaboration is a tremendous blessing. Lord Nelson is a living legend of T&T. To hear him sing with Kes, a member of the art-form’s new vanguard fills me with joy. The 90 year old icon sounds so robust and vibrant and I like how Kes brings his magic but gives the elder room to do his thing on the track. It sits on the threshold between Calypso and Soca. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall while they were creating this in the studio.
Find A Way - Lyrikal
I’m a sucker for Soca songs that have a long time/old school vibe so I’m loving this Lyrikal number. It is also an ideal J’Ouvert morning or slow tempo Carnival song when you need a little break from the fast pace selections. It’s groovy and good for chipping behind the truck.
Dingolay - Nadia Blackman & Mical Teja
The Soca princess teamed up with talented, young songwriter Mical Teja for a groovy song that will compel you to dance. (Btw, for non Trinis, dingolay is a Trini word meaning to dance or boogie ;) The song is smooth like Angostura rum. Pour a drink and grab your bae for a wine.
Jolene - Kes
This song is an ode to sweet Caribbean women and mangoes. It makes me excited to be back home in a bathing suit or flowy dress basking in tropical sunshine and island life. Also, the video is so cute. This is yet another Kes song that perfectly captures Caribbean goodness.
Jelly - Nadia Batson
Speaking of artistes who capture Caribbean joie de vivre, Nadia Batson is back with her trademark sweet and sassy combination. I adore Nadieee. She is a boss song writer and is one of my besties in my head. Lol. Anyway, her new offering is a love song Trini style : light hearted, sensual and seasoned with a little innuendo.
Mash Up - Blaxx
First let me say, I think Blaxx is immensely underrated. He has been a pillar in the industry for decades and has mentored many young Soca artistes. Yes, his style is on the mature side and lends well to brass instruments in the manner of classic Soca performances but that’s not to say it’s devoid of energy. It’s just not the jump and wave style. This is grown people’s music.
Maddest Crew - Machel Montano
Just when you think Machel has retired, he hits you with a big, bad song that makes it clear he still has IT. I have to admit though it is hard hearing this song and knowing that I will not be in the streets of T&T breaking lose to it. Fingers crossed, we will all be able to do so next year. I need to be getting on mad to the “one piece” rhythm during J’Ouvert.
One Dance - Lyrikal
Lyro has two songs on this list. What can I say? The rasta man has the touch. He has a way of concocting jams that are so casually infectious and this sexy, fun number is a prime example. Also, I would be remiss to not acknowledge the kompa-ness of this song. (Big up to all Haitians!) I can’t wait to groove to it in somebody’s fête. In the meanwhile I’ll be enjoying it at home.
mind My Business - Patrice Roberts
I could not compile this list and not include this song. It has taken social media by storm - doling out sage advice, the ditty has become a favourite for Reels and TikTok videos. The anthem has underscored how infectious Soca is and emphasized that Patsy is the reigning Queen of Soca.
Well, that’s it dahlins.I hope that you enjoyed this round-up of my favourite Soca songs for this year so far. Let me know what you think about them in the comment section below. Happy Carnival!
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