Soca is a modern form of calypso with an up-tempo beat. Soca music originated as a fusion of calypso with Indian rhythms, thus combining the musical traditions to the two major ethnic groups of Trinidad and Tobago. Innovative Montserrat singer Arrow did much to popularize soca internationally with his 1983 number one soca classic Hot Hot Hot. Soca has continued to grow and evolve giving rise to offshoots such as ragga soca and the increasingly popular chutney soca. Today soca is the definitive indigenous musical form associated with the Eastern Caribbean. Thanks, Lord Shorty.

The roots of modern Jamaican music can be found in the sound systems of the 1950’s. Reggae music is a Jamaican style of music that has roots in African music and rhythm and blues, or early rock and roll. Reggae songs are usually about social issues, politics and the Rastafarian religion, an African religion that many Jamaicans follow. An early form of reggae was ska music. Ska is a faster, upbeat style of music that was influenced by the New Orleans rhythm and blues music heard on U.S. radio stations in Jamaica. Reggae music characteristics include offbeat syncopation, upstroke guitar strums and chanting lyrics. Bob Marley and the Wailers became a well-known reggae group in the 1970s. They helped to spread reggae music internationally.

The steeldrum (pan) is the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago developed in the late 1930's. The pan is the only original non-electronic musical instrument invented in the twentieth century. Today the pan is very much part of the carnival mosaic from Panorama, Pan on the Road to Bomb Tune competitions for the best playing steelband (panside) with respect to it tune selection. The three basic types of pan are tenor pans that play melody, rhythm pans that play harmony, and bass pans. A steelband can play a wide range of music which include, soca, calypso, classical, rock, reggae, jazz, pop, latin and rhythm and blues.

Caribbean Beat in the Exchange
By Trudy Turner, Turner & Associates

The Exchange came alive with the heat of the islands this past July when more than 4,000 people packed Old Market Square for a full weekend of hot sights, sounds and tastes. The second annual Soca Reggae Fest was held this past July 13-15th.

For starters, local bands Paradize, Kool Runnin’s, Rockalypso and Jah Vibes got the crowd up off their feet. Calypso Monarchs Winston and Charlo added some solo flavour with their smooth sounds, while DJ Bunny and Stamina ensured the music didn’t stop even between sets and Bubba B from Flava 107.9 kept the show going with unending enthusiasm.

Reggae fans were astounded by the young Eggs, who traveled from Barbados and possessed incredible talent. Eggs’ members range from 10 to 16 years old, and were lead by Casius Clay – an entertainer who showcased not only an amazing voice, but also balanced a 16’ stepladder on his chin. The flavours of the Caribbean were provided in the beverage tent by a selection of island-made refreshments from Angostura and Carib beer. Delicious island delicacies – some hot, some not - tempted all palates and were served by Caribbean Spice. For those in the mood to shop, island souvenirs, clothing, and handmade jewellery were available.

Each day featured a grand finale of entertainment from Barbados, Trinidad and Edmonton. Lolita Limbo Queen enthralled audiences by shimmying under a flaming bar just inches off the stage floor. Souljah Fyah captivated audiences with their incredible music and lively performance style. Headliner act Leon Coldero treated audiences to a show every night of the event. Things got really hot when he treated onlookers to his incredible “whining” - an island dance where only the hips move while the body remains still. At the end of the night, Leon had everyone dancing, cheering and screaming for more.

Held for the first time in the Exchange District BIZ, the Second Annual Soca Reggae Fest was a huge success. Organizers are excitedly looking forward to next year’s hot and spicy show.