Soca, Calypso, Ragga Soca, Chutney Soca, Power Soca, Kaiso...
The islands of Trinidad & Tobago have a sweet sound and there are many varied strains to this genre of music that resonate from our shores. It's unlike any other music industry where artistes pump out so many tracks every year, and there are the few that hold the coveted top spot and hold claim to hit after hit, year after year.
Every few years a song comes along that gives me goosebumps. A melody and lyrics that makes us think of our shared history, our love for country and culture. Though the season is still gearing up and there may be many top songs still to be released I'm claiming "Savannah Grass" by Kes the Band to be my IT song.
I can think of a handful of songs over the years that I listen to with a certain reverence; Carnival (Destra & Machel); Bacchanal (Destra); and Possessed (Machel & Kerwin); to name some recents. Of course there are some other legendary ones, but we'll stay within the past 10-15 years.
What is the secret sauce that made me (expat living in Florida) want to drop every obligation, buy a ticket and head down to Trini and just stay, and sing and eat a food, and enjoy the sweet island life? What is it that makes us raise our hands and our voices when we hear it in a fete and sing at the top of our lungs? Whatever it is, KTB take win, y'all made a hit that hits home, tugs on our heart strings and spews an awesome gushy feeling of love and pride.
Drop a comment below and let us know which songs give you this feeling!
Wishing you all a safe, fun carnival season, with comfy shoes and some pep in yuh step :)
XOXO
Carnival Kicks
