“Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.” ― Keith Richards

Aren’t those words true? Without music our life would be so dull. I can’t imagine how one could detest such a thing that brings life, rhythm, soul and feelings into someone’s life.

Whom amongst us havent played rock music when we were upset or when we wanted to clear our head? Who hasn’t played an instrumental version of a song to find peace or who can relate to going out on weekends just to party to the best music the Caribbean has to offer – Soca!

In a short space of time, I’ve gone from not liking Soca at all to falling in love with it. From 2015 to now, a lot has changed. My career is now based in the entertainment industry and due to the fact that the love of my life is a singer, I get the best of both worlds. I see first hand how the music is created, the hard work and long studio hours and I get the chance to write about it too.

I must confess though that my music variations are huge. I love violin and violin dubstep when I’m getting dressed, I love pop music when I’m cleaning and my all-rounder is one thing I can never not play which is ‘Soca‘ (Soul of Calypso). Since it started in the 1970s, Soca has been a hit and has evolved to include more rhythms and variations from around the Caribbean.

The love for Soca in Barbados is one of the most amazing things. Music is produced on a wide scale here and the amount of talent is incredible. Trinidad is still the Soca Kingdom as Machel Montano sang in his hit song of that same name but Barbados is closely following. I’m not a local but I’ve lived here long enough to be proud of the various talents that come out of this beautiful island.

This might not be the same for others but I literally go out to events and parties to hear Soca music. It’s a reflection of us as Caribbean people so we need to embrace it.

The Crop Over season in Barbados is the best time to hear such music. The number of events held are catered to playing Soca music for its partygoers and the radio stations have a long list of Soca songs to play for the season to satisfy the locals. So much hard work goes into the producing of these songs and almost all of the songs produced come out on top. No one in Barbados can say that they’re short of music around this time.

In fact as I’m writing to you guys, I am actually listening to Soca. Here is a list of my top songs for the 2018 season that I regularly listen to or rather freak out about:

• Tiny Winey – Joaquin X Krosfyah
• Best In Me – Ian Webster
• Gyal Roll Ya – Jahmr X Don Hendricks
• Islander and One Wine – Chrissy D
• Still Jammin – Kirk Brown
• Collateral – Shaquille
• 9 (na na ni) – Jus D
• Hold on – Lil Rick
• Feting Family – Mikey

Everyone’s taste is different so embrace mine. I love music because it makes me happy. It’s always there with me when I’m sad, angry or just want something to groove to. Music is produced for those reasons and some of them can also be made to keep the memories of those that touched a soft spot in our hearts and lives but passed away. So don’t be a grumpy old cat… embrace your culture!

The Caribbean in a whole has a lot to offer. If you aren’t familiar with Soca, get educated! There are other variations of Soca I haven’t touched on but do your research and see if you like it.

Feel free to let me know what your music preferences are or your favourite Soca artiste and song.