Re-releases of soca classics with a feature by a contemporary soca artist - that was definatly the trend of last year’s Trini soca season. We had a rework of Rudder’s “The Hammer” with Destra and of course “Lorraine” by Explainer, with a feature by Bunji Garlin.
But it seems that this trend will head on: Calypso Rose just released a rework of her “More Tempo” with roadmarch king Shurwayne Winchester, and Machel announced a new version of Mighty Trini’s “Curry Tabanca”. Plus we have a new phenomenon: Bunji Garlin and David Rudder are working on a brand new collaboration called “Sheila”, which will be part of the musical ” The Brand New Lucky Diamond Horseshoe Club”. Rudder announced that he will release a 7-track soundtrack for the musical.
[more info at Trinidad Express | Photo by Triniwebdiva]
Archive for November, 2005
Trinidad & Tobago is seeing the high murder rate ever (over 320 till January). The crime rate is enormous, and a series of bombings by extremists let the outside viewer doubt in the stability of the political system. All these things have seen almost no reflection in the soca music. But there has been a lot of promotion for crime and badman behavior, influenced by Jamaican dancehall DJs.
Last season we had Maximus Dan’s anti-gun tune ‘Order’. So what’s up for the 2006 season? Bunji Garlin, head of the ragga soca genre, now declared that he will stop doing badman and pro-crime lyrics. As a proof of concept he released his new song ‘Lick down’.
Hopefully more artists will recognize their responsibility and follow the trend.
[Trinidad Express]
Soca artist Shammi, famous for the “Soca Bhangra” tune with Bunji Garlin, is working on new material. Some of his new tunes will be heard this carnival. Other productions lead to the international market: His work with King Heartbeat Productions is being released in Japan next month and there is interest from a producer in Poland to do some collaborative work and distribution.
Get your free Shammi tune now [mp3/3,2MB]
Shivonne Church aka Lil’ Bitts celebrated her 21st birthday with a launch of her new website JusBitts.com. After a gala dinner with guests like Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons, Kernel Roberts and more she officially launched her new site.
[Trinidad Guardian]
