Now that we’re well acquainted with what parang music is (if you aren’t, click here), an issue with the genre is that new releases don’t usually get much support. For some reason, Trinbagonians are content with listening with the same songs year after year. Maybe that’s just a limitation of seasonal music, or there are barriers from the studio to our ears. Firstly, they aren’t usually played on the radio. Secondly, there is not much promotion or even hype around new songs. People don’t wait around for new releases like they do for soca or dancehall. Many don’t even know that there’s new songs. Many don’t think new songs could ever compare to the classics. Some in the industry are even worried that parang is dying out; but we can’t let that happen, can we?
Therefore, we have compiled a list of 10 New Parang Songs to Make you Merry. Hope you enjoy it!
“Lie Lie Lie” – Rome x Destra Garcia
Soca star Destra joins with Rome, a leading voice in a new generation of parang singers on the Sweet Sorrel riddim. One of the most played new songs this year, the duet sings about a relatable topic to this generation – which gender lies more. The catchy rhythm and lyrics instantly catches your attention as you get swept up in the stories of lying in a relationship. It ends with the conclusion that “all ah we does lie”. Do you agree?
“We Parangin” – Umi Marcano x Scrunter
This track is a representation of what might be needed within the genre. Parang stalwart, Scrunter, teams up with younger soca artist, Umi Marcano to present an innovative mixture of sounds that still feels like parang. There’s undertones of soca, reggae and dancehall. Not letting a pandemic get in the way of paranging (and desire for food), their voices blend well in this innovative ode to pandemic paranging.
“Paime” – Kiegs
Kiegs chronicles his story of trying to sing parang in an industry that lacks financial support and he does it using a clever pun too – Paime pun. He talks about being asked to perform at Christmas events and having to sell paime (A Trinidadian food, pronounced “pay-me”) because they don’t want to pay him (get it?). His lyrical talent along with his storytelling rides smoothly along an infectious parang beat. You can’t not like this one.
Side note: Please pay our artists though. Pretty please.
“Cyber Parang” – RemBunction
A consistent artist over the years, RemBunction, never disappoints with clever and timely lyrics. He shows us that parang can still happen in cyberspace – “the internet is your private jet / come hop on board and join a fete”. By the end of the song, you might feel the urge to call your friends on Zoom and have a parang lime.
“Ah Not Eating” – Bongo Spear
We all can relate to refusing to eat food that either looks or smells bad so I’m sure we could join with Bongo Spear and shout “ah eh eating nothing that smellin’ so!” A man of all genres, Bongo Spear, sings about a funny smell from his friend’s house during a Christmas lime. The tracks makes you laugh while you sway to the music.
“Diaz” – Wilky
Wilky reminds us to “stop playing Diaz” in another pun-infused but catchy tune. It’s essentially social commentary on contradictions in the enforcement of COVID-19 regulations, persons not following proper pandemic protocol and other incidents that occurred in Trinidad and Tobago this year. A groovy song with a message. What more can we ask for?
“Parang Sou Sou” – Bass AKA Trilo-G
The “sou sous” (also called “boxhand” in some territories) that aren’t actually sou sous has been a huge part of 2020 in Trinidad and Tobago. So, it’s no surprise that it made it to a parang. Playing on the name of the infamous “Drugs Sou Sou”, Bass AKA Trilo-G sings about what a parang-themed sou sou would look like. Instead of investing money, invest food and drinks to get food and drinks as payout. The song is fun and the beat will have you tapping your feet in no time.
“Presha!” – Keevo
Comedian Keevan ‘Keevo’ Lewis, lavishes his musical talents on us on this groovy track that tells a series of stories about persons he lent money to people under “presha” (pressure); they can’t pay him back but he sees them making exorbitant purchases. Now he’s under “presha” because he too has bills to pay and mouths to feed. I’m assuming you see why he’s a successful comedian after listening to this one.
“North Pole Notice” – Mistah Shak
Mistah Shak is delivering a very important message this season. It may make the kids sad but reminds us that Santa Claus is human, too. Unfortunately, Santa cannot deliver gifts this year because he does not want to catch the COVID-19. He sings, “Doh look for Santa this Christmas / Santa doh want no coronavirus”. Looks like Santa is taking social distancing more seriously than most of the world.
“Parang Meh House” – Exdee
Exdee calls for listeners to parang his house with health protocols, of course. Another song referencing the current pandemic, he reiterates that the parang must go on! The track will have you dancing, washing your hands and reaching for a guitar all at once.
