Since the start of the carnival season, there have been many new Soca releases by the Caribbean’s finest artists. The Soca season usually heats up around this time of year due to the Carnival season. That’s right! The Carnival season has already started, and the Soca masters have been dropping fire tracks right in time for Trinidad’s Carnival, which is set to begin on Monday, March 3, and end on Tuesday, March 4, as well as Jamaica’s Carnival, which is set to begin in late April. With that being said, it’s only right that we showcase these new releases ahead of those dates so patrons are aware of the updated setlist for the new carnival season. In particular, Machel Montano has taken it upon himself to carry the season with some of the top releases of the month so far.
To start, the Soca legend got an early kickstart to the season last year by dropping bangers after bangers, and this year he follows up by giving us a taste of what’s to come in the next few weeks. Earlier last month, Machel made history by becoming the first Soca artist to grace the NPR Tiny Desk stage, and since then, he has been going even harder. Before that, he dropped one of the most unexpected collaborations with Afrobeats icon Davido called “Fling it Up.” The song was released on January 1, 2025, and is arguably the Soca anthem of the year so far. It came with a lyric video that also shows the studio session where Machel gives Davido a taste of the carnival celebration. Although Davido has some way to go before he catches the moves, the song and lyric video have gained a lot of traction, with over 700,000 views on YouTube and almost 6,000 likes despite being released just four weeks ago.
Recently, Machel released five songs along with four music videos. The music video for “Pardy” was released on January 17 and is, so far, his most-viewed song on YouTube in 2025. The track is dedicated to workers and students who work hard day and night, barely finding time to have fun. The music video showcases 9-to-5 workers and students enjoying their time off from daily activities to party and rave. As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” so what better way to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of school and work life than by celebrating the Caribbean’s biggest festival? Another highlight is the cameo appearance by one of the Caribbean’s most respected leaders, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who encourages people to celebrate and have fun after all their hard work.
“Pepper Vine” is another one of Machel’s collaborative works, featuring DJ Private Ryan, Lady Lava, Drupatee, and Jus Now. He also recently dropped visuals for “Bumpa,” which is on the Chocolate Factory Riddim, “The Truth,” and “Her Mudda” featuring Pumpa. Even though the music video for “Bumpa” was released on January 26 just under a week ago it has already amassed over 100,000 views on YouTube and nearly 200 comments from fans speculating about Machel’s private life.
Outside of that, many other Soca artists have been releasing new music and visuals, adding to the excitement of this Carnival season. With Machel leading the way, the streets will be raving to these new sounds for the next few weeks and months ahead.
