Top ‘Groovy’ Must-Haves on Your Soca 2019 Playlist

2019 has been a great year for groovy soca, so we at CARIB VOXX have decided to compile our top groovy chunes of the season thus far. So if you’re looking for something to chip/sway to, or those songs for the perfect slow wine, we’ve got you covered.

In no particular order, here are some of our top picks for 2019:
(Also, peep the honorable mentions at the end)

V’ghn – Trouble In The Morning

This hit comes straight out of the Spice Isle of Grenada. V’ghn tells us about his encounter with a beautiful woman at a party and how much he wanted it to become an encounter at his house. (*wink*) After all, it is on the ‘Morning After’ riddim. The 22-year-old placed third with this song at the 2019 International Soca Monarch competition.

Nailah Blackman – Iron Love

Nailah teamed up with the Laventille Rhythm Section to produce this culturally rich track. The chorus is actually taken from a song called ‘Cory Iron’ by Lord Shorty, her late grandfather and the godfather of soca music. It highlights the beating of iron, a crucial part of steel bands and rhythm sections in Trinidad & Tobago. So to the non-locals, when she says “iron man”, she isn’t referring to Marvel.

Kes – Savannah Grass

It’s a song people say gets better after each listen, and to be honest it’s kinda true. It’s a beautiful, timeless track that truly embodies the feeling(s), emotions and experiences of masqueraders during Carnival. His use of ‘Savannah’ refers to the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where revelers who play mas in the capital city cross what is known as the ‘Savannah Stage’. The song placed 2nd in T&T’s 2019 Road March Competition.

Farmer Nappy – Hookin Meh

If the entire song is too much to learn, just be sure to at least know the most popular line, “…But yuh pack all meh clothes in a garbage bag!” Farmer Nappy tells us how his significant other kicked him out of the house and wants to end the relationship, but he refuses to give up without a fight. He highlights the reason(s) he doesn’t want to/can’t leave. He is hooked… kinda like V’ghn in ‘Trouble In The Morning’.

Mandella Linkz – Tombstone

Black blood in we vein! Mandella Linkz wants “Jab Jab” written on his tombstone when he dies. This track is yet another hit from Grenada. It describes some of the traits of a traditional Carnival character known as the Jab Jab. Playing Jab is more than just wearing the costume, it’s about fully portraying the character and its personality, and to some – it may even be considered a lifestyle. He claims he’s been a Jab Jab from birth. 

Swappi – Party Start

Doi doi! Meet the 2019 Groovy International Soca Monarch! In this energetic track, Swappi describes and almost transfers ALL the vibes from the party he’s attending to the listeners. It’s sure to put you in a partying and/or drinking mood. His winning performance contained a tribute to the late, legendary calypsonian The Mighty Shadow (Winston Bailey), who he calls his hero.

Blaxx – Gyal Owner

Independent ladies, this is a new anthem you should get familiar with. Blaxx explains to men that women don’t want an owner, nor do they have an owner. He thinks the woman is free to do as she pleases, and that men should stop behaving as though they have a tag on their significant other. Fun fact: This song was co-written by V’ghn. 

Teddyson John – Vent

All the way from St. Lucia is Teddyson John with ‘Vent’. He placed 2nd in the 2019 International Soca Monarch competition with this track. He expresses his dislike of those who spread rumours, speak ill of others, and above all – those who mind your business. The hook goes, “Parler, parler, parler,” which is French for ‘talk’. Recall that French Creole is widely spoken in St. Lucia. 

GBM Nutron – Practice

Practice makes perfect, right? GBM is instructing all women how to up their wining game. He wants to be sure they’re prepared “fi di work” as he puts it. The instructions are pretty simple and effective. He even sampled ‘Sugar Bum Bum’ by the legendary calypsonian Lord Kitchener. Overall, it’s a very catchy chune! 

Machel Montano x Jacob (Kassav) – Dancè

Machel teamed up with French-born Jacob Desvarieux to give us this gem. To those who aren’t too familiar with French, there are some English words in there – don’t worry. Besides, most people sing it like, “Dancè, dancè, dancè with me honey… *mumble* *more mumbling* Dancè…” anyway so you’re safe. It is a lovely fusion of soca and zouk that’s sure to get you dancing 

Holla Bak – Too Sweet

From Barbados with love. You know that feeling when you got what you thought was the best wine of your life? Right. In this smooth, lovely track, Holla Bak explains just how sweet a particular wine was. Too sweet. In fact, the cover art is honey and he even describes it as love. Can you relate?

Voice – Alive & Well

The San Juan youth is here to uplift and motivate once again. In this track, Voice tells negative and envious people, “When yuh see meh, doh see meh.” He proclaims 2019 as being his year and expresses gratitude for having life and good health. He reminds listeners to be thankful for what they have and reassures us that everything will work out in the end.

Patrice Roberts – Like It Hot

Patrice again! This chune has been resonating well with the ladies. Patrice is sending out her warning to guys, ensuring they’re prepared to take her on and “handle the hotness” that she is about to bring. The hook is infectious and you can’t help but buss a wine. So fellas, you think you can handle her?

Kerwin Du Bois – Soca Demon

Kerwin Du Bois believes that a soca demon takes over during the Carnival season. He describes it as “the real showstopper” and says you shouldn’t dare run away from its plans for you. The track is very catchy and speaks of the power of soca music and how much it can make you lose control, or rather, how much it can control you.

Nadia Batson – So Long

Is that you? Cyah believe that is you! On this track, Nadia is reunited with an old friend, but instead of just a hug, she greets him with a sweet piece ah wine! The chorus can easily get stuck in your head and was the inspiration behind many memes and jokes on social media. Can you relate, though?

Honorable Mentions

Marvay – Hit De Boy

Erphaan Alves – No Habla

Shall Marshall – Party We Love

Kerwin Du Bois – Right For Somebody

5StarAkil – Personal