Soca Gold 2019

Soca music has become synonymous with joy, laughter and good times and VP Records is proud to present the soundtrack for that with the 2019 edition of Soca Gold. Out June 21st, the compilation features some of the best soca songs of the season. The two-disc CD set includes 17 tracks on Disc 1 and a Soca Gold 2019 Mega-Mix by Team Soca- DJ Spice on Disc 2.

This year, Soca Gold adds new dimensions to the famed compilation series, with two key partnerships; RJR Communications Group Jamaica and FITBK Fitness Movement. Soca

Gold Live - Montego Bay is a live performance showcase to be broadcast over RETV Jamaica on June 22, 2019. This two-hour live broadcast will be streamed via VP Records YouTube channel to key markets during viewing/ launch parties. The Montego Bay event is a new step into travel and tourism, tapping into the ’island hopping’ trend within the classic Caribbean Carnival culture. This is following the inaugural show for the VP Records “Strictly The Best Live” that was done in Montego Bay in January of this year.

The FITBK troupe (a NYC based group of certified fitness instructors of Caribbean Heritage) will stage a ‘come along’ to participate in the festivities on June 22nd. After the project launch, the organization will host multiple themed events as part of their Coney Island Soca Explosion (held on consecutive Saturdays in July and August).

This year’s album features the hottest songs from the most recent Trinidad Carnival including Kes “Savannah Grass” and “Issa Snack” by Nessa Preppy X Travis World. Two tracks; “My Sweet Sweet Woman” by Tony Prescott (out April 19th) and Sean Caruth “Come Inside” (out April 26th) were exclusively commissioned for the compilation. Other standout tracks include “Marc” by Fay-Ann Lyons, “Brace Up” by Machel Montano and the popular track “Funky Business” by Fimba. Tracks from Soca Gold can be heard at carnivals in St. Vincent, New York, Baltimore/DC, Toronto, London and more.

“Every year, Soca becomes more and more recognized by the masses as a genre of music that brings joy and happiness to so many people.” said Edwin Howell, A&R at VP Records and Program Director for Reggae King Radio. “I am proud of this year’s set of songs as they represent what is trending right now with new and classic artists that make good music for carnival and beyond,” he concluded.

Soca Gold 2019 TRACKLIST

Disc 1
1. Savanah Grass - Kes The Band
2. Marc - Fay-Ann Lyons
3. Brace Up - Machel Montano
4. Issa Snack - Nessa Preppy X Travis World
5. Trouble In The Morning - V’Ghn
6. Rag Storm (feat. 3 Canal) - Super Blue
7. Water Blessings - Iwer George
8. Funky Business - Fimba
9. Soca Land - Jamesy P
10. Vent - Teddyson John X Intl Stephen
11. My Sweet Sweet Woman - Tony Prescott
12. Come Inside – Sean Caruth
13. Cyan Function - Rikki Jai
14. Wine After Wine - Hypasounds
15. Manager - Jus D
16. Feting Family - Mikey
17. Pull It Up - Ricky T

Best of the Best Concert 2019 is Almost Here !!!

With much anticipation, Best of the Best Music Concert (BOTB) has made their first announcement for their 13th annual staging. The premiere Caribbean summer concert returns to Bayfront Park, in Miami Florida. The promoters of Best of the Best Concert are pleased to announce a cast of some of Reggae / Dancehall and Soca most electrifying artists for this year staging. Set to be held on Sunday May 26^th, 2019 organizers have put together a historic line up paying tribute to 90s dancehall.

“Every year we look to celebrate Caribbean music and this year is no different. We decided to carve out an era, which so many of us love and reminisce on all the time. This era was ground breaking for dancehall and reggae music in many ways and that is the 90s era. We had some of our biggest artist in dancehall during the 90s era many of them still reign today. Therefore, we decided to pay homage to 90s dancehall, with some of the hit makers of them time. Not to mention for the first time in America The Emperor Shabba Ranks and Don DaDa Super Cat will be sharing the same stage in the United States” says Steve ‘Jabba’ Beckford co-promoter of Best of the Best.

As one of the premier concerts for dancehall and reggae music outside of Jamaica, and celebrating their 13th anniversary, on Monday March 25^th Best of the Best Music Concert made their first artist line up announcement. The lineup reflects a 90s theme with some of the newest sensation in dancehall like Noah Powa who had a stellar 2018. Noah Powa, who for many is known as a selector has embarked on a musical career, which is garnering a new fanbase with his relatable hits like, ‘Keep the Same Energy’, ‘Feel it’ and his recent collaboration with Grammy Award winner Shaggy ‘Money Up’.  Performing on the Best of the Best stage as an artist for the first time Noah Powa is definitely pleased with his career and acknowledgement by the promoters and fans. “I have received a tremendous outpour of love and excitement from my fans since the announcement, and persons are messaging me letting me know they are looking forward to see my performance. It’s a great feeling to know the work is finally paying off and I will be one of the acts on this mega stage show” says Noah Powa.

Confirmed are Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Bushman, Frisco Kid, General Degree, General B and Round Head, all artist have mega hits and anthems from the 90s, which brings forth an enjoyable recollection of the past when their songs are played or performed. The rareness of having all these acts on one concert bill, is something many fans are excited about and looking forward to. “I recall living in Jamaica during the 90s and the stage show vibes were always so energetic and full of entertainment. An artist like Frisco Kid, who is still one of my favorite artist from that era, had so many hits from he enter the stage, I am looking forward to this show. Not to mention the Emperor and the Don DaDa Supercat on the same stage, history” says Alecia McKintosh of Tampa, Florida.   

 “Also a remarkable year for Soca music we had to book one of the three (3) road march winners of this year’s Trinidad carnival, Skinny Fabulous out of St Vincent, with the big bad song Famalaay” says Steven ‘Jabba’ Beckford.

With another artist lineup slated for late April, Best of the Best promoters are pleased with the initial response to their announcement.  “For the past few months the Best of the Best office has received numerous emails and messages from patrons, many of whom purchased their early bird tickets without even knowing the lineup. Upon the release of the lineup we have definitely seen and increase in ticket sales and social media buzz, surrounding this show” says publicist for Best of the Best Ronnie Tomlinson.

For over a decade, Best of the Best Music Concert has developed a destination getaway to Miami for people from around the globe to enjoy; great company, music and live performances from some of the top artists of the Caribbean. Fans of BOTB not only enjoy a mega music festival on Sunday May 26, 2019, but they get an entire weekend dedicated to producing the "best" events during Miami Memorial Day weekend.

Tickets are currently on sale and flights are quite low right now to Miami right now, making this a good time to plan a getaway with your family and friends. For more information log onto www.bestofthebestconcert.com. 

Organization of Calypso Performing Artists Presents: Calypsoca The Evolution in Toronto!

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) puts the genres Calypso and Soca front and centre on Sunday July 29^th, 2018 as they present Calypsoca Extravaganza 2018 - The Evolution.  

Produced in time for Toronto’s Carnival season that many refer to as CARIBANA™, the event features a performance from the 2018 Calypso King of Trinidad and Tobago, and second runner-up Mr. Helon Francis, as well as performances from reigning Calypso Monarch of Canada, Connector, and Rondel Donawa.  Making the evening additionally exceptional will be a full performance from Macomere FiFi, the most winning female Calypsonian in Canadian history.  Her catalog is widely known making her one of the most in-demand artists by fans.

Regarding the show, OCPA President Macomere FiFi recently spoke to media, including The Caribbean Camera who is a sponsor of the show, saying “this show really brings together Calypso and Soca.  One speaks to the politics of the day, and the other speaks to the ‘jump up’ factor in our culture.  We are lucky to have some of the best artists in each genre join us for a memorable night in Toronto!”

In addition to the above-named artists will be appearances by Canadian Calypso Monarchs  Guney Cedeno and Structure.  Miguel Maestre and Naki complete the cast.  Artists will be backed by Ossie Gurley and The Truth, and the show will be hosted by The Crooner.

Doors open at 5pm and showtime is 6pm.  Venue location is Sts. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall – 231 Milner Avenue (Scarborough).  Tickets are available at ticketgateway.com and select ticket outlets in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).

About The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA):

OCPA began as the Calypso Association of Canada.  It is the foremost organization dedicated to advancing the calypso art form and its derivatives in Canada.  It has provided a platform for calypso artists and crowned many monarchs in its thirty-seven year history.  Among these are Connector, Macomere FiFi, King Cosmos, Beginner, Structure, Pan Man Pat, Jayson, Redman, Dennis James, Skippy and Victorio.

The Significance of Fayann Lyons ‘Break the World.’

In a world where mixtapes are composed of a DJs interpretation of the hottest released music, and playlists are compiled based on a music fans favorite songs, some might be tempted to think that an album is no longer necessary, until you understand the significance of Fayann Lyons album entitled ‘Break The World.’

Moving away from the standard practice of releasing singles which a fan would have to manually assemble in one place, Fayann’s body of work houses some of the hottest Soca chunes that require nothing else than to press ‘play’ on your audio device.  A Soca album is as rare today as getting doubles, roti and alopie from a food truck on the streets of Toronto, which is why Break the World is significant.

16 tracks with catchy lyrics and up tempo music greet Fayann’s fans.  Songs like “Buff” featuring Buffy, “Break the World” and “Drift” standout.  On the latter, Fayann gives advice of what to do when people get in your way and are trying to block your progress; just drift.  Securing her point, she sings “don’t make me send fih dih jab” which is doubled in meaning: a jab referring to boxing, and a jab referring to ‘jab-jab’ as in the sub-genre of Soca.  The track “Everybody Joli” is especially infectious featuring Bunji Garlin, and has a wicked horn section.  If you’re immersed in Trini culture, you know how important horns are to Calypso, so keeping this tradition in Soca is refreshing.  Trini culture has touches of French influence
hence the title and French word play within the song.  

A favorite track by far is “Girls.”  This infectious track is classified as groovy Soca and celebrates all the things that are attractive about women!  “When the girls look good yes the boys they come around….”  In an unofficial sense the track speaks to the unity amongst women and our strength and magnetism.  We are the glue that brings and holds everything together!  

If you’re looking for music for your Soca 2017 season (February to October), then Fayann Lyons delivers everything you need with Break The World (VP Records).  Your favorite DJ is playing it on the radio, your friends have it programmed on their playlist, now you need to add it to your listening device!

Get it here:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/break-the-world/id1207331237

Fayann Lyons will be performing August 5^th in Toronto at Carnival Kingdom.  Follow her

on social media so you never miss an announcement @fayannlyons

Soca Season is Now So Run the “Girls” with Fayann Lyons!

Soca Season is officially upon us, and the anthem for this season is “Girls” by Fayann Lyons!  Consistently requested by fans and played by every Soca DJ / Selector at parties, Boat Cruises and Carnivals, the sweetness of the ‘Girls’ riddim is ruled by the Queen Fayann!

There is nothing men like to see more than the sweetest women having the sweetest time, whining to a sweet chune, and “Girls” is it.  Where the hot girls are, there the hot boys
will be too!

Produced by Jus Now and co-produced by DJ Fresh from the UK, “Girls” went worldwide so fast that Fayann had to bring visual to audio by releasing the music video which is racking up views like #The6ix (I hope you caught that inside joke)!

If you don’t have a copy of this chune, you can get it from iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/break-the-world/id1207331237

Get Ready! Big Bumpa Season with TIFA ft. Fayann In Full Effect!

It is officially Carnival season and TIFA, as well as Fayann Lyons are going above and beyond to make sure that Fans, Radio Jocks and Live Event DJs have the sweetest music to play.  Their collaboration is so sweet, they just about guarantee every "Big Bumper" gyal will be on the dancefloor, and every "Big Bumper" loving man will be right behind them!

The Refix, produced by Birchill Records (which adds to his original Moskato Riddim released April, 2016), was officially released this week, and already Socafiles are offering feedback saying the chune "shat!"  The Remix has a faster BPM and is complimented with Fayann's vocals.

Fayann calls ladies to the dancefloor with:  "big bumpa gyal start wine like if yuh program
/ move like ah big ship inna dih ocean / all dem ah talk there is no emotion / gih dem wine...." TIFA coralls fluffy ladies adding "take dih miggle an roll up yuh bumpa / no flat tire gyal yuh well plump up / steer dih truck wid dih back dump up...."

Woiiiiiiieeeeeeeee!  Fire to mix up the ladies right here!

Loving how Birch made the piano prominent by using a simple chord structure to drive ladies to wine.  If you don't play this chune, it's ONLY because you don't play Soca, and that's cool, but when you hit the road, you've got to spin this chune!

Stream it on SoundCloud here >>> https://soundcloud.com/itsthetifa/tifa-x-fayann-lyons-big-bumper-soca-remix

HOTTT New Dancehall-Soca ►►► Tifa – Nah Play Wid It!

Greetings! 

One of the best female artists on the Dancehall circuit is Dancehall Diva Tifa!  Not only does Tifa have a slew of releases designed to keep her fans moving, she also has a catalog that keeps her on the stage for more than an hour, and her show is well rounded which includes Dancehall, Reggae and Soul performances! 

Tifa’s latest release, “Nah Play Wid It” comes from the Girl Segment Riddim produced by ZJ Ice for Thirty Six Degrees Productions, and we hear our Diva ride this riddim, which is Dancehall fused with Soca, so neatly, nothing is left out of place.  Tifa Sing-jay’s “yes waist line full ah wire me ah bend it up so / back it up – back it up down pon dih floor / den me bubble two time den me bring it up slow / woi / go deh mih gyal / go dih go-go / tek dih floor / me ah put on a show / dis yah gyal nah deady-deady / me nah see no john crow / twist up mih body like me ah Tybo / den mih ben down stucky and fling it dung low….”  Madd! 

Musically, if you’re looking for an updated riddim to take you to a Soca segment, or bring you out of a Soca segment, this chune and this riddim is for you!  Tifa doesn’t disappoint and through this song, opens the gateway for more Soca releases and or Soca collaborations … versatility is her middle name! 

Broadcasting in amplified sound, catch Tifa, and her latest chune “Nah Play Wid It,” performed on the Girl Segment Riddim produced by ZJ Ice for Thirty Six Degrees Productions at the links below. 

P.S.  Connect with Team Tifa on Twitter >>>

@tifamusic | @HeadlineJamaica | @L3Magazine 

For bookings, contact Jerome Hamilton via Headline Entertainment >>> Jerome@headlinejamaica.com  



HOTTT New Soca! Patrice Roberts – Ah Little Wine!

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival season is here and Soca enthusiasts around the world are excited!  This is the season that determines which chunes beat on the road for Carnival festivals around the world.  One young lady will be busy worldwide for the entire year and it’s all because she gave you “Ah Little Wine!” 

Patrice Roberts teams with Fryktion on the Spanish Fly Riddim for this HOTTT Soca chune which is as heated as her Supermodel looks!  Patrice sings:  “everybody / wine on somebody now / take a wine / everybody / wine on somebody now / a little wine never hurt nobody …  / inside dih fete / having a time / drinks in your head / it’s time to unwind / time to free up and time to let go ….”  Kaboom! 

Just picture Patrice performing this chune on stage and 10’s of thousands of people moving with her in unison!  Madd!  You’ll have the chance to see it when you tune in to hear her compete as a finalist in the Groovy Soca Monarch competition to be held on February 8^th, 2013 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium!  Go Patrice!

P.S.  Connect with the Team on Twitter >>>

@PatriceRMusic | @Titanvcd | @Sparkiebaby | @L3Magazine

https://soundcloud.com/#natashas-music-box/patrice-roberts-a-little-wine