These Trinidadian natives have left their mark in an inspirational way, by unifying two islands composed of various cultures.
Soca is a genre of music consisting of African and East Indian cadences. It originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1970s by Calypso artist Lord Shorty. His inspiration for creating Soca came from his effort to revive Calypso music due to the rise of Reggae music in Jamaica. The meaning of Soca is from the term “(So)ul of (Ca)lypso.” Unifying the different cultures in Trinidad and Tobago through Soca music is something the four contemporary artists embody. By doing this, they are protecting the true meaning of why Soca essential to Trinidad and Tobago’s society. Here are the four Soca artists that are currently leaving behind a meaningful impact on Soca music.
1. Bunji Garlin
Bunji Garlin, known as the King of Soca music due to his lyrical confidence and accolades, has authentically stayed sincere to his craft. He was born in Arima, Trinidad, as Ian Anthony Alvarez and is of Saint Lucian and Venezuelan descent. The inspiration behind his stage name came from the definition of the bungee cord and the name of the gun Gatling, which is known for its powerful shots. In an interview, he continues to expand more on the meaning of his name, stating, “…no matter what they send at me, I will always bounce back.” He is a composer, performer, and prolific lyricist of Soca. He has recreated the genre known as Ragga Soca, a combination of Reggae, R&B, and Chutney music. He has dominated this genre since winning the “Ragga Soca Monarch” competition in 2000 and 2001. The majority of his time now is dedicated to mentoring upcoming Soca artists.
2. Destra Garcia
Destra Garcia is no stranger to music, considering her father, Llyod Garcia is an accomplished guitarist. She was born in Laventille, Trinidad, to French and Venezuela parents. Her biggest song to date is “It’s Carnival,” featuring Machel Montano. This song is now the anthem for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. It is also a known song to be played during Carnival in other Caribbean countries. Garcia is notorious for her unique style and mixture of Soca and American punk rock.
3. Machel Montano
Machel Montano is a well-known international Soca artist who has sold out Madison Square Garden multiple times over his 30-year career. He is born in Carenage, Trinidad, and has positively impacted society since his first single “Come Dig It” was released. His goal is to unify people all around the world through his music, while winning numerous awards throughout his career. The most notable was winning the Caribbean Song Festival in Barbados as the youngest Trinidadian to receive the award.
4. Patrice Roberts
Patrice Roberts – born in Toco, Trinidad, and the second cousin of Bunji Garlin – is a famous Soca artist. Her biggest hit, “The Islands,” is a signature song to play during Carnival. She has also become the youngest female artist in 2006 to win the Road March.
