Influenced by African and Asian Indian rhythms - its a genre of music originating from Trinidad and Tobago.

Lord Shorty is acknowledged as its originator in the early 70’s -as an alternative to Jamaican reggae and soul and funk in the USA.

The fusing of calypso and Asian Indian rhythms solidified a unique genre that has evolved since the 70’s - but is still very popular today in Trinidad.

The origins of calypso come from the enslaved Africans working in sugar plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries - and was used as a means to communicate with each other under the harsh conditions.

French Creole language was also part of the sound and reflected the history and multi-cultural diversity of Trinidad - which also included the indentured labor of Asian Indians working in the sugar plantations.

There are various sub genres to soca : Chutney soca , Ragga , Steelband to name a few.

Artists include Mighty Sparrow and Lord Kitchener.

Check out the wonderful world of soca - or better still :experience it first hand in Trinidad as I did!

More info here:

https://www.instagram.com/ncc_tt/reel/CyTv_mtuUqo/