What is Soca? Soca is a modern form of calypso with an up-tempo beat. There is a popular misconception that Soca is a fusion of American soul music and traditional calypso. Hence the name so-ca, soul/calypso. Though this sounds plausible, it is simply not true. Soca music originated as a fusion of calypso with Indian rhythms, thus combining the musical traditions to the two major ethnic groups of Trinidad and Tobago. The Father of Soca Born October 6, 1941 in Lengua, Trinidad, Garfield Blackman would become the creator of soca. Blackman began singing calypso at the tender age of seven. Performing under the name Lord Shorty, he rose to fame in 1963 with his recording of Clock and Dagger. The name Lord Shorty is a paradoxical reference to his imposing height of 6-ft 4-in.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 23:56:29 +0000