Reggae music is always going to be the main part of the Caribbean musical output, but there is an argument to be made that for Caribbean people who live across the world it is now their time to share the spotlight.
If you attend any major Caribbean carnival or listen to Caribbean music stations, you will find soca music playing in the biggest parties and major events. That’s the reason I created the #SocaMatters Hashtag movement for the Montreal International Reggae Festival.
On Saturday, August 27, International Soca artist Olatunji, Montreal’s own Daddy Ghost and yours truly, Dj Production Sounds, will be appearing at the 13th annual Montreal International Reggae Festival.
Soca music is finally making a dent in the festival, marking the fourth consecutive year that Soca music and performers are featured.
It began in 2010, when they decided to make the Friday night of the Festival the “Caribbean Night” when they staged the world’s historical Soca band “Byron Lee and the Dragonaires” alongside the St. Vincent legend Beckett and his band. Unfortunately, the turnout was not satisfactory so organizers went back to the drawing board.
In 2013, they again tried to bring back Soca to the Montreal International Reggae Festival by adding Soca artist “Kes The Band” from Trinidad to the Saturday night line-up. This night is called Day 2, and known as the Dancehall night. The addition of an International Soca artist turned out to be a major success. For that reason the “Queen of Soca”, Alison Hinds from Barbados, was added in 2014.
In 2015 they went more diverse by adding the talented artist Delroy “Fireman Hooper” out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the dynamic duo “Lead Pipe and Saddis” from Barbados.
This year I’m proud to say that I am included in the Soca package. I will be the featured Soca DJ warming up the festivalgoers before International Soca artist Olatunji hits the stage.
Olatunji Yearwood is the 2015 International Groovy Soca Monarch from Trinidad and Tobago. Born to parents Edward Yearwood, a well-known composer and mother Mairoon Ali, a local actress, radio personality and teacher it was evident that Olatunji or “Ola” as he is widely known, would be a talent to be reckoned with.
His musical journey began in 2002 at the age of 16, when he entered the Junior Calypso competition arena where he placed 2nd in the NYAC Emancipation Competition and 2nd in the Sunshine Snacks Junior Calypso Competition.
A year later he placed in every competition he entered, winning the Sunshine Snack Junior Calypso Monarch and 3rd in Scouting for Talent” receiving special awards for the “Most Outstanding Calypsonian” and “Most Promising Act.”
He would only get better from there. He promises to be one of the most exciting Soca artists to ever hit the reggae fest stage.
The #SocaMatters Hashtag movement is a call for all soca-lovers to be at the Old Port of Montreal and show their support to Soca acts.
Soca music is much more to the point, and the point is to make sure people have a good time and engage and interact with each other.
The organizers of the Montreal International Reggae Festival should always be reminded of the importance of Soca music in this festival.
Island Facts: – Aug 4th 2005-Michaelle Jean, a Haitian-born woman appointed as Canada’s Governor General on this day.
Aug 6th 2001 – Jamaica celebrates Independence from Great Britain/England.
Production Sounds Chart
1 No Behavior – Hypa 4000
2 Controlla – Drake ft Popcaan
3 Dem Vincy – Mason
4 My Dream – Nesbeth
5 Bruck Off Yuh Back – Konshens
6 Comfort – Patrice Robert
7 Friend ting – Problem Child
8 Don’t Come Back – Tarrus Riley
9 Champion Boy – Alkaline
10 The Tribe – Peter Ram
Send feedback to Productionsounds@gmail.com or Instagram: @ProductionJr
