Soca Chronicles

The Soca Scene of Aruba 29.05.2026 52min

We sit down with Lyrza to learn how Aruba’s soca scene really works, from band culture and competition rules to the island politics that shape what becomes a carnival anthem. We leave with a clearer view of why “Road March” sparks arguments, how a viral joke song can win big, and what makes Aruba Carnival feel so different on the road. • Lyrza’s background from church singing to Aruba Carnival performances • How San Nicolas and Oranjestad influence audiences and band identity • Why Aruba’s...

Bacchanal Boys Drama And The Only Shots We Want 24.04.2026 34min

We celebrate one year of Brawlin and why pushing Bajan soca in the UK matters, then we pivot to the hard reality of safety after troubling news out of Jamaica Carnival. We run through upcoming carnival dates and tours, unpack Bacchanal Boys name drama, and close with our Grenada pick plus a new rhythm showcase we want to make a monthly habit. • Brawlin’s one-year anniversary and bigger venue growth • Why Bajan music deserves more shine outside Barbados • Jamaica Carnival shooting discussi...

Discussing the Bring Back Bashment movement 27.03.2026 33min

We dig into the claim that Bajan bashment soca peaked in 2018 to 2019 and ask what it would take to bring that energy back without freezing the sound. We weigh nostalgia against evolution, get thoughts from DJ Kai, and call out the DJ habits and scene-building work that can push Bajan soca forward. • DJ Puffy’s comment on the 2018 to 2019 peak • DJ Kai’s take on evolution plus support for Bajan soca • Why DJs repeat “guaranteed” songs and how sets get stale • The case for balance between n...

Machel's Record Road March 27.02.2026 29min

We tackle Trinidad’s Road March result, the record 12th title, and the swirl of promotion, DJs, and people power shaping what plays at judging points. Then we tour February’s carnivals, pick our Song of the Month, and plug two London fetes you should not miss. • record 12th Road March title and reaction • what defines a Road March song versus a popular hit • DJ influence, judging points, and calls for fairness • spring carnival calendar highlights and budgeting • Song of the Month: Voice – C...

Want to fete? Apply here please. 30.01.2026 27min

We kick off 2026 with Sugar Mas FOMO, cruise adventures across nine islands, and a tune that won’t leave our heads. Then we go deep on ticket committees, pricing, and how exclusivity shapes the culture while mapping big plans for Brawling and the Dutch Soca scene rebound. • Sugar Mas recap • First-time Caribbean cruise takeaways • Respectfully Yours as Song of the Month • Ticket committees and event gatekeeping • Brawling 2026 schedule highlights • Sounds of Soca launch in Rotterdam Follow ...

2025 - Grenada's Year 26.12.2025 26min

A festive year-end wraps the biggest wins in Soca, from Grenada’s amazing year to V'ghn’s touring blueprint. We crown Muddy’s “Payroll” as Song of the Year and spotlight early 2026 anthems. We also unpack King Bubba’s rhythm reboot and share the best places to discover new tracks. • Personal highlights from bookings, parties and the Nadia Batson interview • Grenada’s surge with Muddy, Lil Kerry and Vaughn • Rolling Stone list placement for “Payroll” at number 85 • Vaughn’s tour strategy and ...

Carnival Noise Ban Shakes Trinidad 28.11.2025 22min

A shorter than usual holiday-tinged soca catch-up with talk on a sudden venue ban in Trinidad, a sold-out Brawlin in London, and a groovy song of the month. • Details of the Port of Spain venue ban and backlash • Brawlin’s sell-out story and turning people away at capacity • Bajan Independence mix curation and track selection discipline • song of the month: Machel Montano x Tano’s Compromise in groovy season And as Nytro says: Make sure you check out Soca Chronicles, tag a friend, tell a f...

Miami Carnival 2025 and an interview with G.E.O. 31.10.2025 51min

We celebrate the final big carnival of the year, relive Miami Carnival with first-time DJ moments and standout fetes, then dive deep with G.E.O. from St. Vincent and even get an exclusive preview track. • Miami Carnival highlights, J’Ouvert and boat rides • Tipping culture, DJ debut, and standout fetes like SSS • Song of the Month: Can You Bend by Skinny Fabulous, Travis World, and Suhraw • G.E.O's interview including an exclusive preview of his new track Find G.E.O. on Instagram here: @of...

Fire Truck: The Bouyon Sensation Shaking Up Social Media 26.09.2025 1h 11min

We celebrate our four-year podcast anniversary with a dynamic interview featuring the rising Bouyon artist Trev li, who shares his extraordinary journey from Dominica to Russia and back to Caribbean music. • Trev li reveals his surprising 15-year musical career in Russia before returning to Bouyon music • The marketing genius behind the viral hit "Fire Truck" and how it dominated social media • Exploring the raw, unfiltered nature of modern Bouyon compared to traditional Soca • The creative ...

Island-Hopping Through Carnival Season and Interview with Nadia Batson 29.08.2025 54min

Sharnz and Arkayo take listeners on a whirlwind tour of the summer carnival circuit, sharing experiences from St. Lucia to Notting Hill and featuring an exclusive interview with soca star Nadia Batson. • St. Lucia Carnival highlights and Road March winners with "The Car" by Dezral and Jardel taking first place • Barbados Crop Over experiences including a review by our good friend Bramble • Grenada's stellar year for soca music with Lil Kerry's "Bury All" winning Road March • Exclusive interv...

Phone Down and Free Up: The Soca Sexualization Dilemma 25.07.2025 40min

Sharnz and Arkayo welcome guest Jhelisa for a thought-provoking discussion about the over-sexualization of Soca and how modern technology is changing carnival culture. • Carnival season updates: St. Lucia Carnival coming up, Vincy Mas results announced with Problem Child taking first place • Sharnz will be attending both St. Lucia Carnival and Crop Over in Barbados • Both hosts will be at Antilliaanse Feesten in August • Song of the month: "Whale Fu See" by OG Park and Rom Lod from Vincy • D...

From Gifted to Last Drop: Dash Takes Us To Grenada 27.06.2025 47min

Grenadian soca artist Dash joins us to discuss his journey from a musical family to becoming a five-time Soca Monarch and reigning Road March King of Grenada. • Dash explains how music chose him, coming from a family with his father as a calypso artist and other relatives engaged in music • He breaks down the inspirational meaning behind his 2018 hit "Gifted," which celebrates the talents everyone possesses • We learn how Dash created "Last Drop" in just 48 hours after receiving the riddim f...

Conversational debate: Who is the GOAT of Soca? 30.05.2025 58min

We dive into the controversial debate of who deserves the title of Soca's GOAT and whether carnival culture has become too commercialized. • DJ Sharnz shares the success of her recent "Brawlin" event in London with tickets for the July 11th follow-up event dropping May 30th • Highlights from Ibiza Soca Festival in Malta, featuring performances by Kes, Skinny Fabulous, Ridge, and other top Soca artists • Song of the month: "Attack" by Jus Jay and Jagwa De Champ • In-depth discussion with gues...

Calm before the Carnival Storm: A short Soca update 25.04.2025 29min

Sharnz and Arkayo return with their usual banter discussing Jamaica Carnival, Vybz Kartel's controversial Barbados concert, and the hottest Soca music of today. • Vybz Kartel's Easter Sunday concert in Barbados sparked religious protests • Spotlight on Sizwe C's new Afro Soca fusion track "Hundred" • Song of the month: "F Your Man" by Mr Ridge and Problem Child dominating London parties • Sharnz announces her new event "Brawling" focused on showcasing Bajan soca music (follow @tridentldn) • ...

It's Giving... Trini Carnival: Machel's controversial wins 28.03.2025 33min

Soca Chronicles explores Trinidad Carnival's judging controversy, Machel Montano's historic Road March win, and Sharnz' dramatic Mardi Gras adventure. • A Trinidad Carnival judge prematurely announced Machel Montano as the Road March winner before counting finished • Soca power couple Fay-Ann and Bunji Garlin withdraw from future competitions citing the incident as "uncomfortable" • Machel Montano wins his 11th Road March title with "Party," tying Lord Kitchener's all-time record • Machel al...

Soca Drama and a Chat with Keith Currency 28.02.2025 57min

In this episode of Soca Chronicles, we dive into the drama between Trinidad Killa and Machel Montano! Is it the reason Nicki Minaj finally released her remix? Then, we sit down with Keith Currency for an exclusive interview! He shares his journey in soca, his latest music, and what’s next for him. It’s a mix of vibes, gossip, and real talk—don’t miss it! 🎤💃🏾 Follow us on IG: @keithcurrencymuzik @djsharnz @thearkayo @soca_chronicles www.socachronicles.com Sponsored by: www.acesir.com

Machel Montano at Tiny Desk and Pahjo's Journey 31.01.2025 1h 3min

What happens when Soca meets NPR's famous Tiny Desk concert series? We’re celebrating a huge moment for Soca music as the legendary Machel Montano becomes the first Soca artist to perform on this iconic stage. This is a big step for the genre, putting it in front of a global audience—though some critics think Soca should be aiming even higher. We’ll also dive into the recent drama around Trinidad Killa’s track Eskimo, looking at the fine line between pushing creative boundaries and respecting...

Closing off 2024 with Mad Skull 27.12.2024 57min

This last episode of 2024 features an engaging conversation with Mad Skull as he delves into his journey in Soca and the inspiration behind his hit "Sound check." With discussions about the song of the month and insights into the collaboration within the Soca scene, listeners are invited to celebrate the festive season through the vibrant lens of Soca music. Follow us on IG: @themad1madskull @djsharnz @thearkayo @soca_chronicles www.socachronicles.com Sponsored by: www.acesir.com

Celebrating the UK Soca Scene: An interview with Batch 28.11.2024 1h 4min

The Soca Chronicles team is back with a brand new interview. This episode we visit the UK Soca Scene as we chat with Batch, the dynamic talent behind "Wine N Bruk". Join us as Batch shares his musical odyssey, exploring new genres and collaborating with fellow artists, revealing the creative sparks that keep the soca scene alive and thriving. Follow us on IG: @batch_vz @djsharnz @thearkayo @soca_chronicles www.socachronicles.com Sponsored by: www.acesir.com

Surviving Miami Carnival: Rainy Fetes and High Seas Drama 25.10.2024 38min

Picture this: Miami Carnival in full swing, but the skies have other plans. Join us as Sharnz recounts the highs and lows of the carnival festivities, from the determination to enjoy Soca Brainwash despite the odds, to the fatigue-induced skips of J'ouvert and the road experience. In the spirit of creativity, we share our humorous blueprint for financing next year’s carnival escapades: the sugar daddy strategy. It's all fun and games as we joke about the benefits of shared wealth, while kee...