Look what Soca do to we!
In the heart of the 2025 Trinidad Carnival season, Nigel Denzil Coutain, known simply as Coutain, has stepped into the spotlight with his unique vocal style and emotive melodies. His latest hit, “JamTown,” produced by the powerhouse Tano, has become a central piece of the Heroes Riddim, a collection of tracks from some of the most exciting names in Soca today.
A year ago, during a Junction Acoustic Session, Tano with the now-echoed phrase, “Young legends in the building,” a statement that feels increasingly prescient.
“JamTown” is a striking tribute to Soca, its infectious vibe captured in lyrics like “Hot and groovy / Look what Soca do to we,” a reflection of the genre’s unifying, euphoric spirit. Released on January 2, the track quickly gained traction, entering the Apple Music Trinidad & Tobago Top 100 at #91 and steadily climbing to #16. The visually striking music video, executive produced by Josiah Persad of Twin Island Company, acted as a catalyst, propelling “JamTown” into the Top 10, where it currently holds the #9 spot. Remarkably, it has surpassed Kes’ “Medicine” to become the #1 song on the Heroes Riddim in Trinidad & Tobago.
On Spotify, “JamTown” is seeing significant success, amassing over 20,000 plays to date and averaging nearly 1,000 daily streams. Coutain’s international audience continues to expand across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the Netherlands, with monthly listeners increasing by more than 15% in each region.
Coutain’s chart success is no anomaly. His breakout hit “Artform”, produced by Dwala, held the #1 spot on Trinidad & Tobago’s Apple Music charts from October 17 to November 9, 2024. His music resonates deeply with the youth of Trinidad & Tobago, reflected in the five tracks that remain on the Apple Music chart today, spanning six years of music:
- “JamTown” (Jan 2025): Written by Coutain, Tano, Teja, and Jeruel Sanders, this track anchors the Heroes Riddim.
- “Artform” (July 2024): The Dwala-produced anthem that solidified Coutain’s place as a major player. On Spotify, this is his second-biggest song, closely behind “Junction.”
- “Junction” (Sept 2023): A collaborative triumph with Tano, this is his most-streamed track on Spotify.
- “Riddim” (Jan 2025): A fresh release with Mical Teja, produced by Tano, Mical Teja and Joshua Salcedo, already gaining momentum just days after its debut.
- “Bloodaz” (Dec 2019): Produced by Cozier, this earlier hit demonstrates Coutain’s longstanding presence in the industry.
Released on January 23, “Riddim” is already gaining traction. Already just inside the Apple Music Top 100 (at #93 today) in Trinidad & Tobago, its rapid rise signals another potential hit, reinforcing Tano’s insight into Coutain’s star power and their creative chemistry.
Coutain’s journey is a testament to the diversity and evolution of Caribbean music. From the emotive depths of “Artform” and “Junction” to the high-energy celebrations in “JamTown,” his artistry blends tradition with innovation, marking his place in Trinbagonian music. Today, we too are celebrating the young legends in the building.
Listen to more Coutain: