Soca's Historic Achievements
Soca music has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the past two years, particularly highlighted by its success at the Caribbean Music Awards (CMAs). Known for its infectious rhythms and high-energy performances, Soca has continued to demonstrate its significant impact on the Caribbean music scene.
The Caribbean Elite Group (CEG) celebrated the “Voices of the Caribbean” on August 29, 2024, at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, marking the second annual CMAs. Held during Labor Day Weekend and coinciding with the West Indian Day Parade, this event serves as a major platform for recognizing excellence across Caribbean genres.
Building on feedback from its inaugural year—where Dominican artist Jael Joseph notably called attention to the lack of Bouyon music—the CEG expanded the award categories for 2024. The event this year included awards for Chutney, Bouyon, French Caribbean, and Latin Caribbean music, among others, showcasing a broader and more inclusive representation of Caribbean musical diversity.
Soca music made a remarkable impact, with artists achieving significant recognition and breaking records. Key highlights from the 2023 and 2024 CMAs include:
A Memorable Celebration
In 2024, Soca continued to shine brightly. Skinny Fabulous from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a small island with a population of approximately 110,000, achieved a historic milestone by winning four awards—the highest number ever earned by a single artist at the CMAs. Nailah Blackman, the Trinidadian artist, also made her mark by securing three awards—Soca Song, Video, and Collaboration of the Year—all for their hit “Come Home” with Skinny Fabulous.
Patrice Roberts from Trinidad and Tobago further solidified her dominance by winning Female Soca Artist of the Year for the second consecutive year. Mr. Killa from Grenada demonstrated his enduring appeal by winning Soca Performer of the Year for the second year running.
Trinibagonian Ravi B, honored for his decade-long impact and dedication to Chutney music, received the Chutney Award Honoree accolade. Asa Bantan, the Bouyon Boss from Dominica—a Caribbean island with a population of approximately 75,000—won the People’s Choice Award, dedicating his honor to the people, his country, Bouyon music, and his culture. Yung Bredda from Trinidad and Tobago was celebrated as the Best New Soca Artist, recognized for his wide range of music, numerous collaborations, and the high energy he brings to the genre.
The Elite Calypso Music Award was bestowed upon Mighty Sparrow, the legendary Calypsonian, who thrilled audiences with a captivating duet alongside the King of Soca, Machel Montano. Alison Hinds from Barbados was honored as the Elite Icon for her legendary Soca career, celebrating her significant contributions to the genre.
Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd from the Virgin Islands received the Soca Impact Artist of the Year award in part due to his smash hit “A List,” which has been dominating the Caribbean music scene since November 2022. Mr. Ridge from Dominica, known for his Nasty Business, won Bouyon Artist of the Year—a significant milestone as it marked the first time the genre has been recognized at the CMAs.
Saturation of Soca and Comparative Success
Over the past two years, Soca artists have demonstrated an unparalleled level of achievement. Out of the 61 total award recipients, 13 were Soca artists. When including the Soca family of Calypso, Chutney, and Bouyon, the collective presence of Soca-related music matched Dancehall in terms of artist recognition and surpassed it in total awards received:
- Dancehall had 18 artists recognized and earned 24 awards.
- Soca alone had 13 artists with 24 awards; combined with Calypso, Chutney, and Bouyon, there were 18 artists and 29 awards, surpassing Dancehall in total awards.
This achievement is not about competition among genres but rather highlights and showcases the growth of Soca to stand alongside other Caribbean genres.
Impressively, over the two-year period, only nine artists have won in both years, with three being Soca artists—Patrice Roberts, Mr. Killa, and Kes from Trinidad and Tobago. Patrice Roberts and Mr. Killa have each won three awards over the two years, while Kes has won an award each year. This consistency is remarkable, particularly Patrice Roberts’ achievement of winning Female Soca Artist of the Year two years in a row and Mr. Killa’s consecutive win as Soca Performer of the Year. Such repeated victories underscore their dominance in the genre. King of Soca, Machel Montano from Trinidad and Tobago, also earned two awards in 2023, reflecting his continued influence and legacy within the genre.
Take a look at your 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, Soca Award Recipients.
Soca’s impressive performance at the CMAs underscores its importance and evolution in the Caribbean music landscape. As the genre continues to innovate and captivate audiences, its role in shaping the global music scene is set to expand even further.
For a complete list of winners and more information about the Caribbean Music Awards, click here to visit Caribbean Music Awards.
Take a listen to some Soca here:
