This post is meant to make you, the reader pause and reflect; however, before you quickly say "nah, not going to happen" just consider this a 'thought provoking" article with a reflection of the rejection of Lord Shorty's music when he experimented with Indian and Calypso rhythms during the formative years of Soca. We have now come full circle and Shorty's impact on the music is now coming home to roost.
Soca music will slowly die! This will happen because of the introduction of "Riddims" which will eventually stifle the creativity of the artistes. Those of you whom are monitoring the new releases must have noticed the impact of Jamaican "Riddims" coming form the current crop of Soca stars. Almost every track relates to a Riddim and it is still labeled as Soca. One riddim has several sets of lyrics attached to it. Does it sound good? Of course it does but it is stifling creativity and is the easy way to getting on the radio and possibley having your name mentioned for the Carnival season. Is this financially good maybe but it will not last! So the big question is what will then happen? It has already started and it is one of the fastest growing music in and of Trinidad and Tobago. Yes here comes Trinidad (once again like we did with Soca music) saving Caribbean music once again (pardon me, leave out Jamaica).
So how will Trinidad save the music once again? Blends of Chutney music in everything! Have you listened to the remake of Maestro's Tanty? I think it is called "Mousy" and is sung by a young Trinidadian - really sweet music.
In Trinidad Chutney music and the use of Chutney Rhythms (not Riddims) is seeping into everything and guess what my friends everybody is loving it. Don't think for one moment that this is not true. I understand that some people don't pay attention to Trinidad music and artistes other than to be critical but pay attention to Chutney... we even have Chutney Parang for Christmas. I guess we are safe with this one because some Caribbean communities are not interested in Chutney music and can't lay claim to creating it like they are doing with Soca (God rest Ras Shorty I's soul). My advice to you is that you should pay attention not to the "Riddims in Soca" but the blends of Chutney music more so Chutney Rhythms in everything. I have to say here that it will not necessarily have Indian lyrics but the Rhythym ... Bunji is surely having fun with it. I do hope that when the changes do come that people don't react the way they did when Shorty removed the Indian instruments from his music but placed the same Indian rhythms on Western instruments (it is called denial).
I understand most outsiders don't see this coming but Trinidad's carnival produces a vast resource of music for the start of the Caribbean Carnival season. Simple volume will flood the market with these Chutney blend rhythms very soon. Just listen up and pay attention to the music coming out of Trinidad and Tobago...