Today we present the remake of Indrani by the man who was known as Lord Shorty, released 50 years ago and celebrated today by his song, Sheldon Blackman, featuring Chutney legend Drupatee Ramgoonai and the genius of Keshav doing production honors. Indrani was the beginning of Project Sokah, which eventually became Soca music after some musical experimentation.
Lord Shorty, in 1973, combined Calypso and Indian music to create a new and unique sound that infuriated both East Indian and Afro-Trinidadian partisans. One group cried mockery, while the other group clearly did not like the change to Calypso music. After all was said and done, both dominant cultures benefited from Lord Shorty's creative process: Soca was born, and Chutney Soca thrives today.
Fast forward fifty years, and today his son, Sheldon Blackman, pays tribute to his father's creative process with a remake of Indrani. Along with Drupatee Ramgoonai and the brilliant producer, Keshav, we can, once again, celebrate "Indrani" in style. Long live Soca!
YouTube Music Release Notes:
2024 marks 50 years since the great Garfield Blackman, then known as Lord Shorty and later Ras Shorty I, created Soca music. In 1973, he brought the two predominant rhythmic structures of Trinidad and Tobago together, fusing Indian & African elements to create a sound that would reverberate through the decades.
Indrani is considered to be the first Soca (or, as Shorty first coined it, 'Sokah') recording. His son, Sheldon Blackman, unites with Indo-Trinidadian legend Drupatee to rework this classic into a respectful yet edgy rendition of this pivotal record. Shorty's vision has provided the musical basis for the Caribbean Carnival as we know it today. His legacy is carried on by his children and grandchildren, who admirably and actively continue their work as the first family of the genre.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Indrani
Remake Performed by: Sheldon Blackman & Drupatee
Produced by: Keshav
Original song by: Garfield 'Ras Shorty I' Blackman (then Lord Shorty 1973)
Samples 'Indrani' by Lord Shorty (1973)
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Genre: Soca
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