In Defense of Santiwah: When Four Million Views Trump the Party Scene


On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Santiwah called into the "Dotish Hour" show at  WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM and was ambushed by Mr. Desmond with "Nanda, you does go anywhere?" Meaning, Santiwah cannot comment on the subject because he does not frequent the party scene or carnival or cultural events. Did you get that? Santiwah of Sokah2Soca isn’t qualified to comment on cultural events, songs, or soca vibes because—wait for it—he doesn’t hit the party circuit or attend cultural events. He is not alone and in good company because the same accusation came my way from Island Vybe Radio... there is something in the air here, and we need to address it. 

Let's pause and unpack this thought process, as this is not the first time someone has 'thrown this in my face.' According to Mr. Desmond, using his logic, every food critic needs to own a restaurant, every sports commentator must have Olympic medals, and every weather forecaster has to control the climate. Wow, I didn't realize that Deso had accomplished the unthinkable; he figured out the secret formula for determining who is "allowed to comment" on a given topic and who shouldn't!

I have always said, "If the priest could play, who is me?"

Here is where I defend myself: Santiwah, the site administrator of Sokah2Soca, a blog that at this point is about to hit four million views online, has proven time and time again that cultural insight isn’t measured in party attendance but in knowledge, dedication, and an ability to engage with the community on an unparalleled scale. What does four million views mean? That sounds like many people valuing Santiwah’s commentary just fine; thank you very much.

Just keep in mind that, while many sites on the internet post new music, Sokah2Soca formats posts that bring the song/music to life.  Anyone accessing the post can learn about the production (notes provided) with commentary, sometimes limited but there for review whenever needed, unlike many sites out there. 

So, dear Mr. Desmond, while you're keeping tabs on RSVP lists and carnival wristbands, Santiwah is over here building a platform that's bringing soca to the world. Perhaps we should consider redefining qualifications and no longer require "fête frequency" as a criterion for cultural credibility. After all, culture is more than just the parties—it’s the history, the stories, the music, and the heartbeat of a community. And Santiwah? He’s tapping into all of it, one brilliant blog post at a time. 

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Included Song/Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song title: TROUBLE IN TOWN.
Performed by Derrick Seales.
Written by Colin “CJ” Jackman.
Melody Composed by Colin “CJ” Jackman.
Background vocals by Colin “CJ” Jackman, Roland Richards, Derrick Seales, Ken Simmons, and Ainsley King.
Steelpan is played by Lisa McClashie.
All other instruments were played by Roland Richards.
Recorded at Yardsoul in New Jersey, USA.
Arranged, produced, mixed & mastered by Roland Richards.
Vocals were recorded at Yard Soul in New Jersey, USA.
Vocals were recorded at SAO Studios.
Steel Pan and Vocals Recorded at: @ Home Recording & Production.
Cover Concept by Colin “CJ” Jackman.
Graphics by Sodiqzee Flyer Design.
Cover Photo Courtesy: Google.
Copyright by COTT 2024.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).

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