First Soca Played for Panorama #2
When I considered making this post, I had no clue about the song, band, arranger, or year it took place. What did I do? I called Kenny, aka KP (Kenny Phillips of KMP Music), and he gave me "I'm Not Drunk," by KMC, arranged by Zanda. To be honest, Kenny thinks this is the right song, band, and arranger. Is that really the case? Soca started around 1973; is it possible that it took 36 years before the first Soca song was played at Panorama? Should you have a different perspective, please refer to the following paragraph.
CHALLENGE US:
What Was the First Soca Tune Ever Played in Panorama? Before we dive into this piece, we’re inviting you to question the history and challenge our proposal. Like you, we want to get the information right. Indeed, this presentation marks the start of an exciting journey. We are fishing for relevant information; let's make history together!
Do YOU know what the first Soca song ever played by a steelband in Panorama was? We’re making our case for “I’m Not Drunk” by KMC, arranged by Carlton “Zanda” Alexander for Siparia Deltones in 2009. But Sokah2Soca is built on conversation, not decree—so if you believe another tune came first, drop the title, name the band, and let’s reason. The panyard isn’t just for practice—it’s for passion and provocation, too.
When Soca exploded onto Trinidad’s music scene in 1973, thanks to the genius of Lord Shorty, it was a celebration of fusion—Calypso’s heart with East Indian rhythm, designed to make waistlines move and speakers tremble. Yet, for decades, Panorama remained the domain of Calypso alone. Soca was viewed as too raw, too road-ready, and too rebellious to fit the orchestral standards of steelpan music.
That myth unraveled in 2009, when Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra shook the competition with a bold choice: “I’m Not Drunk” by Ken Marlon Charles (KMC). Their arranger? Carlton "Zanda" Alexander, a jazz-schooled maestro, orchestrated a cheeky party anthem into a musically rich Panorama piece, brimming with key shifts, rhythmic interplay, and harmonic twists.
It was not just steelpan meeting Soca—it was steelpan respecting it. The judges gave Deltones 7th place with 450.5 points, but the cultural impact was louder than any score sheet.
For the first time, Soca wasn’t just sampled or hinted at—it was fully embraced. “I’m Not Drunk” became the genre’s formal entry into Panorama history. Now what do you think about that? That was your historical moment; make sure to note it for future discussions about Soca and Steelband!
So, loyal fans of Soca, what do you think? Was “I’m Not Drunk” really the first, or does your musical memory offer another contender? Hit us with your picks, your passion, and your proof—let’s keep the debate as lively as the Savannah stage itself.
Send in your information to sokah2soca@gmail.com:
Song: Name of Song
Band: Name of Steelband
Arranger: Arranged by
Year: What Year?
Addendum 07/24/2025:
We have a new song/band/post coming for a Soca song played by Skiffle in 1995. The song, played by Skiffle, is from an earlier date than the song on this post.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: I'm Not Drunk
Singer/Performed by: KMC (Ken Marlon Charles)
Steelband: Siparia Deltones
Arranger: Clive 'Zander' Alexander
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca/Steelband 🎶
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Top: I'm Not Drunk by KMC Bottom: I'm Not Drunk by Siparia Deltones