Like the National instrument, the steelpan, Trinidad and Tobago has always been the beating heart of Soca, a modern form of Calypso music. But in recent years, a new rhythm has emerged—raw, rhythmic, and unapologetically bold. Enter Zess, the street-born sound that’s reshaping how Soca moves, feels, and reaches beyond the islands. This is the new music that the youth have developed and move to with such ease.
Like the birth of a newborn baby, one has to understand that the Rise of a Sound Born in the Streets will have strong grassroots growth. It is important to note that Zess isn’t just a musical style—it’s a movement. Born out of Trinidad’s urban landscapes and late-night liming spots, Zess blends dancehall grit with Soca's carnival fire. Freestyle flows and very provocative lyrics capture the pulse of youth culture. Artists like Lady Lava and Yung Bredda have become lyrical griots, narrating everyday life in a way that’s instantly relatable—and irresistibly danceable. Some of the 'older heads' will definitely add that the lyrical content is lewd and outrageous at times, but that, in fact, is the new language of the youth.
A single song can significantly influence the musical landscape. With breakout hits like “Ring Finger” and “The Greatest Bend Over,” Zess has shifted the spotlight from polished studio perfection to authentic, high-energy storytelling.
As was the Case with Lord Shorty and the creation of Soca, Zess is quickly redefining Soca’s Sonic Identity. Zess is reshaping Soca music. It’s a sonic evolution—not a rejection of Soca, but a redefinition that reflects today’s Trinidadian youth, their realities, and their global influences. Some have complained that Soca does not have the sweetness of the real instrumentation that Calypso gave to us. The use of programmed beats has, some say, ruined the sweetness of the vibe. Now we have the limit pushed even more with this new vibe. Zess pushes against the melodic lushness of traditional Soca. Its minimalist beats and heavy basslines favor bashment-style rhythms—a sound that hits differently in fetes, cars, and virtual spaces. The genre’s simplicity makes it ripe for remix culture and social media virality, fueling TikTok challenges and Insta-reels that stretch far beyond Port of Spain.
And it's not just Trinidad. The genre has caught fire across the Caribbean, with artists like Klassik Frescobar (born in New York and raised in Jamaica) fusing Zess with Bouyon and Dennery, crafting globally charting hybrids like “Dansa.” Dansa is on most charts on the African continent.
Zess and Soca do not represent a divide; rather, they engage in a musical dialogue, with Zess striving for recognition alongside the dominant Soca genre. There was a time when Soca took hold, and Calypso music was not the music of the youth anymore. Today, with the rise of Zess music, both Soca and Zess can coexist on the same music scene. Zess isn’t erasing Soca—it’s expanding it. Collaborations like Machel Montano x Drupatee x Lady Lava symbolize a powerful convergence. It's the sound of generations merging: the lyrical depth of Calypso, the sonic innovation of Soca, and the raw emotion of Zess all wrapped into one.
Calypso, likened here to 'Kombucha Mother,' is on the rise again. Calypso beats and style are becoming a part of both Soca and Zess music. The storytelling tradition gets a modern twist as Zess artists use real-life commentary to engage fans—echoing old-school wit in fresh, digital-savvy formats.
It is fulfilling to see a music genre created in the street and brought to the stage now embraced by the local music industry.
This year’s Caribbean Music Awards reflects Zess’s rise. New categories such as Zess-Steam Artist of the Year, along with recognition for Soca stars like Kerwin Du Bois and Super Blue, have elevated the genre from the periphery to the forefront.
Lyrical content will determine what Radio stations can play. However, streaming platforms and Carnival promoters are adapting, shifting playlists to include Zess alongside groovy and power Soca. It's the beginning of a new era—where every bend-over beat and lyrical jab contributes to a broader Caribbean soundscape. It is our hope that this article helps bring about a better understanding of Zess music's place in Caribbean culture today. Please share this post with your social media peers and don't forget to share your views with us.