Articles
Exclusive cultural and political content highlighting issues affecting the Caribbean diaspora
We Come Out to Rant and Rave
“RANT AND RAVE” - 5 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT WIADCA
Didn’t make it to DysChick & SocaSaySo’s “Rant and Rave” event on May 22nd? Well, you missed out on a great discussion with members of Brooklyn’s carnival association WIADCA. Panelists Angela Sealy (Chairperson), Rhea Smith (Cultural Diversity Professional and WIADCA member), and DJ Spice (Teamsoca Founder and WIADCA member) were on hand to answer pressing questions from the community, bloggers and journalists.
Dyson Knight & Wendi Lewis on Caribbean Unity
Recently, Machel Montano made waves in the Trinidadian soca community by stating that soca no longer belongs to Trinidad, but to the entire Caribbean. The idea that trying to own soca would only limit the growth of the genre resonates with two of the hottest Bahamian artistes who are looking to take their music to the world.
Trinidad Carnival 2019
2019 was not supposed to be a particularly significant year. It’s not an even number and it does not mark the beginning of a new decade. However, this turned out to be a historic Trinidad Carnival year. With a shakeup in the Soca Monarch leadership, pan bands taking each other to court, and Trinidadians fearing the loss of their culture, the long season was fraught with controversy. But then again, what’s Carnival without bacchanal?
"Rum is What We Want and Soca's What We Need"
What is Carnival without rum? The two go so well together that songs have been made touting this symbiotic connection. From Lord Invader’s “Rum and Coca Cola” to Machel Montano’s “Bottle of Rum,” there is no denying that rum is as integral to Trinidad’s history as soca is.
During my recent trip to the land of rum and soca, I toured The House of Angostura® in Laventille.
Are Caribbean people living abroad losing their culture?
In our first live-stream show, Garvey Campbell of Carnevale Network and I discuss the effect of the generational information gap on Caribbeans abroad. Stay tuned to my Flicks & Pics for more videos from our chats.
Top 5 Events of 2018
2018 had some amazing moments! “Black Panther” blew away audiences around the world. Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. fought at the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party. Democrats took control of the House of Representatives. Buju Banton was released from prison! I mean, this was an epic year. In the soca world, we also had some iconic moments. Below are my top 5 events of 2018.
Can Brooklyn’s Soca Scene Be Revived?
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am concerned about the state of the soca scene in Brooklyn. I believe that with the lack of venues and deejays opting to forego the 100% soca parties, the scene is on life support. However, Thanksgiving weekend gives me hope that there are those committed to reviving the soca fete experience.
Miami Carnival 2018
For 34 years Miami Carnival has been the main autumn event for socaholics. However, the increasing popularity of cruises and international events seemed to be attracting the interest and wallets of West Indians stateside. However, if the turnout at this year’s events is any indication, Miami Carnival is not going anywhere.
That being said, there are some improvements that promoters and organizers can make to ensure that this is indeed a can’t-miss event.