Definition of the word soca

The word "soca" in music originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the late 1970s. It stands for "Soul of Calypso," where "calypso" is a genre of music that has been popular in the Caribbean for over a century. However, soca is distinct from calypso in that it incorporates elements of soul, funk, and R&B music. The term "soca" was coined by Trinidadian musician and musician manager, Lord Shorty. He created this genre as a response to the calypso political songs that often satirized politicians, as Lord Shorty felt that it was becoming increasingly difficult to create politically relevant music without sounding repetitive. The first soca hit was "Roger Gone Straight" by Lord Kitchener in 1974. This song combined soca beats with a soca parang style, which is similar to Latin American music, such as parang from Venezuela. After this, Lord Shorty popularized the genre further with songs like "Soul Calypso" and "Sozobal," planting the roots of soca's unique style that combines dancing beats, catchy melodies, and socially-conscious lyrics. Soca has become a popular genre across the Caribbean, with festivals such as carnival, especially in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, being a breeding ground for the development of the genre. Soca has also influenced other musical styles, such as zouk, which originated in the French-speaking Caribbean islands. Overall, soca has had a significant impact on Caribbean music while intensifying the genre's unique blend of style and cultural heritage that defines it.