Thoughts Of Soca In Guyana

Even though many persons behind the promotional scene and the production of the music are matured, very adult individuals, many of us past sixty/seventy cannot keep up with today’s version of soca—once dubbed “soul-calypso”.
The Trinidadians and smaller islanders have now fashioned a frenetic, aerobic beat best suited to the younger, physically fit fans. Soca is now definitely “SOMEBODY – MAKE- SOME – NOISE, JUMP – AND – WAVE – AND – SWAY – PUSH – BUMPER” music.  Yes, it still qualifies to be described as music, not yet at the stage of some Dance-Hall-Gully-Gaza, D-J outpourings.
So I succumbed and attended last Saturday’s CARIB SOCA MONARCH Competition at the Park. (Incidentally, note that two Trini enterprises—Republic Bank and Ansa Mcal play significant roles in our Mashramani, Chutney is next…) Yes I went to Soca and my age and “old-time” status caught up with me. SINGING TOOK A SERIOUS SECOND PLACE! This was a Soca Show!
As in Trinidad, it was razz-ma-tazz glitter, props, pyrotechnics and dance fanatics FUH-SO! Singing second, showmanship first.        
The DJ spoke about the night’s “presentation” of the “songs” heard on the radio. This show was definitely VISUAL  — to be SEEN, as to be heard. Mind you, I loved the displays. Sometimes fearfully so!
As with everybody else, I decided upon my own favourites. And I’LL NEVER judge the judges PUBLICLY. I’LL play the “better songs” and beats all year long. I bow to the COPYCAT nature of such performances, with nothing left to be really ORIGINAL. EXCEPT—“CELERY—TOMATO—SEASONING—THYME, Bangalangalay!” The young dude from Linden did succeed in being “different”.
What? Perhaps I ENVY the youth, their athletic prowess to make music physical? Partly true…