Soca

=Calypso and Soca from the Asian Perspective=

Calypso and Soca both originated in Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. They are a direct reflection of the ethnic groups of the country and have been seen as voice to the diversity in the of the culture. The lyrics of the songs are expressed as a form of sexual freedom, speaking on gender and sexual interests. Trinidadians of Asian decent have become intertwined in the musical atmosphere of Trinidad through Trinidadian Carnival, the pre-lenten celebration, also the largest musical outlet in the country. Looking at the Asian influences in the genre history of the carnival, we can redefine calypso and soca from a multi-ethnic and Asian perspective.

CHINESE TRINIDADIANS The Chinese have been involved in the musical production at the carnival since their presence as immigrants to Trinidad in the early 1900's. They created the costumes and helped create and mass produce the steel drums. They also helped with the production of the carnivals music performances. Due to the heavily racists atmosphere of the time, their efforts often go uncredited.

Chinese-Trini artists in Calypso include, Patrick Jones known as Lord Protector and mas' pioneer, Edwin "crazy" Ayoung, Richard "Rex West" Chen, the ever popular Tony Chin Lin On. I will discuss the impact of Tony Chin Lin On in detail, also known as Chinese Laundry, and his father the late Ellis Chow Lin On, one of the most notable music producers in calypso.

Chinese-Trini's do not make up a significant population of Trinidad and Tobago. They often struggle with uniting and incorporating Chinese culture into their musical expression.

INDIAN TRINIDADIANS Credited with the creation of "soca chutney," known as the "soul of calypso," Indian Trinidadian people have used this music to connect their culture to the island. Soca chutney uses calypso beats, hindu lyrics, as well as indian instruments. Indo-Trinidadian musicians have woven the Indian religion (Hinduism) and musical practices into the calypso sound, creating an identity for themselves. Scholar Tejaswini Niranjana argues that the glorification of the indian female anatomy is expressed through the music. African Trinidadians have joined this process of glorification, making soca chutney a nationally recognized musical expression.

__Popular artists include:__
 * [|Rikki Jai] (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, joint-2003 Chutney Soca Monarch)
 * [|Sundar Popo]
 * [|Neeshan Prabhoo]
 * [|Drupatee Ramgoonai]
 * [|Heeralal "Hero" Rampartap] (1997, joint-2003, 2005 Chutney Soca Monarch)

Rikki Jai is considered to be one of the pioneers of soca chutney appealing to all Trinidadians. media type="youtube" key="yIFoMROuhGY" height="385" width="480"

Governing sound: the cultural politics of Trinidad's Carnival musics / Jocelyne Guilbault. media type="youtube" key="5NiLTz7w7j8" height="385" width="480" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NiLTz7w7j8