By MTV Iggy
April 8, 2014
The soca music genre is fast becoming globally embraced, with Major Lazer’s support of the genre, remixing Bunji Garlin’s massive hit “Differentology” and then working alongside Machel Montano for the production of his 2014 soca banger, “Sound Bang.” Efforts to push the Caribbean sound to the world have been ongoing, and numerous artistes have been doing their part in the mission. Kerwin Du Bois is one of these acts out of Trinidad & Tobago who has, over the years, contributed immensely to the genre and of course, to its promotion to audiences across the Caribbean and internationally....
What are your plans when it comes to delivering new music beyond Carnival in T&T this year?
I always try to include elements in my music that do not only reflect Trinidad and Tobago but the Caribbean and focus on creating music that can be understood beyond the waters of the Caribbean. I focus on the melodies in music and ensuring that it is relatable to ensure an international sound and the international appeal. In saying all of this my main goal is to continue to push the creative envelope while including the aspects I mentioned above.
What do you think has kept the soca music genre from becoming as popular as say, reggae music?
When we create music in the Caribbean very few of us think broadly. For the most part if you are in Trinidad and Tobago or in Grenada or any other island you create music that can be understood mostly by those who share the same nationality or those who understand the specific culture. I am not saying that we need to forget our roots or culture but we must think global and international; there must be elements in the music and rhythms that will invoke that spirit of revelry and excitement in anyone even those who do not understand fully. The lyrical content and story line should make sense and should be easy to understand.
Our music is unique and very soon we will be able to completely break down the barriers but it isn’t something that only one person can do alone; it’s going to take a team of well-equipped and creative singers, songwriters, performers and musicians to make it happen the right way.
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