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Soca music is one of the most popular genres in the Caribbean, and around the world. Soca powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago where the sound originates, has put their stamp on the genre and is home to several well-known Soca artists.
As is typical in the Caribbean, each year a new ‘riddim’ is released into the musical market. It could come from any Caribbean island and in any Caribbean genre. That riddim is then taken up by various artists as a musical experiment to produce a song. One such riddim trending for 2020/21 is the ‘Tender Touch’ Riddim, produced by ‘Advokit Productions’ in collaboration with ‘Julian Promos.’
The Tender Touch riddim has seen the signature voices of Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman, Hey Choppi, Olatunji, Melly Rose + Skales and man, did they nail it. Each artist brings their own flavor to this delicious musical cocktail.
Let’s look at the top 4 artists who are dominating the Tender Touch Riddim.
First up is Patrice Roberts. This Soca queen and dynamic vocalist has been blazing her way in Soca music for several years and she keeps climbing to new levels, which comes as no surprise since Patrice hails from a strong musical background and community. She currently collaborates with the King of Soca, Machel Montano, in his band Machel Montano HD and Patrice also has close ties with family members who have carved out a name for themselves on the musical scene, such as Bunji Garlin. It is no wonder her melodic voice compliments the groovy Soca Tender Touch riddim as she sings of love, loyalty, and commitment to her significant other in her song entitled ‘Tender’.
Up next is Nailah Blackman. This breakout Soca artist also has music running through her veins. Her grandfather Garfield Blackman, also known as Lord Shorty or Ras Shorty I, a very well-known calypsonian and The Father/inventor of Soca music in Trinidad and Tobago.
Though a young artiste just 23 years old, Nailah has several hits to her name including ‘Workout’, a collaboration with Kes the Band, and ‘Baddish’ where she teamed up with popular female artiste Shenseea out of Jamaica. Nailah sings on the Tender Touch Riddim with her banger – ‘Trouble Wine’.
The next artist to grace the Tender Touch Riddim is Melly Rose Ft. Skales with ‘Shine pon me.’ This song puts a unique spin on the Soca riddim and is perfect for those who need a bit of upliftment, with the catchy hook ‘Let your blessings shine upon me papa God..’. Melly (Melissa St. Rose) who is Trinidadian born and a unique artist herself has released a number of singles which emulates similar authenticity and vibrancy (such as the recent single & music video ‘Body good’ which highlights female body image empowerment), all part of her artist persona. Nigerian-born rapper and singer songwriter Skales featured, adds in more flavor to the song that makes this track on the Tender Touch Riddim definitely worth the listen.
Wrapping up the top four artists who dominate on this riddim is Olatunji (Yearwood). This Trinidadian Soca sensation was born into a family of talent as his father, Edward Yearwood, is a well-known composer in Trinidad and his mother Mairoon Ali an actress and radio personality. The 35 year old artist started out in the music arena during his teen years and by 2015 gained worldwide recognition by winning the International Soca Monarch groovy competition with this piece ‘Ola’. Olatunji continued producing hits over the years and it’s no surprise his voice is among the many on the Tender Touch Riddim. His song dubbed ‘Angel’ speaks to a special woman and the love he receives from her. A true love song which would flatter any female listener.
Though we’ve touched on the top four artists, absolutely all the artists featured on this riddim have delivered phenomenal songs. The Tender Touch Riddim continues to receive widespread airplay across the Caribbean region and internationally. Go check it out if you haven’t!
Written by: Andrea Louis
For: Generation Y Dominica
Generation Y Dominica 