While Caribbean Reggae music has spread throughout the world, and is now being performed and recorded in countries across the globe, Soca music has its origins, and continues to be produced predominately, in the Caribbean. Indeed, there is perhaps no other music that more uniquely invokes connotations of the Caribbean than does Soca.



At its inception, the music was called Calypso and, while the early recordings of Harry Belafonte and others of the period continue to carry the Calypso label in the minds of the general public, the music and its beat has carried the current name for the past 30 years among the Caribbean communities. It is said that the name came from the combining the 'CA' of Calypso with a dose of Soul ('SO') to become SOCA!

Probably the genre's most famous song of all time, and one that instantly conveys the style of music to which the name refers, is the song “(Are You Feeling) Hot Hot Hot”. Written and made famous throughout the Caribbean by Antiguan singer Arrow, the song was brought to America and the world stage by Buster Poindexter 'and His Banshees of Blue' in 1987. The magnitude of the song permanently placed the musical style, and its association with the Caribbean, on the map. Certainly, the songs Day-O and Hot Hot Hot would be considered the two foremost titles that people think of as Caribbean music.

Additionally, the musical instrument that tends to also be uniquely connected with the Caribbean and, indeed, with this music is the Steel Drum. The melody emanating from the drum is termed both Pan Steel or Steel Pan music. Indeed, it can be said that the Steel Drum is heard more often times with a Soca beat than with any other style of music. The percussive nature of the instrument and the percussion-intensive Soca beat are a perfect match, and the qualities of both contribute to a decidedly Caribbean sound.

The Caribbean band IRIE TIME combines both of these musical elements in practically every performance. The group has been performing Reggae and Soca music for over a decade and has discovered that, once this music starts filling the dance floor, it's hard to stop! As the lyrics to Hot Hot Hot go: “Oh what to do – On a night like this; Music's sweet – You can't resist.” We see young and old alike up on their feet dancing to the music's infectious rhythm.

Another Caribbean invention, the Conga Line, also ideally compliments the music. Its alternating 'kick and step', as one holds onto the person in front of them, finds its best possible accompaniment here.