Trinidadian Soca sensation Rikki Jai is making a triumphant return to the music scene with his latest release, “Soca ’till I Die.” The track serves as a heartfelt tribute to his enduring love for Soca music while aiming to reconnect with both his loyal fan base and a new generation of Soca enthusiasts. Through this release, Rikki Jai seeks to revive his Soca roots and pay homage to the trailblazers who shaped the genre.
Produced by KVG (Bjorn Graham) and Trini Baby (Vernice Herreira), “Soca ’till I Die” showcases Rikki Jai’s signature lyrical prowess and infectious energy. The accompanying music video, filmed in Los Angeles, features an impressive lineup of Soca legends, including Ras Shorty I and the late Ricardo Drue, bridging the gap between past and present Soca stars.
- Advertisement -
In a recent interview with LoopTT, Rikki Jai shared the inspiration behind the track, revealing, “As I looked around, I noticed that only a few of my peers from my generation were still actively creating music. This made me reflect on my own journey and reaffirm my commitment to Soca music. I made a promise to someone that I would ‘Soca ’till I Die,’ as my passion for the genre has never wavered over the years.” With this song, Rikki Jai continues his musical evolution, reintroducing himself to a new wave of Soca enthusiasts who may primarily know him for his chutney Soca contributions.
Rikki Jai’s foray into the Soca scene began in 1988 when he burst onto the airwaves with his chart-topping hit “Sumintra.” Throughout the following decade, he dominated the Soca landscape with a string of successful releases. While later delving into chutney Soca, collaborating with Soca superstar Machel Montano on the popular track “Mor Tor,” Rikki Jai aims to remind audiences of his earlier Soca hits, including fan favorites like “Pumpin’,” “Wine on ah Bumsee,” and “Show me your motion,” through “Soca ’till I Die.”
The music video for “Soca ’till I Die,” a Movewithtime production shot in Los Angeles, holds profound significance for Rikki Jai. Growing up in the calypso tents of Trinidad and Tobago, he had the privilege of working closely with Soca legends who imparted invaluable knowledge and guidance. Rikki Jai credits influential artists such as Bally, Stalin, David Rudder, Baron, Ras Shorty I, Sparrow, and Kenny Phillips for shaping his career and influencing his unique style as a Soca artist.
Expressing deep gratitude towards the pioneers of Soca, Rikki Jai emphasizes the importance of acknowledging their contributions to the art form. He firmly believes that understanding and honoring the past is crucial for the continued growth and development of Soca music. With unwavering optimism, Rikki Jai acknowledges the abundance of young, talented Soca artists and expresses his satisfaction with the positive direction in which the genre is heading.
“Soca ’till I Die” has already sparked significant interest on platforms like YouTube, garnering enthusiastic responses and receiving extensive airplay on urban stations prior to Carnival season. Rikki Jai’s return to the forefront of the Soca scene not only reignites excitement among his dedicated fan base but also invites new listeners to join him on a nostalgic journey while embracing the vibrancy and evolution of Soca music in the present day.
As Rikki Jai embraces his Soca roots, his commitment to the genre shines through in “Soca ’till I Die.” This captivating release serves as a testament to his unwavering love for Soca and his determination to leave a lasting impact on the genre’s legacy. With his captivating presence and infectious energy, Rikki Jai continues to captivate audiences, bridging the gap between generations and celebrating the richness of Soca music.
