In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we’re joined by two powerhouse DJs from Barbados now making waves in the UK, Deejay Paulie and DJ Bajie.
We dive into:
Their journeys from the Barbados to the UK music scene
Cropover and its influence on global soca
Notting Hill Carnival and representing Bajan culture abroad
How bashment soca is changing the game for Barbados
Packed with stories, insights, and plenty of island vibes, this episode is a must-watch for lovers of soca and those who want to learn more about Barbados.
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Hosts: Annie - @anniiemai_
Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Guests:
Deejay Paulie - @deejaypaulie
DJ Bajie - @unclebajie246
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
IG: @ashotofsoca
X: @ashotofsoca
TikTok: @ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#Barbados #CropOver #NottingHillCarnival #BajanCulture #AShotOfSoca #Soca #Caribbean
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we sat down with Island Mas, one of the UK’s largest carnival bands, as they gear up to celebrate 10 years on the road at Notting Hill Carnival 2025!
We got into:
The journey of building Island Mas for a decade
What to expect from their big anniversary celebration this year
The realities of balancing love and business behind the scenes
Lessons learned, memories made, and what’s next for this powerhouse team
Whether you’re a carnival lover, band member, or entrepreneur in the culture, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and plenty of vibes.
Don’t miss it!
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Hosts:Annie - @anniiemai_
Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Guest:
Island Mas – @islandmasuk
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
IG: @ashotofsoca
Twitter: @ashotofsoca
TikTok: @ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast:
Spotify
Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#IslandMas #NottingHillCarnival #CarnivalBand #UKSoca #AShotOfSoca
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we sat down with the powerhouse team behind the Ibiza Soca Festival to go behind the scenes of one of the biggest international soca festivals in the world!
We talked about:What it really takes to start and successfully grow a global soca event
The challenges, lessons, and wins along the journey
How the festival has helped spread Caribbean culture across Europe
Building community and connection through music
This convo is a must-watch, tap in to hear how the Ibiza Soca team is carrying the culture with pride, year after year.
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Hosts:
Annie - @anniiemai_
Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Guest:
Ibiza Soca Festival - @ibizasoca
———————————Stay connected with #ASOSPod:IG: @ashotofsocaX: @ashotofsocaTikTok: @ashotofsocaListen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts :Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com#IbizaSocaFestival #AShotOfSoca #SocaWorldwide #CaribbeanCulture #Soca
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we were joined in studio by none other than Shortpree, the Grenadian soca artist behind some of the biggest jab jab anthems!
We talked about:
His break from music and what it took to make a comeback
How the soca scene has evolved over the years
His love for Carriacou and what sets its vibe apart
Being back in London and reconnecting with fans in the diaspora
This one is full of reflections, real talk, and of course, vibes!
Tap in and hear from the man himself as he shares his journey and what’s next on the horizon.
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Hosts:
Annie - @anniiemai_
Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Guest:
Shortpree – @shortpree
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
IG: @ashotofsoca
X: @ashotofsoca
TikTok: @ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#AShotOfSoca #Shortpree #GrenadianSoca #Carriacou #JabJab #Soca #SocaArtist #CaribbeanMusic
In this powerful episode of A Shot of Soca, we were honoured to be joined in studio by the team behind Montserrat Festival UK. They shared emotional first-hand stories of:
The 1995 Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption
What it was like to live through the disaster and the impact of displacement
How Montserratians rebuilt their lives across the diaspora
Why 2025 marks 30 years of resilience and the importance of honouring that legacy
The launch of Montserrat Festival UK a celebration of culture, strength, and community in the heart of London
This is more than just a conversation it’s a tribute to Montserrat and a people who’ve turned tragedy into triumph, and a reminder of the power of Caribbean identity.————————————-
Hosts:
Annie - @anniiemai_
Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Guests:
Montserrat Festival UK - @montserratfestivaluk———————————
Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
IG: @ashotofsoca
X: @ashotofsoca
TikTok: @ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#MontserratFestivalUK #AShotOfSoca #CaribbeanDiaspora
In this powerful episode of A Shot of Soca, we honour Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month by sitting down with Brian a passionate mental health advocate and prostate cancer survivor.
We dive into the real and often unspoken challenges Caribbean men face when it comes to mental health, vulnerability, and healing. From toxic masculinity to cultural expectations, Brian opens up about his journey, the importance of therapy, and why more spaces are needed for honest, safe conversations.
Topics covered:
Navigating mental health as a Caribbean man
Surviving testicular cancer and the mental aftermath
The lack of culturally specific support
Breaking the stigma in our communities
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that our Caribbean men deserve space, support, and understanding.
If you or someone you know is looking for support, here are some resources:
🔹 MIND – Mental health support in the UK
🔹 BAYO – Support for Black youth under 35
🔹 Black Minds Matter UK – Free therapy for Black individuals and families
🔹 Pattigift Therapy – African-centred therapy & courses
🔹 BAATN – Directory of Black therapists & practitioners
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Hosts:
🎙 Annie - @anniiemai_
🎙 Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Guest:
🎙 Brian – Men's mental health advocate & survivor
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
📸 IG: @ashotofsoca
🐦 Twitter: @ashotofsoca
🎵 TikTok: @ashotofsoca
🎧 Listen to the podcast:
🔗 Spotify: Listen Here
🔗 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
📩 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#AShotOfSoca #MentalHealthAwareness #BlackMentalHealth #BlackTherapy #BreakTheStigma
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we’re in beautiful Barbados and joined by Kev Jones a Trinidadian artist making bold moves in the music scene! We sat down with Kev to talk about: His transition from soca to dancehall What inspired the switch and how the journey’s been so far The challenges of crossing genres in the Caribbean music industryHis latest releases, sound, and what’s next for himIt’s a real, unfiltered convo about artistic evolution, Caribbean creativity, and finding your voice in a changing industry. Don’t miss this one!————————————-Hosts: Annie - @anniiemai_Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibesGuest:Kev Jones - @KevJones.mp3———————————Stay connected with #ASOSPod:IG: @ashotofsocaTwitter: @ashotofsocaTikTok: @ashotofsocaListen to the podcast:Spotify: Listen HereApple Podcasts: Listen HereContact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com #AShotofSoca #Soca #Dancehall
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we’re celebrating a major milestone with the incredible creatives behind Envy Designs -10 years on the road at Notting Hill Carnival!
Known for letting their work speak louder than words, Envy Designs rarely do interviews, but they joined us for a special conversation where we got to:
Learn who they are and how it all started
Talk through their 2025 costume design and the inspiration behind it
Hear about their favourite looks from past yearsAsk which celebrity they’d love to design for
Discover the story behind the name “Envy Designs"; and much more.
If you’re a fan of their costumes, Carnival culture, or just love hearing from the minds behind the magic, this episode is a must-watch.
Watch and celebrate 10 years of creativity, colour, and Caribbean pride with us!
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Hosts:
Annie - @anniiemai_
Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Guest:Envy Designs - @envydesignsinc———————————
Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
IG: @ashotofsoca
X: @ashotofsoca
TikTok: @ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast:
Spotify: Listen Here
Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#EnvyDesigns #NottingHillCarnival #CarnivalDesigners #CostumeDesign #AShotOfSoca #10YearsOnTheRoad
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we’re touching on all the major carnivals from the first three months of 2025, including the Mecca, Trinidad Carnival – the biggest of them all!
We also break down some of the biggest discussions shaking up the soca world:
Blaka Dan’s Ultimate Soca Champion win - Why is he facing criticism?
Colourism in Carnival - A long-standing issue that needs to be addressed.
Where was Destra? - The Queen of Bacchanal skipped the season to focus on her gospel album.
New UK visa rules for Trinbagonians – What you need to know before traveling.
Ibiza Soca Festival 2025 – What’s in store this year?
From the celebrations to the controversies, we’re covering everything you need to know. Watch now & join the conversation!
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Hosts:
🎙 Annie - @anniiemai_
🎙 Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
📸 IG: @ashotofsoca
🐦 Twitter: @ashotofsoca
🎵 TikTok: @ashotofsoca
🎧 Listen to the podcast:
🔗 Spotify: Listen Here
🔗 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
📩 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#TrinidadCarnival2025 #UltimateSocaChampion #BlakaDan #Destra #CarnivalCulture #IbizaSocaFestival #CaribbeanCulture #AShotOfSoca
Carnival 2025 was in full swing—music pumping, flags waving, and the streets alive with energy! In the midst of all the bacchanal, we took a moment for storytelling, reflection, and good old-fashioned liming.In this episode, we sat down with Soka Tribe’s Sokanista at members family home in San Juan, Trinidad, for a conversation over buss-up shot.
We dive into:
The roots of Soka Tribe Carnival traditions worldwide
How community & culture keep the spirit of Carnival alive
The role of food in the carnival experience
Soca's global impact & 2025 road march predictions
Soca isn’t just a genre—it’s a movement, an energy, a heartbeat!
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Hosts:
🎙 Annie - @anniiemai_
🎙 Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibesSpecial
Guest:
🎙 Shermica "Sokanista" - @sokatribe
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
IG: @ashotofsoca
X: @ashotofsoca
TikTok: @ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast:
🔗 Spotify: Listen Here
🔗 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
📩 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#SokaTribe #Carnival2025 #BussUpShot #SocaMusic #TrinidadCarnival #CaribbeanCulture #AShotOfSoca
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we’re celebrating St. Lucia’s Independence (February 22nd) with none other than DJ Colayshan, straight out of 758!
We dive into:
How St. Lucians celebrate Independence Day – traditions, vibes & patriotism.
The unique sounds of St. Lucia – from Dennery Segment to Zouk.
Lucian food – what’s on the menu for an authentic St. Lucian experience?
Julian Alfred – St. Lucia’s olympic medalist making waves on the world stage!
St. Lucian artists to watch – who’s running the music scene?
If you love Lucian culture, music, and vibes, this episode is for you! Watch now and celebrate 758 with us! 🇱🇨💙
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Hosts:
🎙 Annie - @anniiemai_
🎙 Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibes
Special Guest:
🎧 DJ Colayshan - @colayshan
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
📸 IG: @ashotofsoca
🐦 Twitter: @ashotofsoca
🎵 TikTok: @ashotofsoca
🎧 Listen to the podcast:
🔗 Spotify: Listen Here
🔗 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
📩 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#StLuciaIndependence #758Vibes #DennerySegment #LucianSoca #JulianAlfred #SocaMusic #LucianCulture #AShotOfSoca
In this episode of A Shot of Soca, we sat down with the incredibly talented Ms So Sweet, Anika Berry, to talk about her journey as a soca artist and the progress she’s made since we last connected at Ibiza Soca 2023!
We dive into:
🌟 Her growth as an artist – How far she’s come since Ibiza Soca 2023.
🏆 Becoming a semi-finalist in Ultimate Soca Champion – Her first-ever soca competition experience.
💪 Staying motivated – The mindset and drive it takes to push forward in the soca industry.
Anika’s passion for soca is undeniable, and her journey is just getting started! Watch now to hear her story. ————————————-
Hosts:
🎙 Annie - @anniiemai_
🎙 Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibesSpecial
Guest:
🎤 Ankia Berry - @anikaberry_
———————————
Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
📸 IG: @ashotofsoca
🐦 X: @ashotofsoca
🎵 TikTok: @ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast:
🔗 Spotify: Listen Here
🔗 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
📩 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#AnikaBerry #UltimateSocaChampion #SocaMusic #trinidadcarnival #CaribbeanCulture #SocaArtist #AShotOfSoca #asospod
In this special episode of A Shot of Soca, we sat down with the Soca Boss himself, DJ Jel, at Paparazzi Carnival Mas Camp in Port of Spain, Trinidad!
We covered it all:
🏆 Road March Contenders – Who’s taking the crown in 2025?
🎶 Soca 2025 – Are female soca artists bringing the same heat as the men this year?
💃 Jus’ So Fete & Trending Hits – What’s running the fetes, radio and the songs that will be running the road🔥 Trinidad Killa Bacchanal – The tricks he’s missing when using his platform.
🏅 Ultimate Soca Champion – The impact of the new competition on the soca scene.Get the inside scoop on what’s making waves this carnival season! Don’t miss this one!
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Hosts:
🎙 Annie - @anniiemai_
🎙 Supertrini Vibes - @supertrinivibesGuests:
🎙 DJ Jel - @Jelinthemix
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Stay connected with #ASOSPod:
📸 IG: @ashotofsoca
🐦 Twitter: @ashotofsoca
🎵 TikTok: @ashotofsoca
📩 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
#DJJel #RoadMarch2025 #SocaMusic #TrinidadCarnival #UltimateSocaChampion #TrinidadKilla #FemaleSocaArtists #TrendingFetes #AShotOfSoca
We are back! Happy 2025!
In this episode we discuss:
New Logo
Ultimate Soca Champions
Trinidad Killa
Machel Montano Chutney Soca Monarch & Tiny Desk 2025 soca - Ones to watch What’s coming up in 2025 Soca Matrix
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Hosts: Annie - / anniiemai_
Supertrini Vibes - / supertrinivibes
———————————
Stay connected with #asospod:
IG - / ashotofsoca
Twitter - / ashotofsoca
TikTok - / ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast:
Spotify -https://open.spotify.com/show/3LObc5n..
Apple Podcasts -https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast..
Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
In this episode, we had Mike Forbes, band leader of Chocolate Nation Mas and JP, band leader of Abir Mas join us in studio. They give us a true breakdown of what it takes to start a carnival mas band and what is required to have that mas band on the road for carnival. ————————————- #asospod is hosted by: Annie - https://www.instagram.com/anniiemai_/ Supertrinivibes - https://www.instagram.com/supertrinivibes/ ——————————— Stay connected with #asospod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/ashotofsoca/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ashotofsoca TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashotofsoca Listen to the podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3LObc5ncC0mwFc6p1yNPLR?si=7d6db455f25d4a29 .__________________\\\ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-shot-of-soca-karibe-kulture/id1612152982 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com —————————— A Shot of Soca is a Karibe Kulture Production and recorded at Myraid Studio Karibe Kulture - https://www.instagram.com/karibekulture/ Myraid Studios - https://www.instagram.com/myriadstudiosldn/
We had Playmas, Goodmuse and Dj Natural Mystics in studio with us to talk about their respective brands and how they’re using to influence soca music and carnival. We also touched on their thoughts of Notting Hill carnival ————————————- #asospod is hosted by: Annie - https://www.instagram.com/anniiemai_/ Supertrinivibes - https://www.instagram.com/supertrinivibes/ ——————————— Stay connected with #asospod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/ashotofsoca/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ashotofsoca TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashotofsoca Listen to the podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3LObc5ncC0mwFc6p1yNPLR?si=7d6db455f25d4a29 .__________________\\\ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-shot-of-soca-karibe-kulture/id1612152982 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com —————————— A Shot of Soca is a Karibe Kulture Production and recorded at Myraid Studio Karibe Kulture - https://www.instagram.com/karibekulture/ Myraid Studios - https://www.instagram.com/myriadstudiosldn/
We had Melstheory, president and CEO of The Strutlab join us in studio. The Strutlab is an inclusive model and media agency that supports, mentors and highlights black talent and creatives. We discussed why she started The Strutlab, what made her fall in love with soca, the Canadian soca scene and her expectations for NHC ————————————- #asospod is hosted by: Annie - https://www.instagram.com/anniiemai_/ Supertrinivibes - https://www.instagram.com/supertrinivibes/ ——————————— Stay connected with #asospod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/ashotofsoca/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ashotofsoca TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashotofsoca Listen to the podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3LObc5ncC0mwFc6p1yNPLR?si=7d6db455f25d4a29 .__________________\\\ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-shot-of-soca-karibe-kulture/id1612152982 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com —————————— A Shot of Soca is a Karibe Kulture Production and recorded at Myraid Studio Karibe Kulture - https://www.instagram.com/karibekulture/ Myraid Studios - https://www.instagram.com/myriadstudiosldn/
We had Triple M, Digga D, Carnival Slayers, Gavin DC, Big Bad Tubbs and Lisa join us in studio to give their honest opinions of Notting Hill Carnival 2024
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#asospod is hosted by:
Annie - https://www.instagram.com/anniiemai_/
Supertrinivibes - https://www.instagram.com/supertrinivibes/
———————————
Stay connected with #asospod:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/ashotofsoca/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ashotofsoca
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashotofsoca
Listen to the podcast:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3LObc5ncC0mwFc6p1yNPLR?si=7d6db455f25d4a29
.__________________\\\
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-shot-of-soca-karibe-kulture/id1612152982
Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com
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A Shot of Soca is a Karibe Kulture Production and recorded at Myraid Studio
Karibe Kulture - https://www.instagram.com/karibekulture/
Myraid Studios - https://www.instagram.com/myriadstudiosldn/
We caught up with Simbaarley, a UK born soca artist who recently moved to Canada to further his career. We discussed the transition into Canadian life, his project with Dj Puffy, what made him fall in love with soca and of course where to catch him for Notting Hill carnival (and much more). ————————————- #asospod is hosted by: Annie - https://www.instagram.com/anniiemai_/ Supertrinivibes - https://www.instagram.com/supertrinivibes/ ——————————— Stay connected with #asospod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/ashotofsoca/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ashotofsoca TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashotofsoca Listen to the podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3LObc5ncC0mwFc6p1yNPLR?si=7d6db455f25d4a29 .__________________\\\ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-shot-of-soca-karibe-kulture/id1612152982 Contact us: ashotofsoca@gmail.com —————————— A Shot of Soca is a Karibe Kulture Production and recorded at Myraid Studio Karibe Kulture - https://www.instagram.com/karibekulture/ Myraid Studios - https://www.instagram.com/myriadstudiosldn/
