Female artists have helped to shape and elevate Caribbean music through the decades. Many female soca artists have broken down barriers and contributed to the genre’s evolution. Therefore, it is only fitting that we highlight some of these talented women who have inspired generations. Take a journey with us as we celebrate the most influential female voices and queens of soca music.
The 1970s: The Foundation Years
Calypso Rose
McCartha Monica Sandy-Lewis known professionally as Calypso Rose, is a legendary Trinidadian soca artist. Known as the ‘Mother of Calypso’ she is a pioneer who helped pave the way for women in soca music. Rose would have began calypso music in a time where it was dominated by men. However, through her talent and perseverance she challenged gender norms and proved that women could compete with and outperform their male counterparts. In 1978, she was the first woman to win the Calypso Monarch and Road March competition.
She has performed with musical icons such as Bob Marley and Michael Jackson. In 2019, she made history by becoming one of Coachella’s oldest performers at 78. Her lyrics often address social issues such as racism, sexism and oppression earning her recognition as a voice and advocate for change. Rose has contributed a lot to soca music and helped to break down barriers for female artists who came after. She is definitely one of the Queens of Soca.
The 1980s: The Rise of Female Power
Singing Sandra
Sandra Des Vignes-Millington, known professionally as Singing Sandra, emerged as a powerful voice for social commentary in soca music. Singing Sandra grew up in a poor family in Morvant, Trinidad and faced many hardships during her teenage years. She began performing at a young age through Best Village productions and later joined the Mighty Sparrow’s Youth Brigade tent at Carnival.
After winning the national Calypso Queen title in 1987, she became the second woman to win Trinidad’s Calypso Monarch in 1999. She won with ‘Song for Healing’ and ‘Voices in the Ghetto’. She won a second time in 2003 with ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Ancient Rhythm. She is the first female calypsonian to win the title twice.
Singing Sandra who sadly passed away in 2021 was a powerful voice for women’s rights. Her songs such as Classic hits like “Sexy Employers” and “Die with My Dignity’’, highlighted the issues faced by women in the workforce. ‘Die with my Dignity was an anthem for many women. She will be remembered and her legacy will live on as being one of the pioneers in the game.
Denyse Plummer
Denise Plumber started out in music performing pop songs in bars and hotels in Trinidad in the 1970’s and 80’s and transitioned to calypso music in 1985. Plummer faced prejudice in the early stages of her career because of her mixed heritage. However, she pressed on and built a legacy. She won the Calypso Monarch in 2001 with her song ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nah Leaving’. This made her the third woman to win the title.
Her music often addressed gender inequality and social issues. She was honored with many awards one of which was the Hummingbird Medal in 2011. She sadly passed away in 2023, however, her legacy will stand the testament of time.
The 1990s: The Golden Era
Alison Hinds
Known as THE “Queen of Soca,” Alison Hinds emerged as one of the genre’s most powerful voices. She started her career at the age of 17 as lead singer for the band ‘Square One’ in 1987. The band released nine albums between 1988 and 2001. In 1992, she won the Barbados Song Contest with John King with ‘Hold You in a Song’. Alison Hinds won the Road March in 1996 with the song ‘Ragamuffin’ and the Party Monarch in 1997 with ‘meantime’, becoming the first female artist in Barbados to win these titles.
The release of ‘Ragamuffin’ marked the beginning of an era. I personally remember watching the music video as a child when it came out. There was no YouTube or social media in those times so you had to see the video on channel 8 in Barbados when it was shown. I remember being glued to the television as everything about the song and video were perfect. It incorporated imagery from Africa and the beat was catchy and had a mixture of dancehall and soca. The way she dressed, her cadence and the overall attitude of the song demanded attention. Hearing the song for the first time I knew it was going to define an era.
In 2005, Alison Hinds released ‘Roll It Gal’ which is an anthem for female empowerment. She was awarded an honorary degree by the University of the West Indies at Cavehill for her achievements. She continues to tour worldwide and is recognized globally for her contribution to soca music.
Denise Belfon
Denise Belfon also known as “Saucy Wow” is renowned for her high energy performances and vocals. She was discovered by Roy Cape’s band leader in the early 90’s. She started out with the soca band Black Sheep and later joined the sound Revolution. Belfon’s hits include songs like ‘Hard Wuk’, ‘De Jammette’, ‘Saucy Baby’ and Indian Man. I can personally remember going to many fetes in Barbados growing up and watching Saucy perform live. She is one of the best female performers in the game.
The 2000s: Modern Innovation
Fay-Ann Lyons
Fay-Ann Lyons is a Trinidadian born soca artist and the daughter of soca legend Superblue. Fay-Ann began her career around the year 2000 and was a lead singer in the band Invasion. She is a three time Road March champion with ‘Display’ in 2003, ‘Get On’ in 2008 and ‘Meet Super Blue’ in 2009. In 2009 she became the first female artist to win the International Soca Monarch. She won the Groovy Soca Monarch that year along with the People’s Choice award.
One of her biggest hits to date is her song ‘Heavy T Bumper’ which would have had so much impact when it was released. So many women on social media at the time were calling themselves Heavy T. Fay-Ann continues to tour worldwide and performs at events such as Coachella and the Glastonbury Festival. She is also married to Ian Antonio Alvarez better known as Bunji Garlin.
Destra Garcia
Destra is one of the most popular female soca artists’ globally. We have wrote about Destra in our article on beautiful female Caribbean singers. Destra was influenced musically by her family, her grandfather was a jazz musician and her father was a guitarist. Her professional career started to flourish after she joined the Roy Cape All-Stars in 1999 with her single ‘Ah have A Man Already’ with Third Bass. She later joined the band Atlantik before leaving the band to start her solo career. Her debut album ‘Red White Black’ (2003) featured her hit single with Machel Montano ‘Its Carnival’. That song in my opinion is one of the best soca songs ever created. She won the Labor Day Carnival in Brooklyn that same year.
Her other hits include, ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, ‘Fly’, ‘Tremble It’ and ‘Weh Yuh Want’. I remember being at Soca on De Hill in 2015 and watching her performance, I would have always liked Destra but that performance made me fall in love with her as an artist. Destra known as the “Queen of Bacchanal” is a legend in the game and has had a hand in revolutionizing soca music.
The 2010s and Beyond: New Generation Leaders
Patrice Roberts
Patrice began in music from the tender age of seven singing in her school choir. She later became a skilled tenor steelpan player. Her professional career took off in 2005 with the hit collaboration ‘The Islands’ which featured her cousin Bunji Garlin. In 2006 she won the Roach march with her song ‘Band of De Year’ featuring Machel Montano. Patrice is one of the most consistent female soca artists of this generation. She has had so many hits throughout the years including ‘Big Girl Now’, ‘Toxic Love’, ‘Mind My Business’, ‘Old and Grey”, and my personal favorite ‘Criminal Wine’ with Lyrical.
Nadia Batson
Nadia Batson gained prominence when she became the lead singer for Kes The Band alongside Kees Dieffenthaller from 2005 to 2011. Her solo career took off after leaving the band to form SASS nation which is an all-female band.
Before becoming a recognized singer, Batson spent years working behind the scenes as a songwriter, producer, and background vocalist. She has written songs for Michelle Sylvester, including “Go Ahead And Do Dat,” “Face Me,” and “Sleeping In Your Bed”. Batson also wrote “Dutty” for Blaxx and “Expose” for Tizzy from Antigua. In 2007, Nadia competed in the International Soca Monarch competition, placing second in the Power category with her song “My Land,” a collaboration with Kees Dieffenthaller. Nadia is a very talented soca artist and one of the queens of soca.
Nailah Blackman
Nailah Blackman is a talented singer and song writer from San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. Her grandfather is Garfield Blackman aka Ras Horty I and her mother Abbi Blackman is a calypso artist. Nailah would have had her breakthrough in 2017 with her song ‘Workout’ featuring Kes the Band. Nailah has used that momentum and has consistently released successful tracks such as ‘Baila Mami, and ‘Sokah’. In 2023 she won the Road March with the track ‘Come Home’ featuring Skinny Fabulous. One of her most under rated songs in my opinion is ‘Bougie’. The song incorporates elements of hip hop and soca and showcases her creativity, I love the song.
In 2018 she received a nomination from the BET awards for Best New International Act. Her voice is definitely unique making her stand out from her counterparts. She is definitely one of the pioneers of this generation who is pushing the art form forward.
Modern Day Impact and Legacy
Female soca artists have been instrumental in shaping Caribbean music. They have broken down gender barriers and challenged traditional norms. They have incorporated other styles of music into their songs and created worldwide appeal. They have opened doors and created opportunities which were nonexistent.
Supporting Female Artists in Soca
One of the simplest ways to support artists is to stream their music on paid and free platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music. In addition, sharing their content on social media.
The Future of Female Soca Artists
The future for female soca artists looks promising. The new wave of artists are building on the foundation laid by the veterans while pushing the genre forward. Artists are fusing the traditional sound of soca music with other genres of music to reach and reaching broader audience. Artists such as Nailah Blackman and Patrice Roberts have many chart topping songs are securing their place on popular streaming platforms such as Apple Music.
The genre is indeed growing and this provides an opportunity for female soca artists to find new avenues for success. Collaborations with international stars are important as well. This has brought a new audience to soca music. Collaborations with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Machel Montano x Destra – Shake the Place Remix ft. Nicki Minaj is an example.
Female soca artists have been instrumental in shaping the genre we know today. From challenging social norms to innovating musically, these powerful women have left an indelible mark on Caribbean music and culture. As we celebrate their achievements, we also look forward to the next generation of female artists who will continue to push boundaries and elevate soca music to new heights.