Booster Shot: Happy Birthday Ms Alysha

The diversity of the soca genre has grown in every which way over the years. The tempos range from moderate to lightening speed. The themes cover inspirational themes, carnival, love and heartbreak, jokey double entendre, and really anything an artist can imagine.

Then there's the matter of style. Some artists sing with melodious voices befitting any R&B stage, while a host of popular artistes have risen to prominence doing what the dancehall world calls "DJing". (Think Bunji Garlin, Lil Rick, Skinny Fabulous, Tallpree,) You follow?  It's basically when you dropping lyrics rhythmically over the beat. Often the pace and general flow is both faster and more syncopated than what you would hear in a rap song, and there is usually a hint of melody in the vocals. In Trinidad, songs deliver in that DJ style are referred to as ragga soca, even though the term means something else completely in several other island.

I wanted to take time out to big up a female artist who has established herself performing in this manner; Ms. Alysha! She has taken ownership of her choice to spit fire with the big boys, by dubbing herself "The Lyrical Queen of Soca"

Today is Ms Alysha's birthday and I want to send warm and happy wishes out to a gal who dares to be different!

If you don't know this this artist, familiarize yourself first with her latest release for Trinidad Carnival 2010: "Riding It" on the Gutter Riddim

Ridin It (2010 Trinidad Carnival)(Gutter Riddim) - Ms. Alysha

If you want to send your own greetings to Ms Alysha, make her day by visiting her new website www.MsAlysha.com or send her a message at www.Twitter.com/therealmsalysha .  Just pray her cell phone doesn't lose it's charge, so she can link you back!  Last check, the current went off where she lives!

Happy Birthday Girl!  Make it a great one!

Love and Soca,


Nurse Karen