Christmas brings much cheer, carols point us to a time in the distance past when Christmas was soft and carols were meant for reflection. Times have changed and so have the styles of Christmas carols. The sound of Parang soca is taking center stage during Christmas. Soca music is now being fused with parang. The sound of parang has both Latin and Caribbean influences incorporated. Parang finds in roots in the Spanish word parranda which means merry making. Parang soca is a subgenre of soca and is a recent comer to the world of music. The origins of parang is still disputed in many circles however it is believed that it was first introduced by the Spanish or French speaking catholic monks that brought it to Trinidad during the Spanish colonial period. The second theory proposes that it was the Venezuelans who were responsible for the first elements of parang music when the migrated to work on the cocoa plantations during the first part of the 19th century.

The sound of parang would flourish during the rule of the British as it incorporated elements of French and African Creole. The music is still highly valued during the festive seasons such as Christmas. It can be found on other islands in addition to Trinidad, these include The Dominican Republic, Grenada and Venezuela. Many communities in Trinidad & Tobago have a vibrant from of parang music. Communities such as Lopinot, Paraminn and Arima are just three of the many places that one can visit to experience panrang music at its best.

There are a number of notable parang soca artists who have produced well know hits that will keep your feet and body moving all through the festive seasons. Here are some artists and their hit songs:

• Ajala - Bring Yuh Rum (Cuatro-Man Riddim)
• Blackie - New Car For Christmas (Sponge Cake Riddim)
• Fireball - All I Really Want (Christmas Reggae Riddim)
• Khari Kill - Boys and Girls (Christmas Reggae Riddim)
• Marlon Asher, Gailann & Dainjamental
• Bring Back The Love (Christmas Reggae Riddim)
• Queen Omega - Light The Colly Tree (Christmas Reggae Riddim)
• Shawn Ma$tamind Noel - What Is Christmas Without Ah Rum (Cuatro-Man Riddim)
• Doggy & King R - She Want Me Come Home For The Xmas
• Slammer Cutter & Farm P - Buss Yuh Bar (Ginger Beer Riddim) and Vybz International
• Gallis and Dem (Not Sober Riddim).

The instruments are similar to those used in traditional soca such as bass, guitar and drum. However there are some additions such as cuatro (which is a small four string guitar), the violin, tambourine, caja (this is a percussive box instrument), mandolin and bandolin. All come together to create a plethoric of sound that is festive and entertaining. The cultural influences of this subgenre of soca music is not yet completely felt as the form in and of itself is still in its infancy.

However parang music has offered over the centuries since it first came to the Caribbean a way for a diverse group of individuals to celebrate around a particular from of music that bridges the cultural divide of a people.

 

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