RIHANNA MCKENZIE
Soca stars and producers from Japan and Trinidad and Tobago have come together for an anthem celebrating the countries’ 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The song is a collaborative effort between the Japan-TT Friendship 60th Anniversary Executive Committee (JT60) and the Embassy of Japan in TT.
Japanese soca singer Angella Giustini (Ann G) and TT soca star Lyrikal (Devonn Martin) are featured on the song, called Oideyo (The Island), which is produced by Ryan Alexander (DJ Private Ryan) and Keshav Chandradath Singh.
The song, which was released on August 30, will be the theme for the 60th-anniversary celebration and will be featured during a Japanese cultural event scheduled for September 20-23, at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, Port of Spain, a release said. It also said the song will be used to promote travel to TT and the wider Caribbean.
“Oideyo is the Japanese word for ‘come to’ or ‘come over.’ So we are saying to the people of Japan, come over and experience TT, meet its people, taste the food and share in the culture,” said Ann G.
Ann G has been visiting and performing at TT Carnival for ten years and has participated in the International Soca Monarch competition, placing in the semifinal and final rounds.
[caption id="attachment_1107491" align="alignnone" width="819"] Keshav has been working in the Japanese advertising and corporate sectors for the past three years. -[/caption]
In the statement, Ann G said, “I always tell anyone that will listen in Japan that you must go and experience Trinidad Carnival at least once in your lifetime. It’s unlike anything they have seen before. Yes, we have Trinidad Carnival culture growing in Japan, but nothing beats having the original as a reference point.”
Speaking to Newsday about the song, she also said music breaks down barriers. “Being part of Carnival has shown me that soca music isn't just a genre. It's a way of life that…unites people from all over the world.”
Ann G revealed Lyrikal will not attend the Japan Soca Weekend (JSW) in Tokyo in September, but said, “Even though he can't be here, I can't wait to bring the energy of our collaboration to the stage.”
JSW is a five-day event in Tokyo at which patrons enjoy a range of events, including tours of the city and anime-themed soca parties that all end in Japan Caribbean Carnival (JCC) – a TT Carnival-style parade of the bands.
Ann G said working with DJ Private Ryan and Lyrikal was a memorable experience.
“Lyrikal is a phenomenal artist and working with him has been incredible. It was amazing to see how (he) brings energy and creativity to the process. I’m excited to see where this song will take us and how it will help spread the love and joy of soca music to the world.”
Keshav also responded to Newsday via e-mail about the collaboration. The producer/songwriter said the song blends traditional instruments from Japan and TT, including the
shakuhachi flute,
koto harp (or zither), the
shamisen (a plucked stringed instrument) and
taiko drums from Japan alongside trad
