SOCA

noun Also written sokah (Music) (Youth Culture) A variety of calypso, originally from Trinidad, which incorporates various elements of soul music, especially its sophisticated instrumental arrangements. Etymology: A clipped compound, formed from the first two letters of soul and the initial syllable of calypso. History and Usage: Soca (at first called soul calypso) originated in Trinidad during the early seventies and by the end of the decade had spread to the world of American and British popular music. The spelling sokah relates to the title of an early soca record, Sokah, Soul of Calypso (1977) by 'Lord Shorty', a founding influence on the genre. The banned 'Soca Baptist' by Blue Boy...brought out the real Carnival spirit from southerners. Trinidad Guardian 11 Feb. 1980, p. 1 Few people would guess that some soca, reggae, lovers'-rock and, particularly, soul and dance music sometimes outsell 'chart' records. Sue Steward & Sheryl Garratt Signed, Sealed & Delivered (1984), p. 12 The records that fueled it--French Antillean and Trinidadian soca sides...from the nearby Guianas. Village Voice (New York) 30 Jan. 1990, p. 83