Body Groove (feat. Tony Magik)
Nikisha Reyes and Tony Magik team up once more to celebrate soca music with a pop inflection.
"Body Groove" takes the energy and rhythm of Caribbean music and treats them with a layer of synth sounds reminiscent of British electronica. Nikisha's vocals further embellish the song with a strong contemporary presence that gives it an unashamed crossover appeal.
Nikisha, born in Trinidad yet raised in the UK, working with a producer whose heritage is the mirrored reverse of hers. Tony is UK born and Trini raised. This meeting of minds was destined to produce a sound heavily influenced by each culture that could traverse both equally. And, what is so special about soca that makes you want to sing about it?
Soca has traditionally been the soundtrack for the street carnivals of the different islands, hence its driving beats. With this festival music travelling as far east as Japan and west as California, a demand for it to appeal to wider masses and to be played year round rather than just the Caribbean carnival season has seen different approaches to the genre with it gaining worldwide recognition. Kevin Lyttle and Rupee had notable chart success with the mid-tempo form. More recently dance acts from Major Lazer to the UK's Jus Now have got in on the act and have had crossover success with more upfront EDM beats featuring Bunji Garlin and Machel Montano.
To witness soca's infectious impact on festival goers is a wonder to behold. You can't watch for long and not join in. Certainly you are likely to be implored to dance either way.
"Body Groove" is as much an energetic party track as it is great personal listening.