Krista Henry, Staff Reporter
The 'Party Animal', Kurt Riley, invades Trinidad Carnival 2007. Known for his hot selecting abilities, Riley is the first Jamaican selector to play at Trinidad's biggest annual event.
Ahead of the game in many ways, Riley is one of the biggest local names in the business, sought after for introducing the hypest soca hits. Riley keeps on top of the game by going straight to the source.
"I've been going there from 2004. I normally go to experience and understand the culture. I love soca music so much and I was blown away," Riley said.
Last year, Riley hooked up with a Trinidadian selector 'Lynch Man' and the two played on the truck for the group 'Poison' at Trinidad Carnival in 2006. After his excellent performance and well-received reception, he was invited back this year to play for a band called 'Tribe'.
Riley left for Trinidad yesterday, where he will also be making guest appearances on their local radio stations, selecting soca music.
"A Jamaican going to Trinidad to play soca music is unheard of. It's their indigenous music and when I play it, it seems like I'm from there. My presentation is the best they have seen. I'm not being pretentious but this is what people have told me."
Inherent love for soca
Riley has an inherent love for soca, almost as much as he loves reggae music. While many Jamaicans are still getting in tune with soca music, when he plays in Trinidad it's an altogether different experience.
He says "It's far different there - they are representing their own culture. There are not a lot of reservations about the music. Here, I have to play what people know; there you can play soca from all over the Caribbean - St. Lucia, Barbados and more. Soca is a different vibe, it has unity and brings people together."
While other selectors stick to the old soca favourites, Riley always tries to introduce the brand new hits from other islands.
"During my previous visits to Trinidad, I made some good links, and they send me the sounds just as they are made," he said.
During carnival time in Jamaica, Riley is one of the top soca selectors playing at Mas Camp (Bacchanal carnival), UWI carnival and fetes, doing all soca events for Island Mas Jamaica and is booked for beach jouvert in Ocho Rios, and many more.
It's heavy fun and frolic for patrons. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
