Petition for the Recognition of Calypso and Soca Genres on Streaming Platforms

To: Music Aggregators and Streaming Platforms

We, the undersigned, are passionate advocates for the preservation, celebration, and recognition of the rich cultural heritage embodied within Calypso and Soca music. These two iconic genres, which have played a fundamental role in shaping global music, have long been denied the proper acknowledgment they deserve on many streaming platforms.

For over three decades, Calypso and Soca music—along with their sub-genres like Rapso, Chutney Soca, and Neo Kaiso—have been overlooked or misclassified in music cataloging systems, often being forced into incorrect genres like Reggae, Dancehall, World Music, or Caribbean, despite their distinct and independent identities. This misrepresentation continues to limit the visibility and accessibility of these influential musical styles.

Why This Matters:
    •    Calypso and Soca are cultural pillars: Calypso music has been a staple of Caribbean culture for over 100 years, while Soca emerged in the late '70s to early '80s and quickly became a force in the global music scene.
    •    The global impact of these genres: Despite their immense influence on music around the world, Soca and Calypso remain unrecognized as distinct genres on many streaming platforms, forcing artists to reclassify their work into unrelated categories to reach their audience.
    •    A celebration of diversity: Soca, in particular, has grown beyond its Caribbean roots, with Chutney Soca and Neo Kaiso gaining considerable attention and respect on the world stage. These genres should be accurately represented to honor their rich history and continuing evolution.

Our Call to Action:
We call upon music aggregators and streaming platforms to:
    1    Acknowledge Calypso and Soca as standalone genres in your genre classification systems.
    2    Add sub-genres such as Rapso, Chutney Soca, and Neo Kaiso to ensure a comprehensive and accurate representation of these styles.
    3    Ensure equitable visibility for artists who have been misclassified for too long, and support the growth of these genres in the global music ecosystem.

We believe that by adding these genres, you will not only honor the legacy of artists who have shaped this music but also promote a more diverse and inclusive music landscape that truly represents the richness of global culture.

Sign this petition to show your support for the recognition of Calypso, Soca, and their sub-genres on streaming platforms. Let’s make sure these musical styles, their histories, and their communities are seen and celebrated as they deserve.

Sincerely,


Samuel E Archer MBBS, & Association of Calypsonians And Soca Artistes (ACASA)