BET showcases first-ever ‘Soca Cypher’

Trinidadian Songbird Melly Rose, producer Stadic and Travis Harris, producer of social media at BET, present the first “Soca Cypher.”

According to Marie Driven, the Haitian-American, Brooklyn-based managing director of PlaybookMG, the program spotlights six diverse soca artists.

They included Nessa Preppy, Erphaan Alves, Sekon Sta, Preedy, Mical Teja and Melly Rose.

The special segment will premiere on BET Jams Wednesday, March 2.

“Creative management by Travis Harris, Stadic, and Melissa “Melly” St. Rose made for the perfect complement to the artists’ flowing freely on the riddim,” Driven told Caribbean Life on Tueaday.

“Stadic, who also hosts the show with DJ Ana on the turntable, produced the record, and Lee Aleong produced the video filmed by Ten Global Media,” she added, stating that the “Soca Cypher” was produced and filmed at Mahogany Ridge in Trinidad’s picturesque North Coast.

After noting the lack of representation in the international market, Driven said the team created a platform for their musical peers.

“The trio wanted to reach even more audiences by highlighting where the music has grown,” she said. “One of those places is Trinidad, home of many talented artists like Fay-Ann Lyons, Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman, Machel Montano and Melly Rose.

The BET Cypher usually takes place in October every year. Last year, it was extended the event to include reggae culture.

“That cypher showcased ZJ Liquid, Shenseea, Koffee, Skip Marley, to name a few,” Driven said.