PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago - Trinidad and Tobago local Soca artists Hey Choppi and 5ILVA releases the song “Call Meh”, as part of a project with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The venture aims to highlight the country’s music export potential, boosted by the ever-increasing role of digital transformation in Trinidad’s creative and knowledge-based services sectors.
The track “Call Meh” is available on all music streaming platforms globally starting today and via Soca legend Machel Montano's Monk Music record label in the link https://monk.smmlinkup.com/callmeh.
Soca music is a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s indigenous vibrant cultural and creative heritage. As the 2024 Carnival season begins to heat up, local musical talents Hey Choppi and 5ILVA join forces to drop a "Groovy Soca" track that radiates positivity. Hey Choppi's soulfoul vocals effortlessly blend with the contagious guitar riffs and a captivating fusion of Reggaeton rhythms and Soca's signature "beating iron” percussion. ‘Call Meh’ not only has a catchy beat and rhythm, it also carries a heartfelt message. "In tough times, it's alright to seek support," singer Hey Choppi shares. "Often, pride shrouds us in isolation, but 'Call Meh' is a musical reminder that help is just a phone call or text away.
The project maps the journey of a song through conceptualization, production and distribution of music, highlighting the transformative power of digital technology as a catalyst for trade and exports of this cultural product worldwide. The IDB recognizes the cultural and creative industries – also known as the "orange economy" or "creative economy"– as a vibrant source of economic growth. This includes activities such as architecture, audiovisual arts, digital content and services, fashion, graphic and industrial design, handcrafts, music, videogames and software development, among others. The “creative economy” was coined to illustrate the efforts to assess the economic impact of these sectors and refer to a productive model in which marketed goods and services have economic and intellectual value. It employs more than 48 million people and generates around $2.25 billion in revenue worldwide. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it represents revenues of $124 billion and employs 1.9 million people.
In the digital age, the global marketplace offers unprecedented opportunities for creatives to reach diverse audiences, transcending geographical boundaries. International music trade, facilitated by digital platforms and streaming services, not only amplifies the exposure for artists but also enables them to monetize their talent on a global scale. It also allows creatives to engage in cross-border collaborations, which facilitate the exchange of ideas and cultural influences that enriches the artistic landscape, contributing to a more interconnected and diverse global cultural heritage. Additionally, trade in knowledge-based and creative services fosters economic growth by creating jobs, supporting innovation, and stimulating investment in these sectors. Therefore, understanding and applying this is crucial for empowering artists and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the creative industries.
To learn more watch the behind the scenes of the song here.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public- and private-sector clients throughout the region. Take our virtual tour.
About Monk Music
Monk Music stands at the forefront of Caribbean music, under the visionary leadership of Soca luminary Machel Montano. The record label and full-spectrum artist services company not only heralds Montano's chart-topping discography, featuring anthems like “Famalay”, “Fast Wine,” Like Yuh Self”, and “Like Ah Boss”, but also propels the careers of a diverse roster of talent. Monk Music's mission is to nurture independent artists, providing distribution, marketing, and strategic investments, all aimed at cementing Caribbean music's place on the global stage. Its flagship “Soca Universe” compilation series is a definitive annual collection from Trinidad Carnival, featuring hits such as “Come Home” by Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous, “Hard Fete” by Bunji Garlin, “Savannah Grass” by Kes, “Mind My Business” by Patrice Roberts, “Mash Up” by Blaxx, and Montano's own “Famalay,” “Never Again,” and “Conch Shell”, amongst others. Having released music from over 200 artists, Monk Music has become a digital juggernaut, amassing billions of streams and views, and driving revenue and recognition for Caribbean creativity worldwide. Follow Monk Music to track the distribution of this record worldwide and learn about their artist at www.monkmusic.co.
Garcia,Geraldine

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