Marge Blackman, daughter of the acclaimed father of soca music, Ras Shorty I, and aunt to soca songstress Nailah has written what has been termed ‘the song of the decade’. The track, a collaboration between Marge and US-based artist Rodney Julius, was also described as of service to the country, and possibly the world.
Entitled Free State of Mind, there’s an unusual spin on the traditional calypso sound. Commenting on the song, Julius said, “When I spoke with Marge Blackman about the project, she said, ‘Julius do you mind if we produce the track?’”
The release is a passion project that Marge began after her return from Yogi Sadhguru’s Maha Shivratri, where she performed with Machel Montano. Written by Marge, the song was produced by her 18-year-old son, Moziah Jamoo and 13th Sound, and executive produced by Hubert ‘Ziah’ Lila, Rich London and Rodney Julius. Peter ‘Wildfire’ Noel was Julius’ vocal producer, and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed drummers, Krystle Bascombe, added his skills to the track.
Julius further commented, “We haven’t done this song for the sake of competition or fanfare. We understand that by calypso our stories are told. With that in mind, we offer our gifts and talents in service to Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and the wider world.”
Free State of Mind is available on all streaming platforms, and music lovers can follow the artists on Instagram via @margeblackmantt and @juliustheartiste to keep up with their work.
