Biography

Irwin Williams is a talented singer/song & poetry writer/producer from Trinidad & Tobago. Born on this Tropical Island, he is definitely an original natural resource exported from this resource-filled nation. Many of you already know Trinidad is the original “Soca Nation" where Calypso music and the steel pan were invented. Trini has oil and natural gas too you know. With these credentials from his homeland, the Soca General has enhanced his visa as ambassador of the art form. He relocated to the United States at the tender age of fourteen accompanied by his three sisters. They joined their three other siblings who arrived a few years earlier. As he began his new life in America, he vowed to take full advantage of the new opportunities available to him. He now makes his home in New York- Brooklyn-Flatbush across the street from Sesame Flyers - down the road from Bake & Things. (A taste of Trini twang). He has been working tirelessly on the music now known as Pop Soca since his inception into the music business over two decade and four CD ago. Pop Soca is his brain child, the contemporary sound of Calypso and Soca music.

My Education: Soca attended Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn and studied music for two semesters. This is where he got his first taste of singing under the auspice of one the best H.S music teachers in the city. Soca realized at an early age that he had a gift for music. While still in high school, he bought his first hi-fi stereo system and promoted hooky parties with his friends. He went on to college after returning home from the army to achieve his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration from Medgar Evers College. This is where he gained the necessary business knowledge to be successful in the music business. While studying in college; however, Irwin developed a love for poetry writing so he began to write short stories. One thing led to another and before you know he was writing and singing songs like you have never heard before. School was not all that glitters for him as he recalls because he had to juggle a full load of credits and work a full time job after school while he tried to maintain his position as striker on the schools soccer team. They say “hard work pays off” with his diligence, creativity and professionalism it seems like Soca is enjoying a well deserved taste of success.

My Music Pop Soca-Evolution of Calypso: Pop Soca is the modern sound of Calypso and Soca music. This new music was created by the Soca General in an attempt to reclaim some of the soca lovers who have crossed over to another genre of music. Its years in the making and it's ready to be heard by the world. Pop Soca combines the contemporary sound of popular music with the rhythmic beat of Caribbean soca which results into a cool and groovy rhythm we all can enjoy and dance to. His idols are Sparrow (calypso king of the world) Harry Bellefonte who made famous the song "Day O" with a calypso rhythm. Most recently the Ba Ha Men had us all barking with Ancil's "who let the dogs out"? Today, however; the Soca General is taking the art form to the next level with concepts like "Pop Soca" and "I Robbed Citibank but I didn't touch the A.T.M". The latter adapts a similar style to Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff but I didn't shoot the deputy". The love of music elevated him to one of the top steel bands around of the time, Nebulae Steel Orchestra, where he played both the tenor pan and the bass drum. Soca General established his music company in historic Brooklyn, New York shortly after graduating from College. His first released was “Soca Nation" in 1991-92. The hit on this album was "Party Music" and "Soca Captive". When his second album "Tremors" hit stores the Soca General had already made his mark in the Soca music industry and was a favorite among his fans. This recording featured "Earthquake" and "Mas we Playing". "Holiday Songs Caribbean Style" is Soca's third CD. This Christmas album is for Children, adults & families alike. It consists of original songs for the season and the new millennium written by yours truly the Soca General.

My Military: The Soca General served in the United States Army. While preserving democracy for all, he acquired a few accolades along the way. First he was assigned the duty of squad leader responsible for other soldiers like himself. He was an expert shot on the rifle range and scored perfect on the hand grenade tactical course. He was given an honorable discharge upon his completion of a three year tour of duty. Now you know how I became the Soca General, said Soca with a smile. Enjoy.