2. Musical Characteristics of Wuk Up Music
Duple time.
Polyrhythmic.
Binary.
Has the presence of strong down beats emphasised by foot kick or similar
frequency.
Each hip rotation/circle is the length of one pulse.
3. Wuk Up – A Dance
The Bajan traditional form of Tuk band is said to have encompassed this type
wuking up – See Landship performance.
Namely the (3rd rhythm of Tuk) the Tuk Rhythm – Tuk encompasses 3 rhythms.
Musical Example -Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Ruk-A-Tuk International.
4. Dance Calypso
Dance calypso/Road march types like Harding, developed their own style of
wuking up.
Musical example - Burn Mr. Harding – Mighty Gabby.
5. Early Soca and Classic Soca Sound
Early Soca and Classic Soca Sound maintained this version of dance.
Musical examples – We Ain’t Going Home – Tambu.
6. 1990s
1990s saw a conscious attempt by Barbadian producers in Barbados to
emphasise rhythm and remove harmony.
Emphasis on rhythm was led initially by Eddy Grant.
Key producers - Nicholas Brancker and Terry Arthur, Petter Coppin.
Musical Examples – Ring Bang – Dr. Cassandra – Eddy Grant
Musical Examples – 90s Bajan Soca – Yardie – Krosfyah - produced by Nicholas
Brancker.
Musical Examples – 90s Soca – Ragamuffin – Square One -composed by Terry
Arthur.
7. Bashment Soca
Combination led to increased tempos and rhythm emphasis.
Hard Wine opened the door to Bashment Soca which prominently features
wuk up dancing and lyrics.
Musical Example – Hard Wine – composed by Lil Rick – produced by Peter
Coppin.
8. Ragga Soca
Due to tempo elicits a different Wuk Up.
Musical Example – Wet Me – Krosfyah – produced by Nicholas Brancker.