Mathue Duhaney, Gleaner Writer

"Soca music is just so upbeat. Its subtle lyrics and melodies flow through my body and make me want to jump up and just have fun. I just love soca music."
- Demi Wright (a soca junkie)

Neil Davis, a young entrepreneur with a passion for soca, has sought to tap into the rhythm of carnival lovers like Demi nationwide through his new brand called Soca Junkiez.

For now, the brand only consists of T-shirts, but Neil is aiming for the brand to become much more in the near future. Saturday Life picks his brain on the hip trend.

Saturday Life (SL): Where did you get the name Soca Junkiez?

Neil Davis (ND): Well, there is a song by the name Soca Junkie and the lyrics basically embody what I believed I wanted a brand to represent.

SL: When and under what circumstances did you create the brand Soca Junkiez?

ND: I found that soca did not have such a strong foundation in Jamaica and the soca music being played left much for real soca lovers to desire. Knowing this, we started a group on Facebook by the name of Bacchanal Soca Junkiez. The group received much positive feedback. As such, we decided to broaden the reach of the group by creating the brand Soca Junkiez and marketing it as a product.

SL: What exactly does the brand represent?

ND: I set out to develop a brand that would revive soca culture in Jamaica by reuniting self-proclaimed soca junkies who are living life, celebrating the soca lifestyle and who just genuinely love soca music.

SL: Who is a soca junkie?

ND: These are hardcore soca lovers who are completely supportive of the soca lifestyle.

SL: Where do you see Soca Junkiez in the near future?

ND: Ultimately, I see the brand moving from tee-shirts to mugs, whistles and rags. I also see us being able to hold our own Soca Junkiez-themed parties even throughout the summer and having our own band playing on the road during carnival time.

SL: Where can I get a hold of an officially branded Soca Junkiez shirt?

ND: The shirts are done by order and are available at Emmanuel Boutique, Southdale Plaza, St Andrew, for just $1,500 each. For more information, you can visit our Facebook page by simply typing 'Bacchanal Soca Junkiez' in the Facebook search bar.

For further information you can contact Neil at socajunkiez@hotmail.com.