I Ya Yae, On Yo Yoe / Tempo Soca

Released in 1979 on the Semp label, this record represents a quintessential slice of late-seventies Trinidadian soca. The artist, known by the stage name Poser, was a notable calypsonian who became a fixture of the Carnival circuit during this period. The track serves as a classic example of the transition from traditional calypso to the faster, high-energy dance rhythms of the nascent soca movement, which was rapidly defining the sound of Caribbean music at the time.

The production style for SM-038 emphasizes the horn arrangements and percussion-heavy grooves characteristic of Semp Productions, a label instrumental in capturing the lively aesthetic of the era. Like many records from this niche, the design and release were tied strictly to the demands of the annual Carnival season, intended for high-rotation play in fetes and sound systems. While not achieving international pop status, such releases are highly regarded by ethnomusicologists and Caribbean music collectors for their authentic capture of the regional evolution of soca.