He describes the initiative as long overdue and essential for the growth and development of creatives in Trinidad and Tobago. The news came just as Seales prepared to release a brand-new single, “Jam and Move,” produced in collaboration with fellow artists Chenko and Yohan Popwell (better known as Dna 868 Muzik). “’Jam and Move’ captures all the energy of carnival in one road-ready track,” says Seales, who is eager to reassert his presence in the Soca scene.
Reflecting on his role within the Carnival ecosystem, Seales notes that in 2023, he released three tracks for Carnival 2024. Despite that, he continued to hear from fans who were eager to hear more from him. “People would approach me, expressing hope that they’d get to hear my music in the season,” he says. This sentiment is common among many artists in Trinidad and Tobago, especially as Carnival approaches. Working again with Chenko and Dna 868 Muzik, Seales is confident that their music will resonate with listeners. “Chenko’s track is called ‘Greater Dan Dem,’ and Dna 868 Muzik brings a tune called ‘Mash Up.’ With my single, ‘Jam and Move,’ we aim to evoke the nostalgic energy that carnival revelers know and love,” Seales explains, adding, “The music must bring the vibes.”
Having collaborated before, Seales values the strong sense of brotherhood and musical cohesion within the group. “We worked together last season, and I believe the music we delivered was excellent. Our goal is to maintain that level of consistency. This time, we’re leveraging all the tools at our disposal to ensure the music reaches the people.”
Regarding the upcoming international Soca competition, Seales is optimistic about its potential but emphasizes the importance of fairness throughout the selection process. “The competition should be fair, and the people should ultimately decide,” he says.
For artists like Seales, who have been performing on the carnival stage for many years, any opportunity for growth within the carnival space is exciting. He acknowledges the evolving sound of Soca music and is accepting of its current direction, particularly the rise of Groovy Soca. “From a financial perspective, Groovy Soca makes sense. The grooves resonate more internationally because they’re slower, with better lyrics and hooks. International audiences struggle to connect with the fast pace of Power Soca. For example, Mical Teja won Road March with a Groovy Soca song, and the energy of that slower groove is stronger now than Power Soca, which has become more seasonal,” Seales explains, noting that Kees Dieffenthaller’s hit “Cocoa Tea” is already paving the way for Carnival 2025.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Seales is preparing to release a second single in the coming weeks. This new Groovy track, combined with the Power Soca energy of “Jam and Move,” will complete his offerings for the season. “I really want the public to hear the music and decide for themselves whether they like the songs,” he says. For Terry Seales, this isn’t a comeback—it’s a continuation of a journey driven by passion, with a determined commitment to making a lasting impact in 2025.
