A dance music that originated in Trinidad from calypso. It combines the melodic lilting sound of calypso (based on the original steel pan) with insistent (usually electronic) percussion. Soca music has evolved in the last 20 years primarily by musicians from Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana and the Lesser Antilles.

Although the beginnings of soca date from around 1963, it was Lord Kitchener who began the noticeable and accredited transition and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires whoi made soca a West Indian social wave. Like calypso, much early soca was used for both social commentary and risqué humor.

In the early 1970s, electric guitar and bass were added to the traditional calypso ensemble and by the 1980s most groups were also using synthesizers. The increasing sophistication of recording technology and the continued competition between groups directed the music toward a more complicated and thought-out musical style that focussed increasingly on the musical sound rather than the lyrics. The suitability of the music for dancing, rather than listening, also became an important factor.

Around 1970, the term soca (meaning soul-calypso) was coined to refer to the new, energetic and disco-influenced party music.

The rhythm is not entirely standardised, but its character is captured by a steady bass drum beat against which a highly syncopated cymbal and snare drum pattern are juxtaposed. As in reggae, the bass line, also syncopated, is particularly important and is often the predominant instrument in the mix.

Because of the competitive nature of the music, musicians often dress in elaborate costumes, incorporate a variety of gimmicks and use stage effects to stand out among their rivals.

In the 1990s and 2000s, soca has evolved into a blend of musical styles.