At just 11 years old, Yung Kymani is making waves in Trinidad and Tobago’s music scene, using his voice not only to entertain but also to advocate for the preservation of the nation’s rich musical traditions. Fresh off his impressive second-place finish at the 2024 Junior Soca Monarch competition, the young artiste is urging his fellow citizens to embrace Soca and Calypso over the growing influence of Trinibad and dancehall music.  

This Carnival season, Kymani is doubling down on his mission by reintroducing a classic—his own rendition of Machel Montano’s iconic hit, Too Young to Soca. With family roots in Morvant and Carenage, he is keenly aware of the cultural significance of Soca and Calypso and the need for continued investment in their growth and development.  

A Young Voice with a Strong Message  

Supported by his parents, Kymani has developed a deep appreciation for the musical heritage of his homeland. “Calypso and Soca are basically one and the same, as Uncle Machel said in his 2024 Calypso Monarch song—Soca is the soul of Calypso,” he explained. The young performer highlighted that while Calypso delivers insightful messages about local and global events, Soca is all about rhythm, energy, and joy. “With Calypso, you learn a lot about what’s happening in the world and at home. Soca, on the other hand, is really upbeat and makes us dance and be happy.”  

As a student of St. Peter’s RC School, Kymani is eager to return to the Junior Soca Monarch stage in 2025. His cover of Too Young to Soca resonates deeply with him, as he has faced similar criticism about his passion for Soca and Calypso. “I’ve been told that I’m too young to be doing this, that I should stop singing these genres, but I’m so happy to have had the chance to remake this song and add my own flavor to it.”  

A Collaborative Effort  

Kymani’s version of *Too Young to Soca* was a team effort, written in collaboration with Nigel Lopez and his mother, Kezia Hector. The track was produced by Miguel Charles of the A-Team Band and Robert SN Baptiste, then mixed by Lunatix Productions and mastered by Precision Productions—an effort that truly reflects the power of collaboration in the local music industry.  

Beyond his personal success, Kyamani hopes to inspire young Trinidadians to take pride in their musical heritage. “As a youth in Trinidad and Tobago, I really think we should try to preserve our culture,” he emphasized. “This music makes me happy, and it’s a part of who we are. I think it should be taught in schools as a subject. We should have more jump-ups, and instead of singing Trinibad music, we should focus more on Calypso and Soca. There should also be community classes that teach both young people and adults about our music and culture.”  

Following in the Footsteps of a Legend  

In 1985, a 9-year-old Machel Montano released *Too Young to Soca*, a song that became an instant hit and remains a defining piece of his legendary career. Now, nearly four decades later, Kymani is honored to carry on that legacy with his own twist on the classic. “I didn’t want the song to sound too much like the original. I’ve added my own vibe to it, and I’m very happy I was given the opportunity to remake it,” he shared.  

With his talent, passion, and clear vision for the future of Soca and Calypso, Yung Kymani is proving that age is no barrier to making an impact. As he gears up for Carnival 2025, his message remains clear: the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s musical heritage lies in the hands of its youth, and he is ready to lead the charge.