While Calypso and its frenetic offshoot soca have a long kinship with Jamaica, the country has not produced many artistes in either form.

Linky First is among a handful of Jamaican soca acts. In February he became the first Jamaican to make the final of Trinidad’s vaunted Soca Monarch competition.

His Rockandcomein did not place, but making the cut and performing in Trinidad was more than compensation for the St Catherine-born singer.

“It was an amazing feeling representing Jamaica in the Soca Monarch competition. I’m grateful to be one of the finalists and must say thank you to Trinidad for their support,” Linky First, 26, said in an interview with Jamaica Observer.

“ I love soca music and I think I could widen the horizons of soca supporters in Jamaica and around the world, being that I’m Jamaican.”

Linky First (real name Jason Henriques) is from the rural district of Brotons. His musical tastes growing up were diverse — gospel, Marley, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.

Later he got into soca, tuning in to Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Mr Killa, Lavaman and Angela Hunte.

Early last year he wrote and produced Rockandcomein which became a hit at soca sessions in New York City where he lives and does most of his shows.

The song was good enough to impress judges for the Soca Monarch contest which was won by Aaron “Voice” St Louis’ Far From Finished. Linky First’s latest song, X6 (on the Skank rhythm), is a blend of soca and dancehall.

— Howard Campbell