Fresh and Optimistic, Johes Santana Enters The Soca Space to Heal, With 'Numb'

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad - People do things for different reasons. On the cusp of turning 28, Josiah Santana- a Tabaquite native who now resides in the San Juan, Trinidad area, has unleashed his very first Soca single. ‘Numb’ is his personal expression, penned by the artiste himself, to draw awareness to the fact that the mind needs time for rest and rejuvenation. Though no newbie to music and performance, Santana’s thrust in the heat of the Carnival 2025 season, is one he knows can change someone’s life.

josiahsKnown as Johes, the singer says he wants his music to radically inspire others, in a positive way. “I was born into a musical family. We live for music. For me, family and loved ones are priority. I make every effort to be there for those who I love, and their support has been incredible on this journey,” he said. Though supportive of his move to deliver Soca music now, Johes says as a child he was hardly exposed to the carnival culture and admits that he wishes he had been. “Carnival is all about expression and freedom. I really think children should be allowed to discover who they are through the different forms of expression within T&T’s carnival. Not everyone will be involved in stick- fighting or playing the pan, but there are so many aspects of the festival that I believe, if given the chance, anyone and everyone can find a place to express themselves,” he said.

Johes’ life was filled with performance opportunities as he grew, entering various school competitions, including San Fest while at Secondary School, before going on to fall into the arts at UWI’s Department of Creative and Festival Studies. “I studied education and dance and as a result, I have a clear understanding of the education behind movement, particularly dance,” he explained.

A fan of the music of Ras Shorty I, Machel Montano, Mical Teja and Kees, just to name a few, Johes says his style of music blends mother Calypso, with its offspring, Soca. “‘Numb’ is a faster paced groovy single, but my music is generally a crosspollination of the genres of Calypso and Soca.” The track was produced by Stephon Gabriel and for the young, budding performer, the producer’s patience, and effective guidance throughout the process of his very first studio recording, was immensely helpful. “It took me some time to find the right producer to work with- someone who listened to my vision for the music I wanted to share with the world,” said Johes.

His single, on a deeper level, speaks to those struggling with mental health, and through his words, he hopes he can alleviate the ordeal for someone, somewhere. “This song is basically a call to action. It’s an invitation for those who are burdened by everyday life struggles to mentally embark on a journey filled with colour, vibrance and happiness, to recharge and rejuvenate themselves, during this Carnival period, or anytime for that matter,” Johes shared. “I hope that my music encourages someone to basically allow their mind to be free – give themself that time to recharge, so that they can become a better-balanced person.”

In the thick of another Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, that is awash with new music and the supply of many new entertainers, Johes is entering the space, bright-eyed and optimistic. “My mom and dad and other members of my immediate family all very excited. I also have a circle of friends who are very supportive, pushing me to follow my dreams. One of my only fears is not connecting with the audience so that they truly understand what the story behind my music is. I hope they get it.”

Strong in his conviction that music can heal and provide hope for others, Johes Santana eagerly shares, ‘Numb’, a song he says he knows can help people who are suffering in silence. “I write music because I want to help people, show them that we all go through things and just like music did for me - kept me company and helped me to feel safe, I know it can do the same for others.”

To support Johes on his musical journey, follow him on Instagram @johesofficial.