Ilovesoca consistently pushes the boundaries of entertainment with its innovative concepts and integration of cultures. The staging of the recent Soca Plus Festival is one of those daring moves by the Ilovesoca team, incorporating a blend of musical cultures into a nonstop twelve-hour extravaganza fueled by vibes and rum.
Starting at ten in the evening and ending at dawn, the Ilovesoca team assembled a lineup of the finest entertainers from the diaspora, tasked with keeping Sabina Park energized. Patrons filled the pitch as the MCs and DJs skillfully crafted a creatively designed stage, which may now be considered a signature feature of Soca Plus. There was no shortage of energy, and tired legs and bodies found rejuvenation in chairs and tents, embodying the true festival spirit. Nobody wanted to miss the high-caliber performing artists on display.
The first performing artist was a familiar face to the Queen of Soca herself, Destra. Swinging soca anthems left and right, the crowd responded enthusiastically, absorbing the energy emanating from the stage at every corner of the pitch. It may be too soon to say, but hits like “Lucy” and “Carnival” had patrons in a state of pandemonium, whining and waving as those newly introduced to carnival often do.
Another round of MCs and DJs graced the stage, paving the way for the second performing artist, who is no stranger to big stages. The “Jackhammer” artist didn’t hold back on stage; he made a grand entrance and exited with a bang. Aidonia took us through his impressive catalog, skillfully bridging the dancehall and soca cultures. “Soca is fun; soca is unity; soca is about people who want to enjoy themselves,” said the artist to CARIB VOXX after his set. Aidonia also commented on the venue’s capacity, stating that he believes it could have accommodated even more patrons. “Different stages of the party, different vibes; it’s a great atmosphere and a fantastic concept; I love it.”
Popular disc jockey, Bloodline Franco, shared a similar opinion with his fellow entertainer, expressing excitement about the twelve-hour concept. “It’s a concept and idea that has been in the Caribbean, but it’s the first time being executed in Jamaica. As Jamaicans, we add our own twist by mixing genres,” Franco explained. He also mentioned his enthusiasm, believing that the concept could introduce soca to new people and convert those who were previously hesitant, allowing them to fall in love with soca “bit by bit,” as he put it.
When asked about his performance plans, Skinny Fabolous replied to CARIB VOXX’s question with confidence, saying, “No, I don’t plan for them; I go out there, and I’m like a doctor; I see what they need, and I give them what they need. If they look lifeless, I go and resuscitate them; if they look thirsty, I’ll make sure the water truck turns on and hydrates them.” Skinny Fabolous’s word is law.
Far from lifeless, the patrons welcomed Skinny Fabolous with the same enthusiasm as they welcomed the water that accompanied his performance, with open arms and high energy. Adorned in complementary Soca Plus raincoats, Mr. Fabolous performed to a sea of purple, waving and reveling in the morning sun, proving the twelve-hour challenge to be a walk in the park. The “Come Home” artist found a home in Sabina Park and made new friends in the morning as well, delivering on his promise to perform with precision. “It’s an ambitious undertaking, and I love it,” he replied when asked about his thoughts on the 12-hour concept.
Ambition paid off, as Soca Plus was well received by both entertainers and patrons. The fact that attendees stayed for the entire twelve-hour event and left with the same energy they had when they arrived speaks volumes about the success of the groundbreaking Soca Plus staging. There aren’t many questions left for Ilovesoca except one: When will it happen again?
