Another Passing Grade For Soka In Moka, Patrons Pleased With The Evolution
For many, Soka In Moka heralds the official start of the carnival season. While there were a couple events in the days leading up to the all-inclusive event, many opted to stick to tradition and begin their feteing fun the way they usually do- at Soka In Moka..
The all-inclusive event has earned a reputation for having a packed, stellar cast of top notch performers backed by some of the best local bands. This year was no exception.
Each member of the star-studded cast delivered what was expected- fun filled, energetic performances that kept the captive audience fully engaged and entertained, for many though, it was the women who won the evening.
Jadel brought the sass during her brief stint on stage.
When Nadia Batson hit the stage decked off in her black and gold ensemble, the Soka in Moka crowd transformed into a choir-everyone blending their voices to sing along to “Market.”
This continued when she performed “Every Time,” another of her 2024 offerings that was released to rave reviews.
Arguably, Patrice Roberts was the most anticipated act of the evening as Soka in Moka was her first public appearance since the death of her fiancé Ricardo Drue, in December.
Many questioned if she’d sit out Carnival 2024, but she quickly let those present know that she’s back!
While acknowledging that 2023 was a difficult year for her, Patrice said the challenges didn’t break her.
Her brow-raising set featured songs from her expansive catalogue like Like Yuh Self, Band Of The Year and Mind My Business. She also performed a few of her hard-hitting 2024 releases. Much to the delight of the already frenzied crowd, Aaron “Voice” St Louis joined her on stage to perform their collab, Carnival Day.
During her set, Patrice spoke of her personal challenges and struggles with mental health.
She was lauded for her vulnerability and resilience in the face of daunting adversity.
“I come to this event every year and it’s the first time I cried. Who feels it knows it and I’m just happy that she (Patrice) knows that she is loved. She’s proof that women might bend under the weight of struggles sometimes but we don’t break. Kudos to you Patrice you have the nation behind you. Kudos to you and keep shining,” Diane told YCG.
Another Soka In Moka attendee said he admired her willingness to show that her life isn’t perfect.
“Plenty people walking around suffering and they wouldn’t say. It have real people who fake smiling in public and is real tears when they inside. Patrice ain’t perfect and she showing she ain’t perfect and I like that. In society today we too used to faking for social media so people does find it hard to talk about real life problems. I real proud of Patrice. Great performance and great show of strength. That is woman!”
A few of the patrons told YCG the fact that gates at the event venue opened later than the scheduled 4pm was quickly forgiven and forgotten because of the “awesomeness of the overall fete experience.”
“Look around, you see anybody grousing or fretting? No, right? That’s because everybody done forget that already. We forget because the music girl, it sweet!” Sharon said as she continued to wine as per the instruction given by Raymond Ramnarine.
Ramnarine’s band, Dil-E-Nadan kicked off the live entertainment around 6:30pm. Their almost hour-long set had the desired effect- patrons were seen dancing, laughing, jumping and generally having a grand old time.
They were followed by D All Starz. Their set was a fun mix of old and new music performed by the frontline singers Jesse ‘CollegeBoy Jesse’ Stewart, Mical Teja and Viking Ding Dong.
Mical Teja sang several songs from his impressive repertoire but it was his delivery of DNA that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Speaking with YCG about the success of his 2024 offerings backstage after his performance, he said:
“As I always say, something my uncle and my aunt always tell me is man plan and God laugh. I just put my best foot forward and let the Father do what he has to do. I don’t foresee success, I just put my best foot forward and allow the powers that be to make it happen.”
Viking Ding Dong’s performance was infused with his usual comedic charm.
Olatunji also performed with D All Starz. The Inventor singer left it all on stage with an energetic performance that further hyped the already exuberant crowd.
The A-Team was the third band to hit the Soka in Moka stage. Nishard M and Curlz kicked things off before inviting Preedy on stage to pay tribute to Ricardo Drue.
Teddyson John’s performance was short and sweet.
He told YCG he’s super happy and excited heading into the 2024 Carnival season.
“I am feeling so beautiful about it because the contributions of everybody is amazing. It’s not about the competition for me, its just about everybody coming together and bringing that feel good music. Every single artiste is doing what they have to do to contribute to the culture so that’s what I’m happy about, the body of music.”
Responding to questions about the second staging of his signature event, Stripped, the St Lucian artiste said:
“We planted the seed last year and that seed started to grow because people really enjoyed it. The people who were there got something different and the people who weren’t there got to know about it so we’re very excited to have it. The 31st of January, there’s nothing else happening on that day but the intimate Stripped experience. Come out and have a good time, come out and experience this with me, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Jaiga and Shal were among the artistes who performed at Soka In Moka- The Evolution. They reaffirmed their positions among the ranks of the industry’s leading hype men with their respective performances.
The all inclusive event earned another passing grade from patrons.
As she made her way out of the St Andrews Golf Club just before midnight on Monday, Janel Cumberbatch told YCG she got her moneys worth and more.
“Soka In Moka is a must for me. It always has such a remarkable crowd. People who come to this event still know how to party. They come looking good but they also come to have a good time. No posing at all. I ate, I drank and I wine from about 5pm to almost midnight. What more I could want?”
This sentiment was echoed by several others who were passing close by.
One man said “every year you guaranteed to see some of the best in the business on this stage. Some of the people I came with find the menu could have been more, how to put it, have more options but I was good with what they had personally. Wild meat, Roti, bake and shark and alco… I had everything I needed. That was enough for me. I don’t come these events for the food I just eat enough to soak up the lil alco.”
Nella said Soka In Moka is and always will be a staple for her.
“I had a great time then and I just feel safe here. I love the mixed age of the crowd, I love the music, drinks flow freely and even when I come alone I’m guaranteed to meet friends or make new ones. I won’t ever miss this it I could help it. The highlight for me this year was Patrice and Nadia. The ladies killing it,” she said.
