While the food and drinks ran like water on Sunday, it was the heat of Soca temptress, Patrice Roberts that stole the show at Soka in Moka, when all was said and done. One moment, stolen with the Prince of Port-of-Spain, Brian Charles Lara, captured the essence of the event, which starts the most thrilling experience on the Caribbean calendar.
For 25 years, Soka in Moka has maintained its standing as the most anticipated all inclusive fete to start the season of revelry in Trinidad and Tobago. Its anniversary saw fetters arrive in dazzling fashion, some adorned with sequenced silver and others with gold. For one of Soca’s leading ladies however, the energy of the music and her movement to it, was enough to bedazzle the entire fete.
Patrice Roberts and the A Team Band followed Dil-E-Nadan with Raymond Ramnarine and Stephen Marcelle on Sunday. The crossover band, known for its non stop engagement of the audience and chutney-induced renditions, served up the right entree as evening turned to nightfall and after-dark fetters strolled in. They would be right on time for the show many had waited an entire year to experience once again.
PATRICE HITS A SIX
Even as chilling weather conditions may have kept many Caribbean people living abroad, indoors, safe and warm, no cold front could stop the heat that Patrice Roberts would bring to the stage at Soka in Moka 25. Strutting onto the stage with confidence and power, the woman who has overcome immeasurable challenges over the past year, spoke to her fans openly, sharing that after enduring what she had, nothing could stop her now. Hits rained throughout her set, but it would be a brief but memorable show featuring Brian Lara, that would send the crowd wild and take the internet by storm.
Inviting the cricket legend to the stage, Patsy proceeded to test his winning skills and, the legendary cricketer, not one to shy away, stood firmly in contest, ready to show her just what he could do. The pair gyrated on stage to Roberts’ 2025 single, ‘Kitty Cat,’ provocatively yet hilariously getting the crowd enthused, in the end providing great entertainment for fans and friends. “Ah doh think he ready but he alright,” said Patrice, and like a good sport, Brian Lara found the humor in the energy on stage, leaving after a quick hug and show of appreciation by the artiste, for all that he had done for country.
THE MOOD AT MOKA
Lyrikal was also at Soka in Moka, delivering a great performance.
The event, always an opportunity for new music to be tested and, classics reintroduced, was a balanced vibe with those who’d come to enjoy the food and drinks while chatting with friends, making the best of the event. Closer to the stage, the soca lovers stood looking on, undoubtedly listening to see what would be their favored hits for the season.
A number of artistes showed up, creating the perfect vibe to increase the expectations of fetters. Shal Marshall, Lyrikal, Grenada’s Blaka, Dominica’s Trilla G, Swappi, the Full Blown Entertainment brothers, College Boy Jesse, Zan, Nishard M and Kerlz, Viking Ding Dong, Soca hitmaker and Road March King, Mical Teja and Olatunji Yerawood, all offered their contributions past and present, making for a pretty good start to a season that will be long, but without a doubt, fun filled.
Though weary, family and friends, along with Damian ‘Ace’ Oliverie himself, will not give up on the prospects of a bright and happy future. Now diagnosed with Multiple myeloma – a cancer of the body’s plasma cells, a type of white blood cells charged with producing antibodies- the well-loved Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, husband and father, will require chemotherapy and constant treatment for the rest of his life.
Oliverie was rushed to hospital on the morning of March 2nd. Initially, a diagnosis had not been confirmed, however a surgical procedure to decompress his spine had been accomplished. His wife has explained that since the surgery, he has been receiving continued treatment and requires round the clock care. “In recent weeks Damian has been plagued by a number of infections and complications, but he is strong and we are faithful,” said Kizzy.
Unwavering in spirit, many in the entertainment industry have pledged their support to the artiste’s recovery. On June 14th, they will gather as one to raise funds for Damian’s medical expenses and his continued healthcare. Recovery The Concert will take place at WASA’s St. Joseph grounds with patrons being asked to contribute $200 to attend and experience the music of reggae, soca and dancehall artistes from both Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. The event starts at 7pm and will go until 12am with all proceeds going towards Damian’s healthcare. “Although the initial surgery addressed the spinal issue, doctors have advised that there is still a great deal of treatment necessary,” said Mrs. Oliverie.
Tickets for the Recovery Concert are available online at islandetickets.com and the list of physical ticket outlet locations can be viewed @recovery_the_concert on Instagram. “We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love, prayer and support received,” said Kizzy, adding that assistance offered in any way, is appreciated. “Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. This has ultimately shaken our family to the core, but we will get through it with God and the support of our village. We are grateful to you all,” she said.
A livestream on TikTok ended suddenly under tragic circumstances when the son of reggae artiste, Jah Mason was shot at point blank range. The victim, Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson was reportedly approached and shot execution-style on Monday while live-streaming on TikTok near a shop along Red Hills Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica.
Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson
The St. Andrew North Police have launched an investigation into the incident. According to the Jamaica Observer, the young man’s father, Jah Mason has since confirmed the death of his son but at the time, was still coming to terms with the devastating news and preferred not to speak in detail.
According to reports, Johnson was broadcasting live on TikTok when he was approached by a masked individual dressed in black. The assailant shot him in the back of the head at close range, then continued firing after Johnson fell. The gunman then fled the scene.
Johnson’s death marks the fourth killing of a Jamaican TikTok personality in recent months.
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