A sweet serving of soca music at Holetown Festival

On the penultimate day of the Holetown Festival, attendees were treated to a sweet serving of soca music. After being entertained earlier in the evening by the Celebrity Mixology Competition, the action-packed day culminated with Socafest, presented by Mark’s Auto Spares and Great HealthWorks/Omega XL.

Patrons got a snapshot of what is in store for Crop Over 2025, as artistes took the opportunity to debut some of their new material. In addition to crowd favorites like Good Morning, All Ah We, Woman by My Side, and Pumpin’.

Peter Ram gave a preview of his newest track, Fat Pork, which was well received by the audience. Bashment soca star Mole delivered a high-energy set, entertaining fans with a solid selection of hits before teasing with a few lines of what promises to be another chart-topping addition to his growing catalog.

The night also brought a nostalgic throwback to Soka Kartel era, as Mikey and Blood teamed up to perform their massive hits Roll It and the Crop Over 2024 anthem Heart of the Party. They also revisited their solo successes with Blood energising the crowd with Kitty Cat and Foot on Fire, while Mikey had them singing along to Grasskirt and Feting Family. The enthusiastic audience savored every moment.

More widely known as a vocal powerhouse with a passion for ballads, Kimberley Inniss took patrons on a journey back to her soca roots with powerful performances of Free and the ever-popular Hips. Keeping the nostalgic vibes flowing, T.C. sang Kim and fan-favourite Paradise. Natahlee had those with a Weakness for Sweetness singing along in her session. Also representing for the ladies were the dynamic Tionne Hernandez and Faith Callender.

Edwin Yearwood and Lil Rick brought their signature high-energy performances to the stage. Yearwood had the soca lovers rocking to Whole Night Long, Yardie, Pump Me Up, Chrissening and then moving in union for Sak Passe. Lil Rick kept the momentum soaring with infectious hits including All Is Rum, Happy Birthday, Mother Sally, and Mind Off. By the time he wrapped up his set, he was drenched in sweat.

Closing out the night in spectacular fashion, Holetown Festival ambassador Hypasounds kept the adrenaline pumping with a power-packed set, delivering crowd favorites Sugar Rush, Touch It, Fair Sa, Dip, How She Like It, and Bubble.

On Sunday night the festival will culminate with the Barbados Police Service Band in concert for Rhythms of Pride. Among those making guest appearances are Alan Sheppard, Hypasounds, Mikey, Coopa Dan and Adrian Clarke. (STT)