Soca Lockdown a big hit . . . Sweet singers bring it

Last Saturday was the third edition of Soca Lockdown live on artiste Faith Callender’s Instagram page 246Faith.

Faith’s entertainment session proved to be just the right blend for her close to 300 viewers. She had an impressive line-up and although she limits the session to an hour or just over, much went on in that time.

Of course, the night started out with Faith herself singing. There was nothing but flames and love icons when she sang her 2018 hit ManGo.

Faith’s session was engaging as she constantly spoke to her audience asking them how they were holding up throughout the COVID-19 curfew. She encouraged them too, by telling them that when it’s all over we all will be “outside” enjoying life once again.

Faith’s first guest on the live show was Lynchy with his popular Medicine and groovy Live To Party. He was followed by Shanta Prince, who sang Stush, Rude Gal and Hello. Shanta was a joy to watch as she sang and danced, showing off her waistline moves to viewers. Shanta told Faith she had actually “shed a tear” after hearing there will be no Crop Over festival this year. However, she was swift to say artistes should use the period to reflect, regroup and rebrand.

There were technical challenges when Grateful Co tried to link in. After a few failed attempts, he was successful, wasted no time and went straight into singing his 2019 song Do Thing. Grateful then sang a 2020 song he had hoped to release for this year’s Crop Over. The catchy Bring Water received plenty of love icons. Grateful Co was clearly enjoying himself as he sang the number. By the time he had ended, his shirt was off and he was dripping in sweat.

Shaquille’s volume was a bit low, but that did not stop the party. The young singer did Darlin’ and Collateral, singing and dancing all the way. Shaquille brought the energy to his broadcast.

They often say the best is left for last and this was certainly the case. The last two acts were exciting.

Songbird Nikita took singing on the broadcast to another level. With crystal clear vocals she belted out Carry Festival, Same Way and Tequila. Nikita said it was the most fun she had in weeks since the curfew. And like Shanta, she too said she couldn’t wait to get back outside to entertain people. She also endorsed Shanta’s call for promoters to have events with live acts when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Biggie Irie, who said he was recovering from hip surgery, was sweettttt! Biggie was sitting as he sang, but that made no difference. The former Sweet Soca king sang Pankatang but he had to start over as the live time had expired and a new video had to be started. He then sang Country before ending with a tease of Need Ah Riddim. Faith asked viewers if they wanted more Biggie and by using love, flame and other icons it was a resounding “yes”. However, efforts to reconnect with Biggie failed.

Faith then closed the event by singing All Night. The final Soca Lockdown will be Saturday at 8 p.m. (IMC)