Limes close on a strong note in rural spot

The 2023 Crop Over Sweet Limes culminated this past Saturday night at Benny’s Bar in the Hillcrest community centre in St. Joseph. With the beach just a few feet away, and the high winds off the ocean keeping patrons cool, it was time for the performers to heat up the stage.

For the grand finale, the ladies of soca were in phenomenal form and the long drive to the distant rural community was worth it. The exciting cast did not come out to play. Raising the temperature, SugahRhe showed off her whining moves on Weakness, Sugah Bam Bam, and Big Bike. She displayed her softer side with the slower-paced Love You and Soca State of Mind.

Rhea Layne understood the assignment and pleased the audience with Arch, Sneaky Link, Speakah and Road Call. After her initial appearance, she returned to the stage singing the new track We Coming Thru with Mikey Mercer. [caption id="attachment_393337" align="alignnone" width="433"] Rhea Layne[/caption]

Also representing the ladies was Nikita. The talented singer has no shortage of new tunes for this season and the Crop Over Sweet Lime posse enjoyed them all. She satisfied them with Surrender, Up, Holiday and Spirit. She also joined forces with Soca Monarch Mikey for Party Mash Up. Sweet-singing Reniece Bonnett added to the strong showing of the female contingent with her two Red Boyz-produced tracks Property and the newer Show Me Love.

[caption id="attachment_393340" align="alignnone" width="650"] Edwin Yearwood[/caption]

The upbeat session included a presentation by Timmy, who confirmed he still has what it takes to get the crowd moving. He delivered a well-received throwback set with Worse Dan Dat and Bumpa catch-a-fire before launching into this year’s contribution Lawrd Havus Mercy. Not satisfied with his quick exit, host Peter Ram called for his return, and he added the much-loved Up Down. [caption id="attachment_393336" align="alignnone" width="433"] Timmy[/caption]

The younger crop of artistes was well represented. Delivering energy-packed performances were Soca Bash who opened the show and Blacks performing De Money On and King Cudi, who with his national flag billowing in the strong breezes, came ready to party with We Coming. [caption id="attachment_393335" align="alignnone" width="433"] SugahRhe[/caption]

As was the case throughout all the limes, soca lovers got a taste of the hottest tracks for the season. Determined to make the most of his time on stage, Hypasounds got the ladies riled up with Bumble Bee, Touch, Looking for it, Wha Yuh Want and Sugar Rush to name a few. Mikey Mercer was in the mix with a tune-laden set that included Feting Family, Come Together, Don’t Run and Drif. [caption id="attachment_393334" align="alignnone" width="650"] Reniece Bonnett[/caption]

Then, it was Waistline Therapy when Edwin Yearwood joined him on stage. The General kept patrons’ waists gyrating with Jam Down, Chrissening and Who Aint Hurt Badly Wounded. Wanting to keep his fans satisfied, he added Sugarcane by special request as he closed out this season’s installment of Crop Over Sweet Limes on a dulcet note. [caption id="attachment_393339" align="alignnone" width="650"] Attorney General and Parliamentary Representative for St. Joseph the Hon Dale Marshall was among the patrons.[/caption]

Parliamentary representative for the area the Honourable Dale Marshall was among the party goers enjoying the Crop Over vibe. (STT) ]]>