Destra Garcia headlines COB Soca Goes Gold

Dominating the stage with 25 years in the soca industry, Destra Garcia headlined COB Soca Goes Gold, a fundraising event hosted by the Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust. Held on the grounds of the Bagatelle Great House on Saturday night, patrons arrived at the sixth edition in high spirits, many wearing their national colors to celebrate Barbados’ 58th anniversary of independence and its third year as a republic.

Radiating high energy, Destra commanded the stage, thrilling fans with dynamic renditions of her hits Tremble It, Lucy, Max It Up, Just A Lil Bit, It’s Carnival, Bonnie and Clyde and highlighted her versatility with Alicia Keys’ No One. In a special moment, she serenaded Dwayne Grazette, the event’s promoter and one of her biggest fans, singing Happy Birthday.

Also representing Trinidad and Tobago was Shurwayne Winchester, who brought his signature energy to the stage. He performed tunes God’s Plan, Gangalee, Don’t Stop, Wine on It, Carnival Please Stay, Girl Born to Wine, Dead or Alive, and Follow the Instructions.

Confidently representing for the 246, Marzville and the +1 Band opened the show setting the tone for the night. He, alongside fellow lead vocalist Cherish Greenidge, delivered an upbeat set featuring regional favorites like WCK’s Balance Batty, Kes’ Savannah Grass, Onika Bostic’s All Is Yours, Patrice Roberts’ Big Girl Now, and Nadia Batson’s Catching Feelings. He finished with his own Give It to Ya.

Backed by De Unit Band, local calypso and soca royalty were out in full force. Veteran performer the Mighty Gabby confirmed he is still a force to be reckoned with, delivering classics Boots, Culture, Chicken and Ram, before closing with Dr. Cassandra. Reigning monarch AC made his mark with Enjoy Yuhself, Nice Time, and Soca You, even displaying his sharp extempo skills.

The Mighty Gabby

Barry Chandler whipped the audience into a frenzy with Flames, Whoopatee We Dey Oh and kept them singing with Neighbor, the Sousey remix. Peter Ram got up close to his excited fans with Good Morning, Woman, Pledge, and All Ah We. He also teased with Quicksand. Edwin Yearwood kept the vibe alive with the much-loved Voice in My Head, Something Geater before launching into party favorites like Pump Me Up, Sweating, Good Time, Yardie, Chrissening, Wet Me, Whole Night Long, and Sak Passe. iWeb entertained the crowd with Big Up, Best in Me, All Inclusive, and a piece of Generation Gap.

Alison Hinds, the Caribbean soca queen, did not come out to play. Looking ready for battle, she was dressed in a striking all-black ensemble complete with combat boots. She delivered a powerhouse set featuring Aye Aye Aye, Carnival Baby, Iron Bazodee, Born Wid It, Top Class Bubbler, and Togetherness.

Representing the local ladies as well was Natahlee. She got in the mix with songs like Ah Gotta Dance, Weakness Fuh Sweetness, Sun Til Sun, What We Do, and Colours. During her rendition of Sugar Bum Bum, screens played a nostalgic clip of her last performance of the song with Lord Kitchener.

TC came out blazing and led the patriotic audience in God Bless Bim. She immediately had the vocal audience singing along as she continued with Kim. She maintained that momentum with Jammers, Engine Room, Hot Sun and Rhythm, and Paradise. She gave an ode to RPB including Something’s Happening.

Kadarius ‘King K’ Allen brought a playful twist to the night, using his Junior Monarch experience to deliver Machel Montano’s Too Young to Soca while hilariously dressed in a makeshift diaper.

A brief downpour early in the night threatened to dampen the mood, but Mac Fingall, ever the entertainer, turned the pause into a highlight. Leading a spirited sing-off session which effortlessly transitioned from gospel to reggae, he sprinkled in some jokes keeping the audience engaged ensuring that attendees hardly noticed the break. (STT)