Wendi, second left, front row, and Dyson Knight, second right, front row, will be leading the Bahamian charge for Soca Fest 2016 on Saturday, April 2, one epic night that will feature 23 acts - 16 local artists and seven international performers. (Photo: Ahvia J. Campbell)
Soca Fest 2016 is going to be epic -- 16 local acts along with seven international artists will make Saturday's event not just a show, but a production that should not be missed.
"The artists have been rehearsing for the last two weeks for the Soul Train-esque marathon event during which artists pass the microphone baton style to the next performer, so it's going to be a dynamic production," said Alpha Sounds Promotions' Trevor Davis.
Local acts taking to the stage at Mario's Bowling and Entertainment Palace include Dyson Knight, Wendi, and Benji from Visage; Ebony, Blaudy and Fanshawn from Blue Water Connection Band; newcomers Lattia, DJ Muzikal, Yva, and Tangy; Lisa; Qpid; DJ Ming and DJ Pampa; Sketch and Rik Carey and Julien Believe.
International performers on the lineup include Benjai from Barbados who had the number one song last year with "Phenomenal" and won his hometown's Road March and Soca Monarch at Crop Over; as well as Tallpree, the reigning soca champion in Grenada; Bajan Peter Ram who won sound of the year last year Crop Over; Cyan; DJ Stephen and host Giselle Da Wassi One; and DJ Stephen.
"The general public can expect a fantastic show," said Davis. "The international artists bring their flair, glamor and energy, but I think they will be up for a challenge to see the Bahamian artists rise to the occasion."
It's a show that Davis said originally started out with just 14 artists-- but as the word got out that Soca Fest was happening, he had a barrage of young Bahamian artists clamoring to get on the card, and the numbers swelled to 16 local artists to go with the seven international acts for 23 performers taking to the stage for one night.
"Each artist will sing two songs, so it breaks down to about 10 minutes each," said Davis. "Everyone knows what to do, and how to do it, when to come on stage, what to do when they get on stage, so I'm excited about the fact that I was able to get all of these young persons-- some who have never performed before to actually work together. They all come with their own energy, and their own vibe, and are all excited, so I'm excited."
Last year's Soca Fest dubbed "Redemption" was promoted as a weekend people should strive to survive, and they certainly tried. Davis said there's no comparison between last year and this year's show.
Even though the promoter has been doing shows for 20 years, he said he's excited for this weekend's event.
"There are so many young Bahamian artists on this card so that alone brings excitement, as they will be gracing the stage with veterans," said Davis. "Bahamian artists on stage excites and motivates me, so I'm just like a kid in a candy store waiting to see these young people get on stage to perform. I've had a lot of events over the years, but the idea of putting all these young people together is exciting," he said.
The Soca Fest gates open at 7 p.m. with the first artist scheduled to take to the stage at 9 p.m., with the show set to wind up at 2:30 a.m.
"We want persons to come early because it will be a lot of good Bahamian music along with international soca music. It will be a good time to unwind and get ready for this year's Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.
Tickets can be purchased at Mario's Bowling and Entertainment Centre, Quality Home Centre, or Airbrush Junkies at the Mall at Marathon, and can be had for $30 in advance, or $75 for limited backstage sky box tickets.
Shavaughn Moss
Guardian Lifestyle Editor
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