THE BEST SOCA LIVE STREAMS

In today’s post I continue my focus on Soca and Trinidad & Tobago Carnival with some of my favourite livestreams from the last year. There are plenty more out there as artists adapt to the loss of Carnival and a lack of live shows in general but these are the real stand outs for me. I honestly wish we had more Soca live shows over here in the UK but they tend to only happen in London around Notting Hill time. Perhaps if I can get you guys hooked on these videos, we can see more of these artists in real life once things get back to normal.


Kes - We Home 


Kes are one of Trindad & Tobago’s biggest bands and had so much faith in their live abilities they actually re-recorded some of their most popular tunes live from singer Kees Dieffenthaller’s house over lockdown and put out the ‘At Home’ album.  It was a pretty bold step to be fair but worked remarkably well and so it shouldn’t be a surprise that their live stream of the same name  is one of the best I’ve seen all year.  It’s uplifting, heart warming, energetic and although it looks a little like a kids TV programme, that really just means it’s a lot slicker and more professional than most. Plus you simply can’t deny they have some of the best tracks to sing-a-long to.



The Teddyson John Project - Caribbean Moscato (A Special Collection)




Teddyson John has also released an album where he reworks some firm favourites from his back catalogue, only he’s opted for a much more stripped back soulful sound which turns out to be a genius move.  It translates perfectly to this live-stream, set against the beautiful backdrop of his St Lucian homeland.  Refreshingly honest and emotionally raw, the performance has something of a Gospel feel with a touch of smooth Jazz to compliment the Soca framework.


Nadia Batson - Artform 3 




Once a member of Kes back in the late noughties (and Andre Tanker’s band before that), Nadia Batson now fronts her own band the SASS Experience and has some huge hits such as ‘So Long’ and ‘Catching Feelings’.  In many way it’s a shame both songs had stronger releases on the same riddim as it feels like she’s never quite had the props she deserves, although songs such as ‘FATT’ and ‘Counting Your Blessings’ have definitely been firm favourites of mine in the last year or so.



This is a stellar performance all round with some strong costume changes interspersed with guest performances by some esteemed peers such as Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal, Terri Lyons, Shal Marshall and Voice



Blaxx & D’ All Starz - Fatima Strive On 2021



I’m sure most of us had a shit 2020 but for Blaxx things became life threatening when he was rushed to hospital for a second time in October due to lung and kidney issues.  Thankfully he was discharged a month later after a successful operation, with his medical expenses covered by a crowd funder.  Given the seriousness of his diagnoses it’s pretty incredible that he was back performing last month for this fundraiser to raise much needed cash for Fatima College, a secondary boys school in Port Of Spain.  



Although you can tell he’s not at full strength, he’s still better than most and his band D’All Starz are undoubtedly one of the best in the business.  If you’ve not read ‘Roy Cape: A Life on the Calypso and Soca Bandstand’ about the legendary band leader who Blaxx inherited the band from after being their singer for many years previously, then I highly recommend it.



Patrice Roberts - Strength Of A Woman (Reflections)



Patrice Roberts is most definitely one of my favourite Soca artistes so it’s hard for me to separate this performance from her extensive and most excellent back catalogue of releases but I loved it, even though the sweet, slick and royal composure I’ve some to expect from Patsy was very much swapped for a more wild and raggamuffin side, the kind of energy that most of us will probably bring once we are let out of lockdown.  She didn’t necessarily hit the notes or even try to at times, but as a sheer force to be reckoned with, she is an absolute winner and as with Nadia, her impressive costume changes meant an array of guests. This time Preedy, Kees Dieffenthaller from Kes, Ricardo Drue, Shal Marshall, Jaiga TC, Lyrikal and Farmer Nappy all joined the party, and you can tell from the vibes that it was one of the best parties in town.  Plus regular plays of her song ‘Better Days’ have proven a must for making it through at the moment.


Tomorrow should be J’ouvert morning, the official start of Carnival so there will be a special post live from midnight.  







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