Four music giants headlined the first ever Soca Sunset event, which was held at the Barbados Yacht Club on Saturday July 15th, 2023. Hundreds came out to the Bay Street, St Michael venue to enjoy live performances by Red Plastic Bag, Edwin Yearwoord, Biggie Irie, and King Bubba — who were all backed by the Red Boyz Band. Organisers promised that patrons would be swept away by “vibrant soca sounds” at the “unforgettable event”, and the seasoned entertainers certainly delivered.
Lively patrons filled every corner of the expansive venue, with some opting to socialise, and enjoy purchased food and drinks in the seated areas. By 6pm, a crowd was already on the dance floor, energetically twisting, jumping and ‘wining’ to music played by the DJ Big Red from Hot 95.3fm. The live performances began shortly after.
At the very utterance of “Biggie Biggie”, an increasingly larger crowd was magnetised to the stage. That melodic chant came from none other than Biggie Irie, who opened the show, donning a red cap, matching shirt and white pants. Theatrical bubbles floated in the air as he had the energetic audience jamming to soca. Hits like “Pankatang”, “Nah Going Home”, “Cyaan Be Ova” and the 2023 release “Send Somebody” captivated patrons from his electric entrance and his closing “Thank You!!” remark.
The next performer came to ‘mash up de place’ and succeeded; When King Bubba touched down, patrons went into a dizzying frenzy, with hands raised, fists pumping and feet stomping. The exceptional high energy was sustained throughout each song, which included “Who Drinking Rum”, “Calling in Sick”, “Whole Night”, and “She Always Bend Over”. The MC Caroline “CiCi” Reid playfully dubbed King Bubba, who recently released a song called “Don’t Get Sick” (Rum Drinkers), ‘the Doctor’.
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