5 months ago
27
I Love Soca, one of Jamaica’s most renowned soca parties, transformed The UWI Mona Bowl into a soca lover’s paradise on Boxing Day. Hundreds of revellers, eager to lose themselves in the infectious rhythms of soca, attended the 12-hour event, which ran from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. This year, the night reached new heights thanks to the star power of Trinidadian talents Lady Lava and Lyrikal.
Known for his electrifying performances, Lyrikal delivered hit after hit, including crowd favourites like Happy Place and Fete Cyah Over. With flags waving and cups flying through the air, the already energised crowd sang along to every word. His performance was an interactive experience, as well as a demonstration of his talent. Lyrikal then sealed the deal by inviting a number of women from the audience to perform on stage.
“I Love Soca brought me to Jamaica, and I just want to commend the entire team for putting on this event,” Lyrikal told The Gleaner as he reflected on his trip to Jamaica.
He added,“It means a lot that soca is valued here. The atmosphere was incredible as soon as I entered the venue. Bravo to Campari and other sponsors for making it all possible.”
This marks his seventh visit and performance in Jamaica, and his second time taking the stage at I Love Soca.
“I love Jamaica, I love the ladies, the atmosphere and the food; Jamaica not only has some of the best food in the Caribbean, but in the entire world. I’ll be back in Jamaica, particularly for Carnival 2025. Make a note to attend Carnival if you haven’t already; you won’t regret it! I endorse it 100 per cent. Keep up with my social pages to know which band I’m jumping with for carnival 2025,” Lyrikal said.
While Lyrikal had the crowd raving, Lady Lava took it to another level. Making her Jamaican début, she performed a medley of her hits, each one received with thunderous applause. The pinnacle of her set came when she dropped Ring Finger, the song currently dominating soca playlists and party scenes. The ladies in the audience erupted into cheers, belting out the lyrics and dancing with unrestrained joy.
“I’ve been wanting to come to Jamaica for a long time, and I Love Soca made it happen,” Lady Lava said after her first performance, then describing it as nothing short of fulfilling.
“The audience’s response was amazing, and I feel accomplished. Coming to Jamaica and getting such a great response from the crowd gives me that feeling. Jamaica is one of the places that have a lot of artistes and so they are accustomed to performances, so to come here and get such a great response is something good” she told The Gleaner.
Lady Lava ended by saying, “This is my first time in Jamaica and of course I plan on returning, right now I could stay here,” she said with a laugh, “I’m ready to return to Jamaica. Promoters, look at the performance and link up so Jamaica can see me again.”
English (US) ·