Soca News Magazine - January 2023

COVER IMAGE:

A masquerader from the band Lost Tribe, Trinidad Carnival 2020.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Dillion De Shong

EDITOR'S LETTER

New Year, new beginnings

It's still hard to believe that we're back in the usual soca swing of things, but here we are: heading into Trinidad Carnival. So, a Happy New Year to you and yours, as onward and fete-ward we go.

There's some information about Trinidad's festivities on page 24, and our event listing on page 27 already heralds Notting Hill Carnival 2023 with one of the earlier band launches, alongside fetes, cultural events and a January calypso tent.

We sadly lost yet another giant of calypso at the very end of 2022; you can read about the legend that is Black Stalin on page 14.

If you have a yearning for travel after all our wings were clipped, we've included a February carnivals listing on page 31 and a run down of 2023 soca holidays to whet all appetites on page 33.

We're looking forward to passing you chipping down a road somewhere soon.

YOURS IN SOCA

Joseph Charles

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Joseph Charles jc@socanews.com

CREATIVE

Joseph Charles SUB EDITOR Katie Segal katie@socanews.com

CONSULTING EDITOR Stephen Spark stephen@socanews.com

MARKETING marketing@socanews.com

SALES sales@socanews.com

WORDS

Dunstan Creavalle, Katie Segal Latoya Jones, Radeya Osman & Stephen Spark

PICTURES

Bampson, Channel 4, Createone Media, Dillon De Shong, Leandro Nora, Kola Graffix, Peter Hogan, Rudy Full Xposure, Shutter In Motion, Stephen Spark, VKAMZ @r.williamsphotography

PUBLISHED BY

Soca News Ltd 86-90 Paul Street London, EC2A 4ND

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+ 44 (0) 333 012 4643

EMAIL info@socanews.com

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The views expressed in Soca News are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. All material contained within this publication is the copyright of Soca News. No material, written or photographic may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher. No liability will be accepted for any errors which may occur within the magazine. © 2022 Soca News. All rights reserved.

PATRICE ROBERTS HAS #1 WORLDWIDE SOCA SONG

Patrice Roberts celebrated big, small and some in-between feats throughout 2022, but ended the year in grand style: her song, Mind My Business, made it to the number one spot as Worldwide Soca Song of 2022. The hit song has also made two other prominent lists, curated by Audiomack and NPR Music. Mind My Business has amassed almost seven million views on Youtube since its release early last year.

Roberts’ full-length concert for Trinidad Carnival, I Am Woman, will take place at the O2 Park in Trinidad on Carnival Wednesday, 15 February. She will be live in performance with the A Team Band and other selected artists.

For ticket information, visit islandetickets.com.

TERRI LYONS IS QUEEN OF QUEENS

Ten female calypsonians from across the Caribbean competed in the Queen of Queens Regional Female Calypso Competition on December 30, at Festival Village, Little Bay in Montserrat.

The artists, who between them represented nine countries, included Terri Lyons, Silvina ‘Khandie’ Malone, and Samantha ‘Sammie C’ Tahir. Terri Lyons swooped up the championship title with her songs Obeah and Meghan My Dear.

In the first runner-up and second runner-up positions were Tasha “Tasha P” Peltier from Dominica and Karene Asche from Trinidad.

In November, Terri was joined on stage by several artists, including her dad Super Blue and Viking Ding Dong, at her inaugural I Am Lion concert.

For the 2023 Trinidad Carnival season she has released songs including The Vibe, Can You Feel It and Wuk Me Out.

• TERRI LYIONS PHOTOGRAPH | @ R.WILLIAMSPHOTOGRAPHY

TOBAGO HAS A BUDGET FOR CARNIVAL 2023

The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, organisers of Trinidad Carnival 2023, have allotted money to the mas fraternity in Tobago for the planning and organising of their aspects of Carnival 2023, which follows the smaller island’s own inaugural carnival that took place in October.

The budget is TT $1.3 million, agreed upon after conversations with Culture Secretary Tashia Burris and her team in December 2022.

There is yet to be an official announcement for the format, but there will of course be the usual offerings of soca and calypso monarch competitions and J'Ouvert, alongside other activities.

SHURWAYNE AND KERNAL RUMBLE TOGETHER

Shurwayne Winchester and Kernal Roberts are proving they will not be left out of the ‘Mother of All Carnivals’ celebrations. The duo have teamed up on a track they describe as ‘a wake up call to artists’, encouraging them to focus on anthems that illustrate the essence of carnival.

Shurwayne emphasised the motive for the song by saying, “Power soca is at the root of our festival. Without the right power soca songs to make the people move in the fetes, we will have nothing close to the mother of all carnivals”.

Roberts also lent his voice by adding, “We are not bashing any artistes for going along that vein, but Trinidad and Tobago once had an established sound and we feel it’s time for that sound to be owned by us, fuelled by us and promoted by us”.

Rumble was released on 9 January, and is available for streaming or downloading via all of the major platforms. FOR MORE VISIT SOCANEWS.COM/NEWS

LEAH-SOPHIA RELEASES SUMBADAY

Uk-based Tobagonian singer and songwriter Leah-Sophia Richards has released a new single, Sumbaday, a song that seeks to ignite the spirit of carnival in all listeners.

The single was written and produced by Cory Waldron, aka DJ LokDwn, with additional vocals from Toni Robinson.

Leah-Sophia is a trained vocalist, and has been singing since she was 5 years old.

Sumbaday is available for streaming or downloading from all major music service platforms.

THE CARIBBEAN: BILLIONAIRES' PARADISE

The Caribbean: Billionaires’ Paradise is a four part documentary series on Channel4 billed as a, “Gloriously escapist look at how the Caribbean islands’ well-heeled residents live, work and relax in a billionaire’s playground”. The series spotlights some of the rich and powerful people who go to blow off steam (and cash) in the Caribbean, offering insight into the enthralling lifestyle of power players within various industries and from different backgrounds.

The first episode is set in Barbados, where you’re likely to run into the likes of Alison Hinds, the 'Queen of Soca' and cultural ambassador for Barbados, or twenty six year old Bajan-born global sports star and fast-bowling hero of the England cricket team, Jofra Archer, who may be working, or playing, or a little of both.

The first of the four episodes aired on Channel4 on Wednesday 4 January, at 10pm. Watch the other three episodes as they screen or catch up on the app or at All4.com via www.channel4. com/programmes/the-caribbean-billionairesparadise.

JUST INCARNIVAL IS READY FOR TRINIDAD CARNIVAL 2023

JUST INCarnival is a UK-based mas band, established in 2020. The band debuted at Notting Hill Carnival 2022, going on to play J'Ouvert and Sunday mas with Fog Angels Carnival at Tobago Carnival in the same year.

Founded by Dianne Ramdeen and Justin Thomas, the aim is to introduce the culture, art and true Carnival experience to new participants. Designs are focused on style and sophistication, to give clients a positive feeling in premium costumes.

For Trinidad Carnival 2023, you can find JUST INCARNIVAL on the road as an all-inclusive part of the Dirty Medics J’Ouvert band’s presentation, Apache. Visit www.justincarnival.com for more information.

• BLACK STALIN PERFORMING AT THE CALYPSO MONARCH FINAL, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, AUG 2002 PHOTOGRAPH | STEPHEN SPARK

SOCA PEOPLE BLACK STALIN

1941 - 2022

WORDS | STEPHEN SPARK

Renowned calypsonian Black Stalin (Leroy Sylvester Calliste) has died. The octogenarian passed away at his San Fernando home on 28 December. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Stalin recently spent three weeks at San Fernando General Hospital. A stroke in September 2014 left him in poor health, which prevented him from attending the renaming of Lord Street, in his hometown, to Dr Leroy Calliste Street last year.

Confirming the news of his passing, Stalin’s wife Patsy said: "I know he gave [his fans] a lot of joy, a lot of love, a lot of rhythms and a lot of lyrics. I know he has a lot of people out there who love him very much."

Born on 24 September 1941 and brought up on Coffee Street, Calliste attended San Fernando Boys RC School. His first venture into entertainment was as a limbo dancer, but in 1959, inspired by Pretender and Kitchener, he started singing calypso, joining the Southern Brigade tent three years later. It was calypsonian Blakie who gave Calliste his sobriquet, so it was as Black Stalin that he joined Lord Kitchener’s Calypso Revue tent in 1967.

Stalin was known for using his skills to address political and social injustices through music, and in Bun Dem he famously asked Saint Peter to consign the likes of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan to the fires of Hell. He’ll also be long remembered for songs such as Sufferers, Ism Schism, Wait Dorothy Wait, Black Man Feelin to Party and We Could Make It If

We Try. His collection of albums includes To the Caribbean Man (1979), Cry of the Caribbean (1992) and Just For You (2009).

In the course of his career – which spanned 63 of his 81 years – Stalin was a five-time calypso monarch (in 1979, 1985, 1987, 1991 and 1995) and secured the Calypso King of the World title in 1999. He has performed in the UK on several occasions, including, memorably, at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in August 2002, and at a special event in October 2005 to celebrate Mighty Tiger’s 50 years in calypso.

In 1987 Black Stalin was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contribution to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. He received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of the West Indies in 2008 for his positive impact on calypso music and culture.

Although a fierce critic of injustice, Black Stalin’s abiding message was one of optimism, as expressed in these few lines from

We Could Make It If We Try:

If ever you feel to surrender, it have one little thing That I always want you to remember We could make it if we try just a little harder If we just give one more try, life could be so much sweeter.

Stalin's funeral was held at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on Thursday 5 January 2023 in San Fernando, Trinidad.

MUSIC

RADIO SHOWS + STREAMS

LISTENING TO THE RADIO IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SOCA MUSIC. THERE ARE A MYRIAD OF STREAMS AVAILABLE. BUT WE’VE LISTED ONLY THE MORE PERMANENT SOCA SHOWS.

Wednesday

9-11pm GMT

The RDR show

DJ CREDABLE

Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk

11pm-1am GMT

The BankRoll D'MONEY

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

Thursday

7-9pm GMT

The Breakaway Show

DJ DIGGA D Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk

8-11pm GMT Soca 2d World

DJ ROCKSHUN I Chunes Radio tun.in/se22k

1-3am GMT iMove

DJ REE

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

Friday

6pm GMT

The French Soca Connection

DJ DUTTY FREAK

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

8-11pm GMT Soca and Cocktails

DJ LOKDWN

I Chunes Radio tun.in/se22k

Saturday

12-2pm GMT

The Super Soca Show

AAA BADBOY & DUB BOY, ATKI2 (AT KEY TWO) AND JONSEY WALES Ujima 98FM ujimaradio.com

12-2pm GMT Soca is We DJ PIPER Roots FM 95.4 ukrootsfm.com

2-4pm GMT Soca is We DJ PIPER Flo Radio floradio.co.uk

5-7pm GMT

The Mighty Hitman Show

D’MIGHTY HITMAN

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

6pm GMT JAKK RUSSELL Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk

7-9pm GMT The Check In THE VIBES CURATOR

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

Sunday

12-2pm GMT

The Caribbean Affair

DJ MARTIN JAY Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk

3-5pm GMT Easy Sundays

NEIL MATTEI

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

4-6pm GMT DJ TORO

Bakahnal Radio + Team Soca bakahnalradio.co.uk & Teamsoca.com

5-7pm GMT

Lush Soca Sundays

CHÉ IN THE MIXX Robbo Ranx Radio robboranx.com/listenlive 5-7pm GMT

Hightown Showdown

D'RANGER

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

7-9pm GMT

Sunday Skool

D'MIGHTY HITMAN

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

9-11pm GMT Krooshal Factor KROOSHALL The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

NOT ON THIS LIST?

SUBMIT YOUR DETAILS TO INFO@SOCANEWS.COM

FEATURE

Three-quarters of the way down the chain of islands that separate the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean lies the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Over the past decade, the twin-island nation has diversified its economy away from dependence on sugar. Small as they are, St. Kitts and Nevis are significant players in the global tourism industry, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Both islands boast beautiful beaches, hiking trails and world-class hotels and resorts. But these assets are only part of the islands' appeal.

In addition to soaking up the sun and enjoying the natural beauty, visitors travel yearly to the larger islands for the St. Kitts Music Festival (SKMF).

The festival has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1996 and has earned a solid reputation as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Caribbean.

The festival was seen as a way to boost economic activity on the island. Core objectives, we’ve been told, were to increase visitor arrivals and create greater awareness of the destination. Central to the operation from the start was a determination to use the event as a showcase for the talents of homegrown artists. The St. Kitts Music Festival is arguably one of the most diverse in the Caribbean.

WORDS | LATOYA JONES

In its 26 year history, the three day event has seen some of the world’s most indemand entertainers, across many genres, perform on the festival's stages. They have included Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Tyrese Gibson, Freddie Jackson, Nas, Outkast, DMX, Michael Bolton, Hugh Masakela, James Ingram, Kool and the Gang, Lionel Richie and Eve.

The 24th staging of the event followed a two year hiatus, courtesy of Covid. In 2022, organisers promised an event like no other; from all accounts, with the help of the stellar cast of local, regional and international artists, they both delivered on that promise and surpassed the expectations of all who attended.

Wale, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Beres Hammond, Popcaan, Voice, Jada Kingdom, Sean Paul and Destra were just a few stars who thrilled their adoring fans at the comeback event in June 2022. It was so good that many observers feel it will be a tough act to follow, but the festival team is determined to up the ante again, and is promising to deliver another exceptional lineup in 2023.

The St. Kitts Music Festival will be staged on 22, 23 and 24 June 2023. If you decide to travel to St. Kitts for this 25th edition of the festival, you should venture deeper into the Sugar Isle. There are some things you must see, some experiences you must have, and several culinary delights you have to savour.

MUSIC FESTIVAL TRAVEL PACKAGE

TRAVEL: WED 21WED 28 JUNE 2023

STAYING AT THE TIMOTHY BEACH RESORT 7 NIGHTS STAY IN A MOUNTAIN VIEW ROOM £1,030PP

INCLUDES 1 FREE NIGHT STAY & DAILY BREAKFAST. UPGRADE TO OCEAN VIEW ROOM FOR AN ADDITIONAL £35PP & RECEIVE 2 NIGHTS FREE.

Price includes return flights with British Airways from Gatwick, 7-nights hotel inclusive of daily breakfast and return transfer.

is the heart of the islands' cruise tourism industry. This is where all the ships dock, and tourists disembark to explore Saint Kitts. On any given day, you can see hundreds of tourists milling around, shopping in search of souvenirs and enjoying some of the local food and drinks. A popular activity is having your picture taken (at up to US$10 a time!) with vervet monkeys adorned in cute outfits by their respective trainers/ handlers.

takes

passengers on a three hour tour around a 30 mile circle of the island. Built between 1912 and 1926, the railway and train transported sugar cane from plantations to the factory in Basseterre. The Scenic Railway is said to be the last passenger-carrying railway running in the West Indies. It allows visitors to experience the island's unspoilt scenery whilst being treated to stories of its rich and colourful history.

is a well-preserved example of 17th-18th century military architecture. The fortress was designed by the British and built by African slaves. It is testimony to the European colonisation, the African slave trade and the emergence of new societies in the Caribbean.

is thoroughly entwined with the island’s colonial history. The sprawling eight acre property has a rich history that dates back to the 1600's. It was owned by Sam Jefferson, the great-greatgrandfather of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. When sugar cane production on the estate ended, attention shifted to the property's garden and active archaeological site. The beautiful gardens and grounds, along with the fabulous designs on offer at Caribelle Batik's shop, all contribute to Romney Manor being one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

AT THE ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL 22 - 24 JUNE 2023

Over the years, the St. Kitts stage has welcomed global icons

Lionel Richie, Ashanti, Aswad, Maxi Priest, Goo Goo Dolls, and more—and next year’s lineup is sure to be just as impressive. Join us for three summer nights of calypso, soca, R&B, and reggae.

StKittsTourism.kn/Events

THE COUNTDOWN TO TRINIDAD CARNIVAL 2023

Anticipation is building as we countdown to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2023. Things are moving forward at a feverish pace, as steps are being taken to ensure all the elements are in place for the return of Carnival. The government has allocated TT$147 million for the 2023 staging of the national festival. While some citizens have questioned the wisdom of such a move, saying that money would be better spent fixing the nation’s roads or towards education, Chairman of the National Carnival Commission, Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters said he is happy about the amount, saying that money spent on Carnival is an investment, and the country stands to benefit from the promotion of the festival. Representatives from the pan, mas and calypso fraternities were amongst those present at a breakfast meeting hosted by the National Carnival Commission on December 14, to finalise plans for the festival which has been dubbed ‘The Mother of all Carnivals’.

Peters, Pan Trinbago President Beverly RamseyMoore and President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (TUCO) all took turns outlining plans for their respective areas of focus.

WORDS | BY LATOYA JONES

HERE'S SOME OF WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FOR CARNIVAL 2023:

• Pan enthusiasts will be happy to note that the North Stand will make its return to the signature pan competition in 2023. It should also be noted that the medium band final will be held in Tobago, while the large band final will be held in Trinidad. The 2023 large band category will feature 12 bands instead of 10.

• The calypso final will return to Dimanche Gras, whilst the semi-final will be staged in Skinner Park.

• Tickets can be purchased online for all NCC events.

• Visitors will be happy to know that free wifi will be made available at Carnival City.

• There will be a Park and Ride collaboration with PTSC to shuttle folks from East, Central and South to Port of Spain, the main hub for Carnival celebrations.

• A one-stop carnival shop is to be opened at Carnival City from January 16.

• Masqueraders and those who plan to line the road way to enjoy the pretty mas should take note that the route remains the same.

EVENTS

DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO, OR WHAT TO DO?

JAN 2023

SUN 01 JAN

BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS

NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH

@ M Victoria Street, 74 Victoria Street, SW1E 6SQ. Time 1-8pm. Price £25-£55.

EVENTS INTERNATIONAL RUM N WUK

NEW YEARS DAY

@ Subterania, 12 Acklam Rd, W10 5QZ. Time 4-10pm. Price £15.

FRI 13 JAN

SOCALICIOUS SOCALICIOUS – THE WINTER EDITION

@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL Music By Danny D, DJ Bliss, DJ Boots, DJ Bradshaw, DJ Tate, Lyrical Louix, MC Stiffler & Mr General (UK). Time 11pm-5am. Price £15.

SUN 15 JAN

ASSOCIATION OF CALYPSONIANS & SOCA ARTISTS UK (ACASA) ACASA WORLD MUSIC

STAGE – WINTER EDITION

@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 5-11pm.

MON 23 JAN

BEYOND IYANOLA & ST. LUCIA ASSOCIATION OF LONDON (1963) IN CONVERSATION

WITH JUNE FREDERICK

@ Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road London, E17 4JF Time 6-8pm. Price £6.

THUR 26 JAN

THE DIVETTES THE DIVETTES –AFTERWORK SHOW

@ The Old Church, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 9ES. Time 8pm. Price £12-£15.

FRI 27 JAN

CARIBBEAN’S IN LONDON ZOUK LOVE LONDON: WINTER EDITION

@ Adulis Lounge, 44 Brixton Road, SW9 6BT. Time 10pm3am. Price £12-£25.

JUST VIIBEZ CARNIVAL IN CAMDEN TOWN

@ Belushi's, Camden Town, NW1 0LT. Time 10pm-3am. Price £7-£10.

SAT 28 JAN

CARIBBEAN SESSIONS

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2023 BAND LAUNCHMING DYNASTY

@ Yaa Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. Time 2pm-6pm. Price Free, Family friendly vibes.

NO LIMIT UK

NO LIMIT PART 6

@ The Camden, 65 Crowndale

EVENTS

FOR MORE EVENTS SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS

Road, NW1 1BD. Time 10pm4am. Price £10-£20.

KJM ENTERTAINMENTS SOCA OVERLOAD

@ Huddo Lounge, Wembley High Road. Time 9-3pm.

SUN 29 JAN

HYPE MAS HYPE MAS UK: PURITY – BAND LAUNCH

@ XOYO Nightclub, 32-37 Cowper Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4AP. Time 6-11pm. Price £10-£20.

SAT 04 FEB

DJ BONES X QT 2HYPE HIGH – THE GRENADA INDEPENDENCE BOAT CRUISE

@ Tower Millennium Pier, EC3N 4DT. Music By DJ Bones, DJ Desktop, DJ Dingo, DJ QT 2HYPE, DJ Triple Threat & Hyper Spice. Time 6-11pm. Price £30- £40.

BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS D’WARM-UP SESSION

@ Electric Brixton, SW2 1RJ. Time 11pm-5am. Price £16- £31.

FEB 2023

SUN 05 FEB

DE FAMALAY SOCA RAMA

@ Festival Pier, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XZ. Music By Vinny Ranks, Credable, Prince Vern, DJ Bajie, Digga D & Martin Jay. Time 2:30-6:30pm. Price £22-£30.

FRI 10 FEB

SOCA FRENZY SOCA FRENZY: BLACK IS D’CODE

@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road,

Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Time 11pm-5am. Price £3- £18.

SAT 11 FEB

UNITED GROUPS OF GRENADA

49TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRENADA’S INDEPENDENCE

@ The Decorium, 22 Western Road, Wood Green, N22 6UH. Time 6pm-3am. Price £75-£85 dinner & Dance, £25 Dance only from 11pm-3am. Info 07896 505 473.

FRI 24 FEB

DENNERY

SEGMENT UK 758 INDEPENDENCE DAY FETE

@ Vuk Banqueting Park Place. Featuring Live Ricky T. Time 8pm-4am. Price £20-£40.

SAT 25 FEB

UNITY OF UK LUCIAN ASSOCIATIONS SAINT LUCIA 44TH INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION FUNDRAISING DANCE

@ Stratford Town Hall, 29 Broadway, E15 4BQ. Music By DJ LT, DJ Shyboy, DJ VJ & Mosty G. Time 9pm-3am. Price £20-£25

DOMILUCIAN PROMOTIONS WE ARE READY TO PARTY AGAIN

@ Tereza Joanne, King George V Dock, Woolwich Manor Way, E16 2QY. Music By DJ Markla, DJ Redboy, Mikey Afrique, Ninjaman Lloyd, Rude Boy Keith & Specialist. Time 9:30pm3:30am. Price £15.

SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS

• TRINIDAD CARNIVAL TUESDAY 2020 PHOTOGRAPH | LEEANDRO NORAY

TRAVEL SUN SEA SOCA

FEATURE

DESTINATION SOCA 2023

WORDS | BY RADEYA OSMAN

2020 and 2021 raised a middle finger to all the plans we had made to enjoy serene and picturesque (and nonstop partying) vacation destinations around the world.

We at Soca News have curated your highly essential bucket list of holiday packages to check out in 2023. If you couldn’t let your hair down and loosen up because of travel restrictions, you can consider this your VIP invitation to browse and select a package that works for you, or as a gift to a loved one.

When you pack your bags and jet off to your holiday destination, don't forget to bask in the golden sunset, eat everything, see all there is to see - and while you're at it, create some Kodak memories.

MY EPIC CARNIVAL

THUR 16 – TUES 21 FEB 2023

This is a different way to do Trinidad Carnival. Boarding at Barbados on 16 February, head to Trinidad for six days of fetes, and Carnival.

INFO | WWW.MYEPICCARNIVAL.COM

UBERSOCA CRUISE SPRING FESTIVAL

SUN 9 – FRI 14 APRIL 2023

Ubersoca Cruise has scheduled three itineraries for 2023. The first begins this spring, and includes five nights on the Norwegian Epic. The cruise departs from San Juan Port in Puerto Rico and will be visiting St Thomas, St Maarten and St Lucia.

INFO | WWW.UBERSOCACRUISE.COM

SOCA ON THE SEASBACCHANALIA CRUISE

SUN 16 – SUN 23 APRIL 2023

Come aboard the Wonder Of The Seas and enjoy seven nights in the Caribbean and performances from your favourite soca artists. There will be stops in Perfect Day Cococay; Nassau, Bahamas; Falmouth, Jamaica; Labadee.

INFO | WWW.ANSURAVACATIONS.COM

FETETOPIA

SUN 16 – SUN 23 APRIL 2023

Fetetopia is the brand new kid on the block when it comes to soca on the seas. The seven day ‘carnival experience’ on a brand-new cruise ship will include Caribbean food and drink, parties, and all gratuities and taxes. There will be a beach concert in Bermuda with reggae/soca songstress Timeka Marshall, soca star Erphaan Alves and other artists and DJs.

INFO | WWW.FETETOPIA.COM

IBIZA SOCA FESTIVAL

THUR 4 – MON 8 MAY 2023

Join fellow partygoers at the annual Ibiza Soca Festival for a full Caribbean summer experience. The Gold Club and Single Person packages include a four night stay in the four star Vibra Hotel, access to the gym and an exclusive Lux morning fete.

INFO | WWW.IBIZASOCA.COM

SOCA MAZZA 2023

THUR 25 – MON 29 MAY 2023

Gran Canaria is host to Europe's craziest soca holiday as Soca Mazza makes its way to the island again. You will enjoy soca music from selected artists and DJs, between lazing around on the beach and enjoying the sun. There are four package options: Events Pass, Hotel and Events Pass, VIP Events Pass and a Hotel and Events VIP Pass.

INFO | WWW.SOCAMAZZA.COM

FLYING FISH & COU COU BARBADOS MUSIC EXPERIENCE

2023

FRI 2 – MON 12 JUN 2023

This is your ticket to enjoy a ten night stay at South Gap or Yellow Bird hotels, filled with parties, drinks, food and music - including soca, afro beats, disco, amapiano, garage, and reggae. The ‘Giants Of Lovers Rock’ night features Janet Kay, Carol Thompson, Paul Dawkins, Paulette Tajah, Michael Gordon, and Victor Romero Evans; the experience includes a comedy night, boat parties, themed, day and night parties.

INFO | WWW.GETYOURTICKETS.CO.UK

MELE DESTINATIONS

THUR 7 – MON 11 SEPT 2023

In late 2023, Melé Destination will yet again make its way to Moon Palace Resort in Cancun. The allinclusive destination promises to offer a package of music, dance, friendship, food and memories to last a lifetime. Guests can book any of the five room options.

INFO | WWW.MELEDESTINATIONS.COM

SOCA WKNDR 2022 - PORTUGAL

THUR 19 – THUR 26 OCT 2023

Soca Wkndr will be returning to Albufeira, Portugal with the theme ‘Behaviour is Optional’. Revellers are invited to carouse in the sunset and drown themselves in four crazy days and wild nights, across eight unforgettable events. A weekend fete pass costs from £125.

INFO | WWW.SOCAWKNDR.COM

UBERSOCA CRUISE FALL FESTIVAL 1

SAT 11 – THUR 16 NOV 2023

Next autumn, you can join the Royal Caribbean Explorer Of The Seas for a five night cruise offering food, drink, and 55+ events from soca entertainers to themed parties, J'Ouvert, pool parties, workshops and seminars. The cruise will be departing from Miami, and tickets are from US$250 to US$650.

INFO | WWW.UBERSOCACRUISE.COM

UBERSOCA CRUISE FALL FESTIVAL 2

THUR 16 – TUES 21 NOV 2023

Opt for a repeat of all the fun you had in the first instalment to crown your year perfectly. Again, this is a five night cruise with premium enjoyment from parties to workshops and sports tournaments. Tickets from US$250 to US$650.

INFO | WWW.UBERSOCACRUISE.COM