Soca News Magazine - November 2022

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Joseph Charles jc@socanews.com

CREATIVE

Joseph Charles

SUB EDITOR Katie Segal katie@socanews.com

CONSULTING EDITOR

Stephen Spark stephen@socanews.com

EDITOR'S LETTER

Last month we celebrated Black History Month. It was a time of re flection, looking back at those who have gone before us. Whether it be our African roots or our carnival pioneers; it is all part of our black history.

If you only read one article in this issue, it should be the one on page 18. Your Journey into Black History starts at Kew describes one way of re connecting with your roots and researching on missing family links - sure to keep you busy during the winter months.

Although Soca News’ primary focus is soca, we are always happy to highlight other aspects of Caribbean culture. For example, in this issue we shine a light on photographer Aneesa Dawoojee – born in Streatham, South London, of Trinidadian parentage – and her photo portraiture from within London's Muay Thai community. You can read more about her on page 12.

Also see our feature on the beautiful island of St Kitts, with a round up of this year’s St Kitts Music Festival and Sugar Mas, which takes place from September and culminates on News Year's Day.

On a sadder note, just before carnival we lost Feminine Touch, a close friend of Soca News, a Soca Music Award winner and an avid contributor to the magazine over the years. May she rest in eternal peace. If readers have memories of Feminine Touch that they would like to share, we may be able to publish them in a tribute we're planning.

And that brings us to our final point. This is your magazine, and we’re always happy to hear from new writers. Do get in touch and let’s get you published - just email hello@socanews.com.

Yours in soca Joseph Charles

SALES & MARKETING sales@socanews.com

WORDS

Dunstan Creavalle, Joseph Charles, Radeya Osman & Stephen Spark

PICTURES

Aneesa Dawoojee, Bampson, Peter Hogan, Stephen Spark

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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.

SHANTAYE’S WORLD SET TO SCREEN IN LONDON

Shantaye’s World is the creation of Iyanola Pictures, a small Saint Lucian film company. The feature is set to premiere at an invitation-only viewing on 12 Novem ber, with open, public screenings to come shortly. The film is set in post-colonial Saint Lucia, and depicts the life of Shantaye Anderson, a bold, black, beautiful, intelligent girl, and her relationship with Jean Claude Le Marche, the handsome son of the community's white doctor, played by the film's co-director, Guillaume Rico. Their love faces an obstacle which threatens its survival, and a future of uncertainty as the young lovers are broken apart by distance.

Shantaye's World took the award for best feature in the Best Micro Budget category at the International New York Film Festival. The story is adapted from a novel by Mathurine Em manuel, and was subsequently developed as a screenplay by her son, Keddy Emmanuel, for Iyanola. Kolbe Devaux and Antonia Charles star as the male and female leads, respectively.

Iyanola Pictures has previously released Ribbons of Blue, and is poised to dot the world with glimpses of Caribbean history, culture and heritage as they continue to tell stories through film.

For updates, visit www.iyanolapictures.com.

EMCCAN APPOINTS A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network (EMCCAN) has appointed Donna Briscoe-Greene as its new chief executive, replacing outgoing CEO Donna Fox. Donna is a Derby-based manager, artist and social entrepreneur. She has in-depth experience of the carnival sector.

Briscoe-Greene has also previously been an artist coach, a professional singer and an enter tainer. In 2018 she founded East Midlands Black Arts Associated, an initiative that supports the development and decolonisation of the local arts scene. She has received several awards.

EMCCAN chair Richard Renwick MBE said, “We are delighted to have recruited Donna BriscoeGreene as the new CEO of EMCCAN. She has a real passion for carnival arts and how it impacts the communities we work with. Which is in essence what EMCCAN is all about. She also has relevant skills and will bring new ideas to the develop ment of EMCCAN.” Her EMCCAN appointment took effect in September, replacing outgoing CEO Donna Fox.

ARE YOU A STAR BAKER IN THE MAKING?

The Great British Bake Off is seeking home bakers to enter the iconic white tent and pit their skills against 11 other passionate contestants. The winner will earn the title of Britain’s best amateur baker.

If you’re up for the challenge, enter the 14th series without delay - the deadline for applica tions is Sunday 4 December. You must be be a UK resident and aged 16 or above on 1 January 2023. Appearance on the show could provide a golden gateway to further opportunities.

Apply online at www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk or request an application form by emailing apply forbakeoff@loveproductions.co.uk, stating your full name, full address (including postcode) and telephone number. Alternatively, call 0117 456 8530.

SAMARA TELESFORD IS CROWNED MISS CARIBBEAN UK 2022

The curtains closed on the Miss Caribbean UK beauty pageant on Saturday 29 Oc tober at the Shaw Theatre, London. Out of the eight finalists who made it to the grand finale, Samara Telesford from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines emerged as the 2022 queen.

Samara also won Best Evening Dressed and People’s Choice. She tied as Miss Personality with Gregiana Augustin.

Other winners on the night were Jamaica’s Odavia Moffat and Cayman Islands’ Sarafina Mitchell as first and second runners-up, respec tively. Trishauna Stewart from Jamaica took the prize for the Best Charity Fundraiser.

Sponsors and supporters for this year’s show were Sofn'free Naturals, Eleanor Small and Diva Choice, as well as the Shaw Theatre.

UCOM PRESENTS AVES BIRDS OF THE TROPICS FOR NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2023

United Colours of Mas – better known as UCOM – has announced the date for the virtual launch of its 2023 Notting Hill Carnival theme .

On Saturday 3 December 2022, AVES – Birds of the Tropics will be livestreamed on YouTube. AVES is scheduled for takeoff at 7.30pm; put it in your diaries, calendars and alarms now.

AFTER NEAR-DEATH FRIGHT, SPARROW SEES THE LIGHT

Veteran calypsonian Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) was baptised at Far Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York on 4 September, causing something of a stir amongst fans who saw a video of the ceremony posted on social media. He is now a member of the Linden Seventh Day Adventist Church in New York.

The 87-year-old singer’s baptism was conducted by Vincentian pastor Claudius Morgan, who himself had been a calypsonian performing under the sobriquet Samaritan. Pastor Morgan had been evangelising in a large tent (n.b. not a calypso tent) as part of a five-week evangelical crusade.

Quoted in Searchlight, Pastor Morgan remarked, “God could use anybody. When it comes to God and salvation, nobody is unreachable, nobody is too hard for God to save.” Sparrow’s motivation, Morgan said, was the salvation of his soul. The pastor stated that Sparrow had been in a coma and had a near-death experience before he was baptised.

Sparrow – or Brother Francisco, as he is now known - is reported to have said that he may now stop singing some of his more risqué calypsos. Morgan said he now hopes to baptise fellow calyp sonians Crazy (Edwin Ayoung) and Calypso Rose (McCartha Sandy-Lewis). He has already baptised one of Sparrow’s daughters.

Newsday reported Rose as saying: “Long time he [Sparrow] wanted to be baptised. His mother was a Spiritual Baptist.”

FEATURE

• PHOTOGRAPHER | ANEESA DAWOOJEE

THE FIGHTING SPIRIT OF SOUTH LONDON

WORDS | STEPHEN SPARK

The world of martial arts is unfamiliar to most Londoners, but a new exhibition by photographer Aneesa Dawoojee – born in Streatham of Trinidadian parentage – pre sents us with 40 striking black-and-white portraits of fighters from a community she knows well.

Aneesa has practiced Muay Thai martial arts, so could be said to ‘know the ropes’ - and she frequently takes her camera ringside. However, these portraits are rather different, as each has the subject’s story to tell – stories that testify to personal courage as well as that in the ring. Aneesa painstakingly built trust between herself and the fighters, who gradually began to share.

Aneesa’s uncle was an artist and photographer,

whose “black and white reportage was unique for its time, but classic and timeless today”.

Aneesa told Soca News: “My uncle influenced my style in terms of my reportage documentary style, but for these images I was very much wishing to create something that was about the people in South London who come together through this sport. My mother’s outlook and understanding of people is what heavily influences how I work and think; she arrived in the UK in 1962." She added, “I go back to Trinidad most years and I do hope to represent the island in small ways.”

The Fighting Spirit of South London is at the Streatham Space Project, London SW2 4PA, every Sat urday until 3 December 10.30am-6pm. Entry is free.

SOCA PEOPLE

TB JOOCIE

THE MAN, THE ARTIST

Rodell ‘Triniboi Joocie’ Sorzano is a UK-based, Trinidadian born and bred musician, pannist - and ambassador for Notting Hill Carnival.

In 2008, Triniboi was awarded a Performing Arts Scholarship to study at the De Montfort University in Leicester. Shortly afterwards, he won second place at the 2010 UK Soca Monarch competition with his single, Big Ting Dat

In June 2022, as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebration at Buckingham Palace, Triniboi Joocie performed the late Lord Kitchener’s Pan In A Minor, backed by a 100-piece pan ensemble.

For the 2022 Notting Hill Carnival, Sorzano produced and headlined his own ‘Joocie Thursday’ concert as a Carnival ambassador, following in the footsteps of soca greats such as Machel Montano with his ‘Machel Monday’ fetes in Trinidad.

Achieving exposure rare within British popular culture for his chosen (and our much-loved) genre, Triniboi competed in season 11 of the Voice UK in the autumn of 2022, and made to the semifinals with songs including Obeyah, Bottle Over Head, and a soca rendition of Ed Sheeran's I Don't Care.

According to Joocie, despite not going all the way to win the grand prize, he achieved his objectives in enter ing the competition. “I am not sad that I did not secure a spot in the final round because I achieved exactly what I intended to and that was to raise awareness and show case the underrepresented genre that is soca.”

Joocie’s portfolio of songs includes his 2019 hit soca track Bottle Over Head, which has 3 million views on YouTube, Free Up, Las Wuk, Sauce, Quarantine, and Mr Counsellor. He also has a merchandise collection avail able to buy on his website, joociemusic.com/merch.

AWARDS CATALOGUE

• Calabash Award for best soca artist of the year 2014, 2015 and 2016

• UK Road March 2015

• UK (Notting Hill Carnival) Road March King 2014

• UK Groovy Soca Monarch 2013

• UK Power Soca Monarch 2013

• UK Soca Music Awards - Best Soca Artist for the Year 2013

• UK Soca Music Awards - Best Song of the Year 2012

• UK Soca Music Awards - Best Music Video of the Year 2012

CONNECT WITH TRINIBOI

INSTAGRAM @triniboijoocie

WEBSITE www.joociemusic.com

TIK TOK @joociemusic

WORDS | RADEYA OSMAN

SOCA PEOPLE

NAILAH BLACKMAN DROPS DEBUT ALBUM TEKNIQUE

WORDS | RADEYA OSMAN

Award-winning Trinidadian soca song stress Nailah Blackman has released her debut album, Teknique

Nailah is known for cooking up a storm with every song, and the 19 track album, which includes the songs Best Friend, Wine Low, Tequila and Bodum Bodum as well as the eponymous track Teknique, shows off her talent and passion for her music.

The album is a listener's delight, infus ing tales of Nailah's personal adventures with a spectrum of genres including soca, Afrobeats, dancehall, amapiano and hip hop.

Teknique was released on Friday 23 September, and may be streamed or downloaded from all major platforms.

FEATURE

YOUR JOURNEY INTO BLACK HISTORY STARTS AT KEW

WORDS | STEPHEN SPARK

Black History Month may be over, but black history doesn’t end on 31 October each year. As the nights grow longer, this is the perfect time to explore your own family’s history or find out more about an individual or group that interests you.

The place to start your investigations is The National Archives (TNA) in Kew, South-West London. It’s located in an office-like building set amongst attractive gardens next to the River Thames. But don’t be fooled: most of TNA’s 12 million documents are stored on miles of shelving deep below ground. What you see next to the duck pond is just the tip of a vast information iceberg.

Using the archive is free (though you need a reader’s ticket) and many of the more popular docu ments have been digitised and are freely available online. But where do you start? Luckily, there’s a very good catalogue, which links to other archives as well, and a number of guides and blogs will help you through the paper maze. The staff are really helpful too.

A good place to begin is an 8-minute video introduction to TNA’s black history collections (www. youtube.com/watch?v=uikjOiboXqg). It points out that although these are official records, they often contain the stories, experiences and complaints of ordinary people – in colonial reports, police reports,

• KARLA CORNWALL & ALLYSON WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHER | PETER HOGAN

petitions and personal statements.

It can be exciting to discover in an old document where your ancestors left their mark. That’s especially likely if they were merchant seamen, served in the armed forces or on the railways, or were travellers who arrived on ships. It’s the TNA’s collection of pas senger lists that tells us who reached Britain on HMT Empire Windrush, and its predecessors SS Ormonde and SS Almanzora

To find out how to start your journey into black history, visit TNA’s website: www.nationalarchives. gov.uk.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO INCLUDE:

• PODCAST: 20TH CENTURY MIGRATION: 1948 –CITIZENSHIP AND EMPIRE

• TALK: VOICES OF THE WINDRUSH GENERATION

• RESEARCH GUIDE: IMMIGRATION AND IMMIGRANTS

• RESEARCH GUIDE: PASSENGERS

• RESEARCH GUIDE: BLACK BRITISH SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY IN THE 20TH CENTURY

• IMAGE FROM THE THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES UK

FEATURE

‘HERO’ ULRIC CROSS HONOURED WITH RAF

MEMORIAL

WORDS | STEPHEN SPARK

Squadron Leader, Justice, His Excellency the High Commissioner – DSO, DFC, OM, OTT. The range of titles and honours bestowed on Ulric Cross in his lifetime reflect both his courage and his remarkable intellectual and organisational abilities. He passed away, aged 96 years, in 2013, but Cross has not been forgotten.

On Wednesday 19 October, at Royal Air Force base Marham, Norfolk, a moving tribute was paid to the Trinidadian pilot known as the ‘Black Hornet’, who flew 80 missions as a navigator for the elite Pathfinder Force. In the presence of T&T High Com missioner HE Vishnu Dhanpaul and Ulric Cross’s daughter, Lady Hollick OBE, a plaque was unveiled on the base’s Memorial Wall.

RAF Marham’s Commander, Gp Capt Fred Wrig glesworth, honoured Ulric Cross and the Republic

of Trinidad & Tobago by flying the T&T flag along side the RAF Ensign at the station HQ. A conference room for the RAF Lightning Force has been named after Ulric Cross, which includes a framed portrait of the man and his medals.

Ulric’s daughter Nicola Cross recounted his story “in his own words”, Lady Hollick read a tribute by his granddaughters and Lightning Force Deputy Com mander Gp Capt Matt Bressani read a reflection on his life. Other tributes were paid by Cpl Janelle Jack, Flt Lt (Rt) Laurene Hoyte-West and Ulric’s nephew Felix Cross. Lt Cpl Kavel Alexander played David Rudder’s inspiring composition, High Mas, on steel pan.

The ceremony was a fitting way to remember the man whose life has been explored in Frances-Anne Solomon’s award-winning 2019 biopic, Hero

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.

Monday

1Am GMT

Big Hitz and Classics

BIG IRIE SOUNDS

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

Wednesday

9-11pm GMT

The RDR show

DJ Credable Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk

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

1am GMT

Move with DJ Ree

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

9-11pm GMT Friday Night Party DJ Cjay Caribbean Sessions caribbeansessions.co.uk

Saturday

12pm-2pm GMT

The Super Soca Show AAA Badboy & Dub Boy, Atki2 (At Key Two) and Jonsey Wales Ujima 98FM ujimaradio.com

12pm-2pm GMT Soca is We

DJ Piper Roots FM 95.4 ukrootsfm.com

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

5-7pm GMT

The Mighty Hitman Show

DJ D’Mighty Hitman

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

Sunday

12pm-2pm GMT The Caribbean Affair

DJ Martin Jay Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk

12pm-2pm GMT Soca and Chutney Sunday

DJ sweet.k Lock Down Radio UK lockdownradiouk.com

5pm-7pm GMT

Lush Soca Sundays

Ché In The MIXX Robbo Ranx Radio robboranx.com/listenlive

9Pm GMT

The Krooshall Factor Krooshall

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

11Pm GMT The Sunday Lyme D'Ranger

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

other streams | Caribbean Sessions caribbeansessions.co.uk/radio Team Soca teamsoca.com | Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

FEATURE

CARIBBEAN VETERANS HONOURED FOR WAR SERVICE

WORDS | STEPHEN SPARK

At a special ceremony at RAF Marham in Norfolk, on 19 October, Jamaican veter ans Ralph Ottey, 98, and Alford Gardner, 96, were presented with campaign med als by Marham Station Commander Group Captain Fred Wrigglesworth.

Ralph Ottey initially served as a driver at RAF Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, later becoming chauffeur for the station’s senior technical officer.

Alford Gardner also kept men and material moving for the Royal Air Force, serving as a motor mechanic at Weeton, near Blackpool, Lancashire. He enjoyed his war work: “I had a whale of a time, when I was young and fit,” he said.

The ceremony had special significance for

Gp Capt Wrigglesworth. Noting that he was award ing the two men their medals during Black History Month, he said, “For me to be able to do that as a station commander with African heritage of my own is just the cherry on top.”

Gardner took part in the unveiling of the Windrush Monument at Waterloo station in June. Ottey wrote about his wartime experiences in his 2004 book Stranger Bwoy in the Royal Air Force in Lincolnshire 1944-1948. After the war ended in 1945, he returned to Jamaica for a while - but was drawn back to Boston, Lincolnshire, by memories of Mavis, who he had met during his wartime service and who subsequently became his wife.

St. Kitts Nostalgia

HOW A THREE-MONTH BREAK BECAME A THREE-YEAR ADVENTURE

WORDS | RACHEL RITFELD

My first visit to the island was to attend the St Kitts Music Festival in 2017. Never has a place left such an impression on me, especially in such a short time - and I have been to over 50 countries and made more than 200 trips abroad.

What made it so special was the beauty of the island, the open ness and infectious humour of everyone I met, the food, the beach, the feeling of safety and so much more. I had to return! On the second trip, a year later, I was on a mission to answer one burn ing question: would I still love the island if I went alone and without an exciting festival to attend? Well, I got hooked on St Kitts because six months later, I moved there with my daughter. Initially, we stayed for a three-month break, during which she attended school, and we enjoyed Caribbean living. Three months turned into three years; moving to St Kitts was my greatest decision ever.

Allow me to take you on a tour around the island so I can show you all my favourite spots.

Twice weekly flights from London with British Airways take you to Basseterre, where your adven ture begins. You have many hotel options around the island to suit all preferences and budgets. Still, my favourite is chosen for its unbeatable location at the end of the southeast peninsula. The Park Hyatt sits on the pristine beach of Banana Bay, which overlooks the island of Nevis and its majestic vol cano. The hotel’s world-class spa, luxurious rooms and impeccable service will make it very difficult to leave.

On its doorstep, you’ll find Coconut Farm, a wonderful organic farm with some holiday cottages for rent and a café complete with hammocks in the shade for that sway-in-the-wind vibe we all love. On Saturdays, they host an early morning yoga class inviting you to roll out your yoga mat between the coconut trees. You can’t leave without picking up some exotic fruits, artisan bread, hand- made cosmetics by Cariborganics and the best rotis you’ll find in St Kitts.

Walk a few minutes further to Cockleshell Bay, where you will find Spice Mill restaurant. Try their fresh mahi mahi fish for lunch or dinner, while ot-ing on that view. Warning! You will be persuaded by the waiters to savour their delicious Hibiscus Margarita, made with locally produced hibiscus spirits infused with locally grown sorrel. You won’t regret it!

The best sunset is undoubtedly enjoyed from the rustic Discovery Bar, on Friars Bay. This is an excel lent area for swimming, as the Caribbean Sea is so warm and calm.

Frigate Bay is the tourist hotspot, with an array of hotels, a golf course, restaurants and bars for ‘limin’, including The Strip. Friday night at ZanziBar is the place where you show off your best moves to DJ Legal’s hottest island tunes.

The charming capital, Basseterre, traces its roots back to 1627 and is one of the oldest settlements in the Eastern Caribbean. Street vendors provide an authentic taste of everyday island life. A short stroll takes you to vibrant Port Zante, where you can shop your heart out at the duty-free boutiques.

At the weekend, I like to drive to the countryside and visit Wingfield Estate, a restored rum distillery from the 1600s that now produces Old Road Rum. It also hosts an excellent rum tour, which tells you all about the history of sugar and rum production in St Kitts.

Only a few minutes away is Romney Manor, which was owned and run by successive Earls of Romney for centuries. The history of this area is astonishing: it was once home to Sam Jefferson,

ancestor of former American president Thomas Jefferson. Today, the property is occupied by Cari belle Batik, where you can witness the techniques behind this fascinating craft, which is utilised for stylish clothing and gift items – all available to buy. After shopping, grab a slice of Caribelle’s delicious rum cake to enjoy in one of the seating areas in the immaculate botanical gardens or under a majestic 400-year-old saman tree (also known as a rain tree). Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is your next stop on the island. This is an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of historical, cultural and archi tectural significance, which was built by slaves and completed as a military strongpoint in the 1790s. It was reputed to be as impregnable as the Rock of Gibraltar!

After exploring the fortress, head to Dieppe Bay, from where you can see St Eustatius, Anguilla, St Barts and St Maarten/St Martin in the distance on a clear day. Here you have two options for lunch: upscale Arthur’s or the rustic Mogsie’s, where the proprietor will grill freshly caught lobster right in the shack.

A 10-minute drive away is Black Rocks, a dramatically jagged black coastline formed of lava

from Mount Liamuiga. The volcano, located in the island's northern half, last erupted 1,800 years ago and attracts nature lovers and hikers from all over the world.

The final stretch along the Atlantic coast offers a delightful opportunity to admire local villages and witness the simple beauty of everyday Kittitian life. The St Kitts Scenic Railway is the best way to explore this part of the island and is an unforget table excursion. The railway line was built in 1912 to deliver sugarcane from the fields to the central sugar mill in Basseterre. Known as “the last railway of the Caribbean”, it continued operating until 2005. Today, the line provides a unique way to discover the northeastern part of the island from modern double-deck passenger carriages.

As you sit back in your seat sipping a compli mentary drink, you can admire incredible natural vistas, including coastlines, cliffs and lush green vegetation dotted with farms and reminders of the old sugar estates, with their windmills and chimneys.

These are just a handful of my favourite activi ties, but you will want to create your special memo ries. And when you do, don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to pack up and move there too!

FLYING TO ST KITTS

There are twice weekly flights from London to Basseterre with British Airways. www.brit ishairways. com/en-gb/ destinations/ st-kitts-andnevis/flightsto-st-kittsand-nevis

WHEN AND WHERE TO GO

• St Kitts Music Festival is an annual three-day party experience in June that can’t be missed. The festival stage has hosted a wide variety of talent from around the globe, from 50 Cent to Lionel Richie to Sean Paul.

• If, like me, you enjoy nature excursions, Greg’s Safari is my tour guide of choice. We have joined him on plantation excursions and forest hikes. He is very knowledgeable and always bring some exotic fruit to share at the end of the tour.

• A day trip to Nevis is a must. It's only five minutes from Cockleshell Bay by speed boat, and yet the island has a completely different vibe. Attractions include hot springs, beach bars, gourmet restaurants and boutique hotels.

WHERE TO EAT

• Breakfast? Can’t beat Coconut Grove, in Frigate Bay, on any day.

• Lunch? Spice Mill restaurant at Cockleshell Bay remains a favourite.

• Dinner with the kids? Sprat Net on Old Road does the best barbeque and has a live band at the weekend too.

• Date night? Serendipity in Basseterre is guaranteed to set the mood. Try the grilled octopus - yum!

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

St. Kitts Music Festival

A look back at 2022

The St Kitts Music Festival returned in June after two years of coronavirus-mandated absence. From the first note, it was as though the festival had never gone away. The three-day extravaganza on the scenic and his toric island of St Kitts featured an incredible variety of music, from soca to RnB to hip hop to dancehall to reggae.

This year’s festival ran from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 June and featured artists such as Destra Garcia, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Voice, Rucas H.E., Dejour, Ashanti, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Keyshia Cole, Jada Kingdom and

Popcaan. The following three pages are devoted to some of the highlights from the 2022 edition of the festival.

That starry line-up proves that this is one festival you should put on your travel list. In the coming months, Soca News will be telling you more about the next St Kitts Music Festival. What we can tell you right now is that it will take place from Thurs day 22 to Saturday 24 June 2023 – so put those dates into your calendar without delay!

To keep up to date with all the news about St Kitts Music Festival 2023, visit socanews.com. To learn more about the island, go to visitstkitts.com.

WORDS | JOSEPH CHARLES • IMAGES | CREATEONE MEDIA

Music Festival

St. Kitts Music Festival

St Kitts & Nevis Gets ready for Sugar Mas 51

The end of the year is fast approaching, which means that Sugar Mas – carnival in the twin-island nation of St Kitts & Nevisisn’t far away.

Pre-carnival activities started on Monday 7 November with the opening of the FaceTime MUA Challenge. Make-up artists based in St Kitts & Nevis can create looks via photos posted on their Facebook or Instagram pages in two categories: Folklore Fusion, based on aspects of local folklore, and Avant Garde, described as exotic, high fashion, unique and innovative. The competition closes on 21 November, and there’s a cash prize of EC$2,000 for the winner of each category.

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the carnival, which started as a platform to offer local people an opportunity to showcase their talents and encourage healthy competition among artists. It has developed into a full-blown tradition, which is held annually throughout December.

Over the years, the carnival has increased com mercial activity in St Kitts and Nevis thanks to the

influx of tourists flying in to take part in the events and share in the festivities. In 2022, the Covid-19 pandemic led to some restrictions being placed on the scope of the carnival, and activities were scaled down. This year, though, represents a return to joyous normality and there will be a full calendar of events.

Under the slogan 'Celebrate as One for Sugar Mas 51' there’ll be a packed programme of activities both before and after the official opening ceremony on 2 December. Fetes and limes, award ceremonies, calypso and soca monarch competi tions, steelbands panorama, folklore, a funfair and fashion shows will all lead up to J'Ouvert morning (26 December), the Grand Parade on Monday 2 January and Last Lap on Tuesday 3 January. What a way to see in the New Year!

Amongst the mas bands taking part in Sugar Mas are DFX, Luxe Carnival and newcomer Nauti Mas. The first platinum sponsor is Azul Printers and Carib Brewery Limited holds the slot for the gold sponsor for Sugar Mas 51.

DETAILS, GO TO: HTTPS://SKNCARNIVAL.COM

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

Our events listing is all you need to keep you in the know. We cover predominately London, but whenever or wherever we hear about a soca fete or Caribbean related event, we’ll list it. If you’re a promoter, then to ensure you get listed please send us your event details and a copy of your flyer to events@socanews.co.uk.

FOR OUR FULL EVENT LISTINGS, VISIT SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS

NOV 2022

FRI 11 NOV ASSOCIATION OF CALYPSONIANS & SOCA ARTISTS UK (ACASA)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CALYPSO TENT

@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 7-11pm. Price £5-£12.

SAT 12 NOV MARTIN JAY

@ The Hoxton Pony, 104-108 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AH. Time 5-11pm. Price Free.

FRI 18 NOV

SUN 13 NOV

@ Gigi’s Hoxton, 11 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU. Music By DJ El adji, DJ Gatress & DJ Skety. Time 9pm-3am. Price £13-£25.

SAT 19 NOV

BAJANS IN LONDON BARBADOS INDEPENDENCE BOATRIDE

@ Temple Pier, Victoria Embank ment, WC2R 2PN. Time 9pm1am. Price £25-£30.

GOOD BROTHERS PROMOTIONS

THE BAJAN WUK UP

@ The Atrium, Scours Lane, Reading RG30 6AY. Music By DJ Desktop, DJ Paulie & Lex Lion. Time 10pm-4am. Price £10.

THU 24 NOV

THE DIVETTES THE DIVETTES – PRE CHRISTMAS SHOW

@ Bojangles, 1 Old Church Rd, Chingford Mount, E4 6SJ. Time 7-11pm. Price £5.

SAT 26 NOV

SOCA PEOPLE SOCARIFIC

@ The Cottons Club, 45-47 Hoxton Square, N1 6PD. Time 9pm-3am. Price £10 adv. Tickets at socaetickets.com/event/ socarific.

SUN 27 NOV

BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS REMINISCE BRUNCH

@ Revolution London, 95-97 Clapham High Street, SW4 7TB. Time 1-8pm. Price £20-£45.

REMEDY EVENTS

REMEDY – REWIND

@ Remedy HQ, 60 Dock Road, E16 1YZ. Time 6pm-12am.

DJ EMRON

GUYANA ALL DAY LINK UP

@ St. Boniface, 185 Mitcham Road, Tooting SW17 9PG. Time 3-10pm. Price £5, Free for children under 13.

EVENTS

FOR MORE EVENTS SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS

DEC 2022

SAT 03 DEC

CARIB NATION

FETE GALA – THE SOPHISTICATED SOCA PARTY

@ Infinity Lounge, 440-444 Cranbrook, Road Gants Hill, IG2 6. Time 8pm-2am. Price £20.

DEWINERY UK

A RED & WHITE AFFAIR: THE SOCA FETE

@ The Mix Dalston, 588A Kings land Road, E8 4AH. Music By Abz Houdini, Candy Pop, DJ Courtz & DJ TFR. Time 10pm-3am. Price £7-£15.

FRI 09 DEC

SOCA FRENZY SANTA WEAR –CHRISTMAS FETE

@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Time 11pm5am. Price £10-£18.

SAT 10 DEC

LUSH EVENTS LUSH

@ Festival Pier, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XZ. Time 12-5pm. Price £30-£45.

WE ARE LUXE EVENTS

RETRO SOCA – VOL. 2

@ The Hoxton Pony, 104-108 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AH. Music By DJ Armani, DJ Francis, DJ Matchiz, DJ Shay, DJ Triple M, Juscallmebaz & Sir Influential. Time 8pm-2am. Price £15-£25.

SUN 11 DEC

IAMCARIBBEANEVENTS CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS FEAT VOICE THE ARTIST IN CONCERT

@ Koko, 1A Camden High Street, NW1 7JE. Time 7-11pm. Price £35-£46.

SAT 17 DEC

BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS

CUCHI LA LA

@ Forge, 24 Cornhill, EC3V 3ND. Time 9pm-3am. Price £15-£25.

SIP ‘N SOCA

SIP ‘N SOCA – X’MAS

@The Glitch Bar, 2-4 Paul Street, EC2A 4JH. Time 9pm-2am. Price £5-£15. Free for December babies.

SOCA CHRONICLES SOCA CHRONICLES 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

@ The Mix Dalston, 588A Kings land Road, E8 4AH. Hosted By Sir Influential. Music By DJ Khalifa, DJ Majikal, DJ Sharnz, DJ Supa Nytro & T-BONE. Time 10pm3am. Price £5-£15.

SUN 18 DEC

FREE

SOCA PARTY FREE SOCA PARTY –NAUGHTY OR NICE

@ The Hoxton Pony, 104-108 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AH. Time 5-11pm. Price Free.

FRI 23 DEC

LLUXE INTERNATIONAL PARANG SOCA PARTY

@ Atlantic Bar, 61 High Street, Thornton Heath, CR7 8RY. Music By DJ Boots, DJ Kiy, DJ Scooby & MC Marcus. Time 9pm-3am. Price £11-£33.

REVIEW

LONDON CELEBRATES TRINIDAD & TOBAGO’S 60TH

ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

WORDS | STEPHEN SPARK

Afull house at The Tabernacle in west London celebrated 60 years of Trinidad and Tobago’s independence on 3 October 2022. It was held in the presence of HE Vishnu Dhanpaul, T&T High Commissioner to the UK, and Garvin Nicholas, T&T HC 2010-2013.

The event, organised by Ansel Wong and a team of hard-working volunteers, was put together at the last minute without funding and in perilously un

certain times. True, there were some minor hitches and glitches – mostly caused by the propensity for Trinbagonians to talk at length (though always entertainingly!) - but the warmth of the applause proved it was worth the effort.

How did it come about? Ansel explained that he “was totally pissed off” that so many people told him they were celebrating Jamaican independence, but no one had arranged anything to mark T&T’s special anniversary.

As a positive and inspiring way to start Black History Month it could hardly have been bettered, because this was all about achievers, both young and old. The latter were represented by calypso nians De Alberto, Tobago Crusoe and Alexander D Great. Louis Lee Sing, former mayor of Port-of-Spain launched his book, Closer to the Church, with read ings, signings and a fervent plea to the audience “Don’t let me come all this way without selling a book!” He was not disappointed, and Soca News will run a review in due course.

Ancil Barclay presented a Young Achiever Award to Symone Williams (“a Trini who happened to be born in London”) whose mas design and leadership of Genesis mas band are as respected by today’s London’s carnival community as her father, the late Vernon Fellows Williams, was in the past. Symone is now going into schools to pass on her skills. She ended her presentation by saying that an anniver sary book will be published by the end of the year.

Introduced by Allyson Williams, Karla Cornwall is an abstract expressionist artist who started out in the fashion industry. Her art was “born out of a trau matic personal experience” and is bold, delicate, intriguing and beautiful. Her new work, Madam Trinity, will be installed at the TT High Commission once redecoration is complete, and it will be worth a visit just to see this intricate creation of threads, fabrics, synthetic wools and embellishments, including 60 feathered wool plaits, arrayed on an el egantly poised mannequin in (of course) red, white and black.

They may be young, but brother and sister virtuosi Steven and Jada Marsh have wowed audi ences of all kinds by demonstrating that there’s more than one way to play soca – in their case, on cello and violin respectively. Their rendition of Brother Marvin’s anthem to racial unity, Jahaji Bhai, was greeted with well-deserved applause and Young Achievers’ Awards. Two other recipients were Janelle and DJ Piper, who had been at the side of the stage all evening taking care of the PAs.

But it wasn’t all about the mas and the music; the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora has a strong pres ence in the sciences too, as Professor (and pannist) Haroun Shah reminded us. He introduced two Mid dlesex University PhD students, Justin Soondar and Laura Singh. Justin has been researching the way peer mentors can help people who have become dependent on alcohol – as many did during the so cial isolation of Covid lockdowns. It was shocking to learn that during Covid, UK alcohol sales increased by 24.5% and that the costs of alcohol to society

amount to £21.5 billion a year in Britain.

Laura launched energetically into a presenta tion enticingly titled ‘Music in the Madness’, which looked at the effect of Trinidad Carnival on the psychological wellbeing of participants. The study involved some personal sacrifice, Laura told us: “I have to play mas to do this research!” Her study should open up an area of research that has been rather neglected until now: why people participate in Carnival, how they feel when they play mas and how long the ‘buzz’ lasts after las lap. Preliminary results seem to suggest that Carnival’s positive vibe is longer-lasting than the transient feelgood effect of a music festival like Glastonbury. Maybe it’s time for mas and mayhem to be available on the NHS!

Haroun finished the science session by highlight

ing some of those Trinbagonians who have made their mark in everything from aeronautical engi neering to quantum chemistry. And, with Covid still very much in our minds, his own specialism of infectious disease research has been particularly relevant, especially in developing processes such as mass spectrometry that hugely reduce the cost and time of testing.

If that sounds a bit heavyweight at the 60th bi140140rthday party for a country best known for all-round excellence in bacchanal, it really wasn’t. The enthusiasm shone through and connected with the audience, making this an inspiring evening of celebration. Congratulations to all involved for making it happen – the future of the T&T diaspora looks to be in good hands.