Grizzly’s Plantation was the place to be last night for I Love Soca’s introduction to the north coast. For the first time, the organisers of the popular cooler festival joined forces with Best Weekend Ever, and it is a choice that comes with no regrets – being a good start for the eventful party line-up.
Event promoter and conceptualiser Andrew Bellamy told The Gleaner that the event “has set the tone for the future in the summer".
“For the first year, it is making a big impact [in] St Ann. Seeing that it is the first time I Love Soca has come out of Kingston into the parish, and we were able to bring out a huge crowd from across the island, from east to west, this can be considered an amazing turnout for our event. It is humbling, the support we have no matter where we go,” Bellamy continued.
He shared that it is a very unique journey and that the team has something up its sleeves for the next staging. I Love Soca is known for having its sensational backdrops for photo ops, and from the moment partygoers entered the venue, many were consumed with capturing special moments.
Trinidadian soca star Kes, who was the guest performer for the night, also had cameras flashing and recording as he entered the stage at 12:55 a.m. He delivered hit after hit. The entertainer has a catalogue that satisfied soca lovers, keeping them wanting more. Songs like Fallin, Workout, Hello, Nah Let Go, Jolene and Liki Tiki kept the energy at an impeccable high. His performance of Savannah Grass brought down the rain. Even though soaked to the bone, Kes showed true professionalism and completed his set, not forgetting to wish Jamaicans a Happy Independence.
“It is always a blessing to be in Jamaica because it really feels like home. Right now, we are on tour, and we just wanted to come out with an open heart and give the best. We won’t be here for the entire weekend as we are to be in Grenada for Sunday, then Martinique, London, California and Miami. I just wish blessings on top of blessings for the people here celebrating independence,” Kes shared.
The Independence Day continues with the Daybreak Breakfast Party. Then tonight, it’s the premium soiree Milk & Honey ‘Chic En Blanc’ – an all-white party – tickets for which, it was announced, are sold out. Both events also take place at the Grizzly’s Plantation.