The final staging of I Love Soca for 2024 promised an energy-filled night and it did not disappoint.

Scores of patrons crammed the UWI Mona Bowl on Thursday night and were treated to a scorching performance by Lady Lava, who ignited the venue and delivered a performance that undoubtedly quenched the thirst of eager soca lovers.

Hitting the stage at minutes after 2:00 am, the soca phenom from Trinidad was welcomed by ear-shattering screams from her female fan base as she entered the stage singing her hit single, Ring Finger.

Though technical glitches prompted her to perform her first few songs a capella, Lady Lava handled the hiccup with a master level of professionalism. Her accent was thick, but every word she uttered was audible as she slowed down her lyrics to allow her fans to sing along. When the technicalities were sorted, Lava took things to another level, blazing her way to even more ‘forwards’ from the crowd.

She wasn’t the night’s only performer, but Lady Lava undoubtedly delivered the hottest set. At one point, several female fans climbed atop speaker boxes to get closer. Taking note of their eagerness to join her on-stage, Lady Lava invited a few to act as backup dancers as she performed a slew of favourites. The ladies gyrated to songs like You Have A Gyal, Tight Hole, Secrets, In Deh In Deh Oh, and more.

But before Lady Lava blazed her way onto the stage, Lyrikal took the crowd inside the UWI Mona Bowl to a Happy Place with a vibrant set. He performed songs such as Criminal Wine, Dip and Roll, and Drink to Dat as he too thrilled soca lovers.

The night also saw a special performance from Fuh Spite singer, Nelly Cottoy.

In true I Love Soca fashion, the party saw numerous prominent deejays, who masterfully churned out hit after hit from their turntables and soca was not the only genre on the playlist.

It wouldn’t be a genuine staging of I Love Soca without a heavy dose of dancehall music. Each deejay delivered a strong dancehall segment much to the delight of the crowd who danced up a storm. They stamped their approval by ‘firing blanks’ into the early morning sky.

The event ended at approximately 6:30 am with patrons being treated to breakfast before leaving the venue.

Attendees enjoy the offering at the recent I Love Soca. 

Drinks in hand, a good time is being had by all. 

Lyrikal performs Criminal Wine.  

Brush1 The Road Marshall does his thing. (Photos: Karl Mclarty)