Afro Soca Jam sizzles despite headliner no-show
Though headliner Afro B’s absence left some fans disappointed, the energy at Afro Soca Jam was undeniable.
The Easter Sunday event, held at 36 Old Hope Road, delivering an unforgettable night of sights and sounds that thrilled the partying set.
From early evening a stream of revellers flooded the venue. The party-ready women donned daring looks which featured short shorts, crop tops, bikini pieces, corsets, and flared pants, while the men kept it breezy in tees and shorts.
Patrons created a non-stop dance frenzy with each thump of the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats, soca, and dancehall.
One particularly enthusiastic partygoer, armed with two flame torches, lit up the crowd every time a favourite tune dropped.
Tracks like RajahWild’s Wild Out, DANSA by Klassik Frescobar, and the electric collab Shake It to the Max by MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Silent Addy sent shockwaves through the crowd.
But it wasn’t just the new bangers that had the venue rocking. Classics such as Elephant Man’s Pon de River, Pon de Bank and Stukie by QQ proved that good music just doesn’t go out of style.
Worthy Park was on hand with a well-stocked bar. Managed by Hello Bartender Ja, it was a hit among patrons.
“I love the bar… it’s very efficient and the music seems very good so far,” said Akyla Davis, who attended with her friend Shakia Blackman.
Davis, who hails from Montserrat, noted the difference in soca styles.
“Back home we get more small-island soca, while here it’s more mainstream and popular soca,” she said.
Blackman, a Trinidadian, admitting she’s a tough critic when it comes to soca, gave her take: “Jamaica doesn’t really share the spirit of Carnival the way we do. It’s more dancehall-based here. I don’t see traditions like jab jab, panorama, or soca monarch being represented.” Still, she encouraged others to come out and enjoy the vibe.
Danae Dennie, another patron, echoed the festive spirit: “It’s Carnival season and I needed a break from schoolwork. The bars are beautifully decorated, everyone looks good, and the music is loud and amazing.”
Promoter Tashnie Hinds was pleased with the turnout.
“Afro Soca Jam is a niche event. There’s a lot of moving parts — permits, vendors, DJs, promotion — but we pulled it off. Marketing was the hardest part, but clearly, we did a good job,” she said with a smile.
As the night went on, the crowd partied up a storm, responding obediently to the DJ’s cheeky challenges, including lifting their partners and rushing the stage. The vibe was youthful and energetic.
The only real hitch of the night came just after midnight when it became evident that Afro B would not be hitting the stage. Promoter Ibrahim Konteh confirmed that the artiste had missed his flight. Some fans trickled towards the exit, seemingly disappointed but visibly tired. But for the vast majority the news didnt stop the party.
Afro Soca Jam proved that, sometimes, the crowd is the headliner.
