By Tracy Moore
The first Super Concert of CARIFESTA XV turned the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre into a blazing celebration of Caribbean music, culture, and unity, as artists from across the region delivered a show that stretched from early evening into the small hours of the morning.
What began at 8:30 p.m. blossomed into a non-stop showcase of soca, reggae, spouge, calypso, and more, reminding the hundreds in attendance that the Caribbean is, and always will be, a powerhouse of rhythm and creativity.
Nikkita
The show opened with a series of standout performances by regional stars. Barbados’ Nikkita delivered soulful vocals, followed by St. Lucia’s Arthur Allain, who had the crowd chanting. Barbadian soca stalwart Biggie Irie got fans behind the “truck” with his fete-ready anthems, while Bermuda’s Fire Wayne and A’Lai drew loud cheers from countrymen waving flags in pride and dancing through the crowd.
Barbados’ cultural icon Red Plastic Bag (RPB) came with the classics like Ragga Ragga, Something’s Happening, and Boat Ride, he reminded fans why his music continues to embody the spirit of Crop Over. St. Vincent & the Grenadines was represented by Bongo Prime and L Pank, lifted the crowd while Barbados’ TC had fans screaming to Gimme De Riddim, Who De Hell is Kim, and Paradise, and Peter Ram created a choir out of the crowd singing Good Morning, Tuking Around, and All Ah We.
This band delivered a medley of sounds.
At 9:15, the Caribbean All Star Band took the spotlight, offering a medley of sounds that crossed borders. Directed by Nicholas Branker, the set fused Grenadian, Cuban, St. Lucian, Trinidadian and Barbadian talent. From spouge and reggae to Cuban melodies, the band also paid tribute to Rihanna with Work, before weaving in hits like Maxi Priest’s Wild World, Diana King’s Shy Guy, and Rupee’s Tempted to Touch. There was also ode made to Edwin Yearwood and the Krosfyah Band, as the band perform hit after hit. Their closing segment, featuring Nikkita and Biggie Irie returning to sing David Rudder’s Calypso and Exodus respectively.
For some in the crowd, this diversity was a highlight. “It really shows how connected our music is across islands,” one patron said, smiling after singing along to Bob Marley’s Could This Be Love. Not everyone agreed. Another concertgoer admitted frustration: “I came for straight soca… this was too much mix up.”
Trinidad’s Freetown Collective made their CARIFESTA debut with a heartfelt set of Take Me Home and I’m a Believer, drawing warm applause. At 11 p.m., Antigua’s legendary Burning Flames marked their 40th anniversary with road march anthems like Workie Workie, Magician (I command You), Kick Een She Back Door and Swinging Engine. Fans responded by forming impromptu dance trains weaving through the amphitheater.
A member of Antigua and Barbuda’s Burning Flames band.
Later performances expanded the regional flavor. The British Virgin Islands’ Adam O, Guyana’s Carvlin Burnett, OKC the Artiste & Diana Chapman, and Anguilla’s Viggy & Roxanne Webster showcased island pride. Barbados’ own Leadpipe & Saddis reignited the crowd with songs that span their career, but nothing moved the people like their road march favourite Tek Charge. Trinidad’s Swappi followed whose Party Start, Feeling it lifted hands high. Then came a powerhouse sequence: Barbados’ Mikey, St. Vincent’s Skinny Fabulous, and Barbados’ “hypa dawg” Lil Rick, whose set that included All Is Rum, Juk Down, Call 911 woke the many still in attendance fresh and wukking up. They sang every line to all their songs.
Machel Montano
By the time Machel Montano hit the stage at 2:55 a.m., some patrons were visibly weary. “The show was advertised until midnight… It’s after three and I’m tired,” one concertgoer laughed, stretching out sore legs. Still, when Montano unleashed Mr. Fete, Vibes Cyah Done, Happiest Man Alive, and Pardy among other hits, the crowd roared back every lyric.
Despite the late finish, many left satisfied. “I loved seeing the whole Caribbean on one stage,” said another fan. “You realise how similar our rhythms are, even when they sound different.”
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