Soca Pop Up Party Review: Krosfyah Lights Up Cricket Legends Venue with Energetic Performance

The Big Soca Pop Up Party featuring Krosfyah was the action spot on Friday night. The vibe was nice from start to finish. This event had the element missing from most parties these days, people were dancing rather than staring blankly at the stage or engrossed in their phones. Not even brief showers could bring the temperature down at the Cricket Legends venue.

The ‘yardies’ were in heaven from the time the band made their appearance just after midnight. Frontmen, Khiomal Nurse and Edwin Yearwood were in their element. Nurse showed his rubber waist was still functional performing Strong Back. Adding more fire was Tony ‘Rebel’ Bailey with Ruff Rider. Their energetic session included favourites like Good Time, Pump Me Up, Oil Pumpin’ and Sak Passe. Determined to satisfy their fans requests, they went deep into the archives for tunes that they have not heard in a while, dusting off hits like French Kiss, In a Jam and Haunting Melody. The mixed bag of selections included social commentaries Something Greater and A Voice in My Head.

Yearwood encouraged the party goers to clap any arthritis associated pains out of their knees as they showed they still had what it takes to wine down to the ground. The band’s set extended beyond their own repertoire. They energised the crowd with Alison Hinds’ Togetherness and RPB’s Volcano. They sweetened the pot with Gabby’s Hit It, Grynner’s Leggo I Hand and even added in some of Spice’s In De Congaline for good measure.

Even when they wrapped up an hour later it was clear that patrons still wanted more soca. They were able to get their craving fulfilled with performances by Grateful Co and Leadpipe and Saddis who had no problem keeping the energy level high. By the time the live performances where complete, exhilarated party goers were drenched in sweat.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY, artiste manager expressed pride in the success of the pop-ups which began in 2018. She explained that she was driven by a desire to keep fans satisfied, she is energized by their excitement at the chance to see their favourite band still active on the local scene.

This event was also important for another reason, Holder told Barbados TODAY, “It is a very significant time in my life to celebrate 20 years in an industry that even in 2024 is still not respected. Some people think it is a hobby. But this is what we do 24 hours a day.” Acknowledging that women in the entertainment space face more challenges she added, “As a female in the industry I feel very proud of what I call the hustle.”

Her roster of artistes is impressive, Holder said, “I am very happy and proud to say that I have the likes of Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, the younger brigade of Leadpipe and Saddis, and more recently Chief Diin.” She is also working with musical stalwart Wendy Alleyne and international actress Vivica Fox.

Fans of the band will have another opportunity to see them perform as one of the featured acts on the National Cultural Foundation produced Soca 5.0. (STT)