Bridgetown, Barbados June 16, 2025 The House of Soca tent burst into vibrant life on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Derrick Smith School, delivering an electrifying Opening Night of Social Commentary House of Soca that firmly set a high standard for the season. Perfectly coinciding with Father’s Day, the show treated all fathers in attendance to a special evening of unparalleled musical artistry and spirited celebration, ably sponsored by C.O. Williams Construction and the City of Bridgetown’s Credit Union.
First Half Shines with Diversity and Strong Debuts
The night’s running order unfolded with a dynamic mix of established titans and promising newcomers. The captivating lineup included Mr. Showman setting the tone with “When Showman Reach,” followed by the talented Baje To The World winner, Tarique O’Neale, with “Cutting Corners.” Mr. DJ delivered “Kaiso Spirit” with an undeniable energy, while newcomer to House of Soca Mr. Reason made a commendable debut with “What’s De Reason.” Sherbz was notably very well received with “Thelma,” showcasing impressive versatility that resonated deeply with the audience. Dynamo’s “Write or Wrong” was fairly well received. Popsicle’s “Raise It” and Keerah’s “Neglect” kept the momentum soaring, with Keerah particularly applauded for bringing fair game to the stage. Faith sang about the importance of perseverance with “Yuh Gotta Have Faith,” a poignant reflection of her own determined journey. Yannick Hooper’s “I Salute You,” and Naldo’s “Karma” rounded out the first half, leading into a 20-minute intermission.
Second Half Delivers Encores, Laughter, and Sharp Commentary
The second half exploded with equally anticipated acts. Melody Man, the 1994 Richard Stoute Teen Talent winner who still boasts moves for days, was a major hit with “Mocktails,” delighting the crowd with his signature antics. A versatile artist who also showcases his reggae roots singing with the Rite Side of Red band, Melody Man captivated the audience with his solo performance. Sir Ruel proved a strong contender, his performance so captivating that the crowd called for an encore, demanding more. Speaking to News On The Go before the show, a confident Sir Ruel declared, “I’ve put in the work, and I’m ready to deliver a performance that the people will truly enjoy,” a promise he undoubtedly fulfilled. Doyenne presented “Anger Problems” and Raheem, reminiscent of a young Gryner, had the crowd roaring with laughter through his own comedic antics with his song Smart Men. Coopa Dan delivered “Power,” followed by Quon’s “Mr. Architect,” who, seeking a second crown, will have to come a lot harder. Meanwhile, Villan’s “100 Bajans” offered an interesting jab at the issue of unfaithful partners and Billboard’s “Golden Crown” took an apparent jab at favouritism within the social commentary space. He reiterated that he’d continue calling issues as they are, without playing into the hands of authorities who would prefer material that is “pleasing to them”.He asserted his refusal to bow to power. Shaquillle’s “Asphalt” was praised for its “sweet” wordplay, while Jimmy Dan’s “Capital of Germany” reportedly touched on the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing well-researched song choices. Bruce Lee’s “Two-Days” was fair, bringing energy that resonated with the crowd. Mole’s “Thunda” was a cool match for his outfit, and Faith Callendar, resplendent on stage, firmly established her strength in the soca genre with her beloved song “School Hall.” Jase also showed up with his song Memory Stick.
The future of House of Soca is in good hands with the likes of Joshua Josh Ox Oxley, Cherish, Avery Justice A.J Carter, Sabiah Gaskin,
The opening night was an undeniable triumph, a testament to the enduring vibrancy and exciting evolution of Barbadian calypso and soca. With this phenomenal start, anticipation is already mounting for the next House of Soca show, slated for June 28th.
