“Eden” the 2024 edition of Sokah Origins, hosted by Nailah Blackman the princess of Soca, was held at Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, Todd Street, San Fernando on January 7.

With as much emphasis on their physical body as their vocal prowess, the female soca artists led by Nailah brought sexy to the stage to the delight of patrons. It seems like the memo issued by Nailah Blackman for the night was ‘sex appeal’ and those who read the memo were  Jadel, Nessa Preppy, Nisha B, Stalk Ashley, Alison Hinds, and of course her dancers.

Besides the scintillating performances by the women, there were many spectacular ones from the male soca artists as well. Namely, Olatunji, Voice, Mical Teja, Salty, Hey Choppy, Teddyson John, College Boy Jesse. Ravi B, Shal Marshal, Skinny Fabulous, and Lyrikal, to name a few.

‘Sweet and Loco’ Nailah Blackman with her  ‘Watermelons’ had the crowd lapping up what she and her dancers were dishing out on stage. From the moment she emerged on stage like a butterfly from a cocoon, she showed her ‘Best Self”  with stylish outfits, stunning vocals, and eye-catching dance moves.

Nailah accompanied many of her fellow soca artists with whom she has collaborations. But the spontaneous blending between her and a random stranger whom she called on stage to substitute for Kes during the rendition of ‘Work Out’ brought thunderous applause from the crowd and became one of the night’s highlights.

Olatunji had a great night with his signature dance moves performing his monster hit ‘Engine Room’  from last year and his big song for 2024 ‘Inventors’; he was a crowd favorite.

Nailah received an award from bmobile for representing them as a brand ambassador. She received a painting of herself and a green sleeve for her microphone.

To recapture the magic of last year’s mega-hit ‘Come Home’, Nailah Blackman has teamed up this time with fellow soca artist Lyrikal on ‘ Best Self’ and there’s no doubt why the performance of this song was the closing act; it brought the house down both figuratively and literally.

Sokah Origins has now further established itself as one of the premier events at the start of Trinidad’s carnival season. Nailah Blackman and her creative team deserve praise and full recognition for producing such a spectacular show: ‘Sokah Origins – Eden’.

For more video coverage of the show see our YouTube Playlist