As the Carnival 2022 season officially comes to end, the partial reopening of the Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment sector has restored a glimpse of hope to many, that we are well on the path to recovery and restoration. Although the culture of ‘Carnival’ that we once know is still to return in its full glory, the ‘Taste of Carnival 2022’ experience has showcased our culture’s resilience, to not only withstand adversity but also give birth to a new era that is still yet to be revealed.

With that said, Caribbean Entertainment Hub was given a front-row seat to some of our favorite soca artistes carnival events and celebrations which were well attended by only vaccinated persons in “safe zones”. Despite the mandatory restrictions being enforced as stipulated by Covid-19 pandemic protocols, the enjoyment of patrons was very much evident as they reveled in a new fashion of feting.

Kicking the ball off with a long-awaited ‘Soca Love Story’, was the two-year reigning 2020 International Groovy Soca Monarch, Jesse Stewart aka ‘College Boy Jesse’. Outside of his soca monarch title, College Boy Jesse is a well accomplished Singer/ Songwriter, Businessman, and Brand Ambassador. This event which was initially carded to take place on April 24th, 2021, was postponed due to the Covid-19 upsurge in T&T. However good things come to those who wait and on February 19th, 2022, that wait was well worth it as College Boy Jesse and his cast delivered nothing short of excellence in his first-ever soca concert.

The show which took place at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando featured a star-studded cast including soca acts such as Preedy, Aaron Duncan, Teddyson John, Farmer Nappy, Blaxx, Jaiga, Viking Ding Dong, Rae, newcomer Sackie, veteran Ronnie McIntosh, and Guyanese Songstress Timeka Marshall.

It was indeed a night filled with soca, love, and stories that will live in our hearts forever. But don’t worry you guys, College Boy Jesse himself assured us that the ‘Soca Love Story’ wouldn’t end here so fans can hopefully expect this event to continue annually. But in case you missed this love affair, you can enjoy a taste from our coverage below!

Moving on to another International Soca Monarch titleholder, and a three-time champion at that is none other than Aaron St. Louis, aka ‘Voice’ who finally brought the highly anticipated ‘Vibes With Voicey’ experience to the Queen’s Park Savannah on Carnival Thursday, February 24th, 2022.

The San Juan Youth man celebrated the night with his full ‘Vibes with Voicey’ team which included Travis World, Major Penny, and Elon Baker alongside Salty and Akeem 5.0 for the sold-out Carnival fete just off the heels of his epic tour abroad in places such as Atlanta, Houston, and Miami. But Trinidad and Tobago will always be the mecca and the ‘Out and Bad’  made that very clear.

The incredible performers line up for the night included some of soca music ‘la crème de la crème’ with names like Nadia Batson, Iwer George, Farmer Nappy, Blaxx, Lyrikal, Skinny Fabulous, Nailah Blackman, Mical Teja, Nessa Preppy, Ravi B, Jadel, Viking Ding Dong and many more. Our Caribbean Soca Queen Alison Hinds also graced the stage briefly and Jamaican Dancehall Artiste Kranium made a surprise guest performance.

Voice took us on a trip down memory lane with his hit after hit catalogue that made the night truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Though the event started late due to the unexpected rainfalls, patrons didn’t let that stop them from feting in their pods. We are more than excited to see the ‘Vibes with Voicey’ experience continue to evolve and blossom, and just in case you missed it, you can see Voice out and bad below.

Up next, we head to Nesta Boxill aka ‘Sekon Sta’ ‘Festival Friday’ which was held on Carnival Friday (February 25th) at the Queen’s Park Savannah. No stranger to giving patrons a unique carnival experience, the fete-cert maker who is well known for his ‘Sekon Sunday’ event surprised fans when he announced his Festival Friday event.

The fun cooler event, according to Sekon Sta’s Management and Winerboy Entertainment objective’s is to assist in the rebuilding of the local entertainment sector. With all protocols observed patrons were treated to an enjoyable night with great music and live performances from a soca cast filled with many of our faves. The list included Jadel, Ricardo Drue, Erphaan Alves, Ravi B, Preedy, Nailah Blackman, Mical Teja, and local Dancehall stars such as Melick, Squid, and Yung Bredda. Not to mention the epic soca showdown between Iwer George and KMC.

The essence of carnival was in its full splendor as Sekon Sta in true cultural style gave his patrons a taste of some of carnival’s staples including a live Steelpan performance, King & Queen of Carnival and there was also a big truck on the night. Check out more live performances from the night below!

Other notable event mentions of the season includes ‘Erphaan Alves: E-Day’, ‘Preedy: Chance The Rebirth’, Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyon: Verse 2′, and Iwer George: Carnival Comeback’.

Hashtags: #Carnival2022 #CollegeBoyJesse #SocaLoveStory #Voice #VibeswithVoicey #SekonSta #FestivalFriday #TrinidadandTobagoCarnival