Soca Thursdays with a difference. It was the night before a holiday and TriniBashment 91.9 FM had big things in store. On the 3rd of November they held Soca Loaded... "Soca meets local Reggae!" Patrons were getting the best of both worlds.

The event was held on the main deck this week, not only due to better stage facilities, but also in catering for the masses that were expected to come out ... and people did come out, by the hundreds! In the earlies, rain threatened with a slight drizzle. However, it soon subsided. But we truly doubted it could have done much to hamper a good fete regardless, as folks came out to party!!

The Reggae artists were first up to hit the stage. Opening with Marlon "Ganja Farmer" Asher, all the crowds attention was now stage side. Mr. King was on his heels, continuing to mash up the session with his hits, including the ever so popular “Oh Laventille.” Jamelody, one of the earlier local reggae artists on the scene, performed next. It was like a little Reggae Sunsplash session going on at Pier 1 yes!

Well the man who blowing up with the big tune “Don’t You Know” came on next, none other than Isasha. Now this song is specially credited for the sweet pulsating sound of steel pan, so when he added a live pan man to his performance, this was a nice touch! Folks, by now you could imagine how crowd going wild. Last but not least in the Reggae line-up was the man Phophet Benjamin. With big local chart topping tunes like “Coming From Moruga” and “Pretty Boy” we need not say just how hot things got at the Pier 1!!

Okay, Soca time. Ultra Records recording artist, Mr. Ken Marlon Charles, more popularly known as KMC, was the opener and made great head way for soca as he kept the crowd hype. The big man in da business, Iwer then joined in with KMC and give the crowd some Iwer Soca History lessons. Iwer then made mention of one artist in the business today, that he would rather not perform after because of the talent and energy this person puts out on stage. And no matter how many times we hear this known voice singing from behind the scenes, it still raises our pores... "From yuh know you royallllll, ohhhh woooo woo hoooo... if yuh music naturallllll.... yeah yeaaaa." Maximus the gladiator, hotter than a radiator took the spot light next. Singing big Soca tunes with a message, it wasn't long before he had the crowd shouting his famous line for 2005, “Order, Order... Don’t Cross The Border.”

Poison’s section Dreamcatcher was also in the fete doing nice things. TJJ will be looking out for you guys on de road come 2006!! Well an ingenious idea that turned out to be a night of excitement and enjoyment, Soca Loaded truly made a positive mark on local culture and the promotion of local artists as well. Keep up the great work TriniBashment.