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Canada Day Long weekend, one of the most coveted long weekends in Toronto. Why? Cause it would mean that summer around the corner and is straight fetein right through, so what better way to kick off the season than with ah little Destra, Maximus and Kes The Band. That's right it was Soca or Die 4 (SOD 4) ... Jus smile nah!

Trini Jungle Juice was on the inside around 11:30pm. We noticed the crowd outside was already a thick mas of people anxiously waiting to get in, then again maybe they were just huddled close to keep warm as it was a typical May weekend in T-DOT; cold! Nevertheless, on the inside nuff vibes were already in the air as DJ's MarXman, Sir Phillips & crew and were already mashin up. Heat was definitely in de place.

In no time performances started, and first up was Kes the Band. This being their first time performing in Toronto, the crowd was extremely excited and we think all women including our own TJJ rep was simply mesmerized by lead singer Kes Diefenthaller. Singing their big tunes such as "One Day", "The Way", "The Calling", "Stay With Me" & "Heads High" the crowd was definitely satisfied and hoped that they would be back later in the year for Caribana'06. The surprise guest artist turned out to be Nadia Batson who sang her 2k6 hit "One Island." She also accompanied Kes in singing the popular tune "Always Be," originally sang by Patrice Roberts & Zan.

With a short break in between, bands switched up and headline performer Destra Garcia & Atlantik was on main stage. One word ... well ok maybe two, Amazing! Fantastic! It was as if this was her last performance ever, she sang her heart out! There was never a moment when a flag or rag was not waving in the air, we mean with songs like "Wha yuh want", "Fly", "Max it Up", and "Bonnie & Clyde" who could stay still. We love the fact that Destra took a minute to address the crime in our countries today, crimes against children, we need to come together people - Unite, be as one! With a "pause for the cause" well received from the crowd it was time for all the "Independent Ladies" to show their stuff, but we have to admit our favourite performance was "Aur Chale" who knew Destra could work it so! Wowie! Before leaving the stage, it was time for one last song, and what better way to end her amazing performance than with "Jumpin'!" Well yes this crowd not easy, people jumped, people waved. The crowd was in a frenzy!

With the crowd still buzzed over Destra's performance, Maximus Dan was on stage and we swear the fete took on a life of its own... "We are Warriors..hey! Soca Warriors..hey!" was all that could be heard. With rags and flags in unison, one would swear that we were in a German Stadium cheering on the Soca Warriors!!! Of course no performance is complete with out "Order, Order ... Doh cross da border", "Soca Train" and most definitely "Soca Warrior (Fighter)."

Soca or Die! 4 delivered what was promised and no matter what island was represented there was one common passion ... The LOVE for Soca music. Music was nice, people were happy and well now everyone just waiting for those key dates in June for the Soca Warriors to do their thing. Much thanks to the KOS family for allowing TJJ to represent and BIG congratulations to Jef from Toronto Lime for celebrating 10 years in the business. Yeah Yeah!!

Germany Anyone?

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