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Where do we begin with this one? In fact lets just cut to the chase ~ 2500 people, 12 performing International Soca Artistes, a star line up of DJ's, One stage! If you don't know, well you missed one hell of a fete ~ SOD5 (amm "Soca or Die" in case you've been under a rock!) Of course we eh just go leave yuh wondering......

As always with foot to gas pedal TJJ arrived on the scene around 11:15pm and we knew this party was already in full swing. We nearly eh able to park by we "free" parking spot fuss it was already pack up with cars. Some brave die hard souls were forcing ah lime in the cold parking lot getting their drink on, but we were only studying the line up to get in. And much to our surprise and perhaps everyone's delight, the line moved quickly and efficiently. Security was brief but thorough and in no time we were on the inside, already feeling the heat seep out of the walls from KoolHaus. We must mention that all those who did not take advantage of purchasing a ticket ahead of time were faced with a $50 price at the door... Boo-Yah!

It was obvious that with the DJ's were doing a fantastic job of working the crowd into a slow frenzy preparing them for the onslaught of performances to come. The vibe was Sweet! Energy & anticipation pulsed from everyone.... with flags poised and dressed to sweat, the crowd was ready and without further adieu, the show began.

First up from the "Big Artist Crew" was MICHELLE SYLVESTER representing the ladies. We talking bout "Go Ahead", "Face Me" and of course one of our personal favorites "Sleeping In Your Bed". Michelle mash up on stage including the 2 young men who came on stage thinking that they could show boat heh heh... little did they know! With the vibe still flowing, Michelle introduced Trindad's Winah boy TERRY SEALES. Singing his new tune "D'Waist," he proceeded to show exactly what the song was all about. Boy! De man wuk up dat waist and even buss ah split, yes... the women were loving it! It was then time for NADIA BATSON to grace us with her stage performance with the ever so popular 2006 hit tune "One Island". When you looked out to the crowd, it seemed as if there was a flag for each island... all swaying back and forth in unison. Nothing but love for Soca! MS ALYSHA was up next... "This is Carnival time ... free yuh mind and parrrrtttttyyy" run d'track! Oh yes party now start! It was a nice touch when the artist paused and gave audience members chances to win CDs either by representing their island or by simply demonstrating that they knew the words to the songs. To close off this rounds of performances it was time to get some "Ting for D Road". MISTA VYBE was on stage doing what he does best... sending the crowd into a mad mosh pitt!! We don't think that song will ever lose it's momentum as it simply brings back memories of 2K6 all over again! And you know Michelle Sylvester and Vybe couldn't exit the stage before singing their duet "Always on My Mind". Much love to the "Big Artist Crew"!

It was time to switch up beats and you would think that things would level off but with Umba (from Matsimela Sound) taking the mic, the crowd loved the sweet reggae session that was brought upon Kool Haus. C'mon you know we all love our dub!! But seeing that there was still many performances to come, this session was short lived and up next on stage was MR KILLA (yes he dropped the "Baby" in case you didn't know) and well let us tell you... he reealllll kill it! Now you know there is no Killa performance without his big 2005 tune "Wine if Yuh Wining" and with his ammm dancer on stage well yes, we think there wasn't a man in the house whose eyes were not focused on stage... and yes we have the pictures to prove it!! Allya remember Baby Killa's performance back at "Another 4Kings Fete" in May'05? De man is ah born entertainer!! He also performed 2006 tunes such as "Balance" and his Grenada Soca Monarch hit "Warrior Cry"; but yeah, he real mash up and thief d show yes! (lol)

After that hot session, Dr Jay de Soca Prince took time to thank the crowd attending and to show his appreciation presented The Caribbean Children Foundation with a $2500 cheque... a dollar for each person in attendance! Nice touch! At this time, the crowd also took time to sing ah lil Happy Birthday to Jay and a cake was even brought out... ammm where our piece?? (lol) It was time to continue the show, and up next was ISAAC BLACKMAN making his Canadian debut singing his ever so popular tune "To the Ceiling", which was well received by the crowd and we definitely look forward to more releases from this up and coming artist. BENJAI was another great performer who took to the stage reminding us that we needed some "Amnesty". Another change up in pace was when E Man "de man with the steel" took to another kind of steel... Steelpan. Wheeeeyy, when we tell ya he buss out some tunes on that pan. Man buss tunes like Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack", Neyo's "Sexy Love" & Chuck Fender's "Gash Dem & Light Dem" just to name a few. Just so you know, E Man's more than ah "Supa MC"... real talent! The crowd was definitely wowed!

The fete continued with PROBLEM CHILD reppin' the Vincy Power and continued the frenzy with his hit tune "Everybody Get Mad". Up next... yes we tell ya 12 Soca artistes, was the Bajan representation of this international cast. Of course no one can refuse the hot n groovy 2006 soca tune "Woman By My Side" and performance by PETER RAM. He was followed by LIL RICK, who did not disappoint cause you know the "Hypa Dawg" gots to represent each and everytime! "Raise up your rags for me ... and show me some Unity..." Unfortunately Rick was the last performance we caught on the night. So who we missed? Oh yes, KIMBERLY INNISS ("My Hips") and 2006 Party Monarch and Road March King of Barbados BARRY CHANDLER from Jabae ("Flames"). Being both their 1st Canadian performances, we're sure they showed the Toronto crowd some true Bajan styles. We are also looking forward to seeing what these Bajan artistes have in store for us in 2K7.

All in all, it's safe to say that Soca or Die 5 was a BIG success and it was great to have a show with artists not only from Trinidad but through out the Caribbean. TJJ would like to say much thanks to Dr Jay and the KOS family for allowing us to pass through. Jay we love yah like ah doubles with a lil bit ah peppa! Happy Birthday! :-)

A'right, we gone! Where D Soup??!!

TRW

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