Soca vs Reggae is the 'official Cup Match after-party'

THURSDAY, JULY 14 (UPDATE JULY 15): The fifth annual Soca Vs Reggae event promises to be the best so far with live performances, an epic DJ battle and plenty more.

The event will be held at Tiger Bay on July 29 after Cup Match and will be put on by Barmuvinjam.

Organizers say they have endorsements from both St George’s Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Club as the official Cup Match after party.

Featured performers include Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous for the Soca side.

 For the Reggae side, performers are Ding Dong and Bermuda's own C’Daynger.

There will also be special performances by Tiny T, Live Wire and Lamont Robinson.

DJ’s for the night will be Tony Tempo, Oxmighty Andrew, Poison Dart and YGS.

Vejay Steede of Barmuvinjam explained why Soca vs Reggae will be the best party after the game.

‘This year we decided to go with Tiger Bay as a matter of convenience in that when you park your vehicle at the game, you are within walking distance to the after-party.

“Last year, we had in excess of 2,000 people in the rain so who knows what this year’s numbers could be.”

He continued: “It’s going to be bigger and better. It continues to grow every year.

‘This year it’s global which means this is the first year it’s been promoted to overseas visitors.”

Mr Steede said people will be coming from Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, the UK and elsewhere  specifically for the event.

“We are going to stress that people get their tickets in advance.”

“Arrive at Tiger Bay early as doors will open at 8:30pm and security will be tight.”

Partygoers are encouraged to come out in their Cup Match outfits.

As for the party itself, Mr Steede said: “As usual, expect high energy and crowd participation.

“There’s a rivalry between soca and reggae that’s synonymous with Cupmatch, St. George’s versus Somerset.

“This year we have Trini Boy who will be opening the party and then reggae and soca performances.

‘Then we will have the customary battle.”

For those who have no knowledge of the event, the DJs on each side will have 15 to 20 minutes per round to play the best soca or reggae.

The side that plays the best music is declared the winner at the end of the night.

Reggae has won for the past two years.

“So whether you like soca or reggae, you will be satisfied because you will have a fair portion of each”, Mr Steede added.

This year will also have the return of the ‘wet zone’ which was “very popular” in year’s past.

Mr Steede said there will be “huge” giveaways but stressed that people need to come out early in order to win prizes.

The giveaways are sponsored by Digicel, WKD, Heineken, Smirnoff and Bacardi.

“The event is now a staple on the Bermuda calendar and it attracts a large number of residents and tourists alike.

“Last year, reggae dominated the event.

“I thought soca tried to get back in it late but it was too little too late.

“This year, expect the soca fans to be well entertained as there are a lot of new soca hits that will give plenty of ammunition for the soca DJs.”

Gates will open at 8:30pm and the party will go until 2pm. Tickets are $50 in advance and are available at Secrets.