Patrice Roberts, I Love Soca Series get Tobago's Carnival swinging

SOCA superstar Patrice Roberts brought her vibes and sweet voice to the popular I Love Soca Series, which got under way at Bar Code, Scarborough, Tobago on January 14.

Known unofficially as the start of Tobago Carnival, Roberts delivered a rollicking start to the annual event, leaving soca lovers salivating for the rest of the series, which runs every Tuesday until February 22.

With 2025 hits like Cyah Hear Yuh, Is Mas and Kitty Cat, Roberts had her fans singing her lyrics, wining low and calling for more.

Also performing was Dominican artiste Trilla-G, who sang his smash-hit Someone Else, which also features Quan and Little Boy.

The I Love Soca Series has been running for 17 years and is organised by Bar Code Entertainment. Next on the calendar, to maintain the high energy and tempo, are soca giants Bunji Garlin and his wife Fay-Ann Lyons. Tobago artiste Kaspa de Lyrical will also be appearing.

The series finale – E-Day – takes place on February 22 and is a collaboration with soca artiste Erphaan Alves.

David Maharaj, a member of the I Love Soca Series committee, told Newsday he feels excited for the rest of the calendar.

He said the series has become a Carnival staple on the island and Tobagonians look forward to it each year.

"For the majority of people that attend the series, this is their Carnival," he said.

He said the series also boosts domestic tourism, with many people attracted to the unique product being offered.

"We definitely have seen an upward trend in the number of persons that plan to come for the event and specifically come to the island because of this event. This event is of a nature that is very unique – any artiste that performs will tell you that. The experience that they have here they get nowhere in Trinidad: the small stage, the intimacy."

He said the calibre of artistes in the series enhances the brand and attracts patrons to come out and party on a Tuesday evening.

"The top-tier artistes globally have always attended and been involved in I Love Soca. They have supported it by making themselves available and helped promotion. The brand is a significant entity on it own.

"The artistes range from top tier to up-and-coming. You have the local Tobago acts that use it as a platform and pedestal to showcase their talent, get some visual (recognition).

"We have quite a few success stories coming out of that small stage, mainly Adanna (Roberts) who did the (2020 soca) collaboration (No Tomorrow) with Kerwin Du Bois, which was a big success."

Maharaj said Bar Code Entertainment takes pride in providing an environment that is clean, friendly, extremely safe and very well catered for.

He said I Love Soca season-pass holders can look forward to some benefits, as Bar Code Entertainment will be organising a pan event which they will have access to.

Maharaj said this year will be different as there will be an I Love Soca event every Tuesday until October 21.

"It's gonna be 42 productions. Not all will be singing artistes, there will be pan artistes, featured DJs, then we culminate with I Love Soca concert which marks our (Bar Code Entertainment's) 25th anniversary at Bar Code, and it falls on the Tuesday of the Tobago carnival."

What would he tell someone who has never attended I Love Soca?

Maharaj said, "You are going to get the best introduction to Carnival you've ever had. Be wary – the music is very infectious. You will be coming back, so prepare for that."