Pictured above is Ras Isley (at left) and soca’s golden boy Machel Montano.
There is only one way that any musical stalwart should celebrate a significant journey in their life and that is obviously with the help of many of the stars with whom they have worked throughout their illustrious 40-year long career. For Ras Iley the location for this epic celebration was the Kensington Oval on Sunday night. It was a dual celebration for the veteran entertainer, or Mr. Energy as he is affectionately known. He not only commemorated the anniversary of the start of his musical journey, but also his 60th birthday.
His concert Ras Iley and Friends had some of the most popular calypsonians on the card. It was a flash back to soca shows of the past featuring performances by many of the cast members who were regulars on these shores. Representing the Bajans were many of the artistes who contributed significantly to the entertainment landscape of the country. Top hitters included a slew of past monarchs and road march kings like Mighty Gabby, The Mighty Grynner, Bumba and Serenader. Pompey and Mac Fingal also got in on the action.
The Trinidadian contingent included the energetic Ronnie Macintosh, sweet singing Baron, the witty Crazy and the consummate performer Gypsy. The late Black Stalin and Ras Iley shared a close friendship, and that enduring relationship was recognized with a performance by his grandson Kevan Calliste. This was followed by a presentation of drum to Black Stalin’s wife Patsy Calliste to honour his contribution. Also, repping for the Trinis was party music maestro Super Blue and soca’s golden boy Machel Montano.
Appearing near the end of the show Machel was still able to create a frenzy in his own inimitable style. He teamed up with Super Blue for their collaboration Soca Kingdom and they invited Ras Iley to join them as they performed. One of the highpoints of any Ras Iley performance is when he whips off his hat and let loose his floor-length locs. It was while he was on stage with Super Blue and Machel that time came. It was a monumental moment when Montano joined Iley for one of his biggest tracks, Spring Garden on Fire. Iley’s set included other favorites like Encore, King of the Stage, Expose and he teased with his newest release for Crop Over 2023 Gimme De Mic. By the time the show wrapped up at 2am his loyal fans still wanted a taste more. From many of the reviews so far, the seamless production was exactly what the vintage soca lovers have been craving.
