THE SOCA AMBASSADORS were reunited for the third time in two years at last Sunday’s massive Soca On De Hill. A large segment of the 10 000-strong patrons at the mucky Farley Hill National Park were fans of the six, who went their separate ways in 2005 when the band was dissolved after flying the Bajan flag all over the world for close to 20 years. Bassist Slater has been on the high seas for the last two outings; singer Cecil O’Shaka Riley missed this gig because he, too, is on a cruise ship and drummer was in his familiar position after missing the last appearance at the 2009 Barbados Music Awards. Lead singer Anderson Blood Armstrong, soca queen Alison Hinds and keyboardist George Jones were accounted for at every reunion.
Close to the end of the set Hinds made a point of reminding fans that Jones, who now lives in the Cayman Islands, is a cancer survivor. Fans gave him the love that he deserved. While fans took note of those facts, it mattered little because the sweet sounds had the massive “bazodee”. Hits like Togetherness, Foot On Fire, Faluma, In The Meantime, Dat Is What I Talking Bout, Aye Aye Aye, Raggamuffin and Carnival Baby had fans revelling in the slippery conditions. Square One also provided backing for Peter Ram, Indrani, Kirk Brown, Mikey, the Hypa Kids, the Unda Dawg and Hypa Dawg. Special mention must be made of the tremendous showing by the Hypa Kids. The under-10 offspring of Li’l Rick got the biggest response of the day for their catchy Happy Feet. (YB)