Some of the best things in life are free and when it comes to this year’s Prospect Park Bandshell concert, it was no exception! Barbados’ legendary Krosfyah played speedy, exhilarating soca at the June 11, 2015 Prospect Park’s Bandshell. It was a concert filled with uptempo party-music and irresistible energy.
Krosfyah, originally formed in 1989 by founding members Michael Agard, Tony Bailey, Felix Forde and the dynamic frontman Edwin Yearwood, started out playing the Caribbean hotel circuit but quickly outgrew that milieu. Krosfyah’s breakout hit came in 1995 with their appropriately named sophomore record “Ultimate Party – Pump Me Up,” and they have never looked back.
Their arrival at the Bandshell received an extra punch from countrymen Lead Pipes & Saddiss, whose smash hit “Ah Feeling” brought them to the finals of the International Groovy Soca Monarch Competition in Trinidad this year. The duo, also known as Porgie and Murda, cleaned up at the Barbados Music Awards as well, taking home Band / Group / Duo Of The Year, Songwriter Of The Year, Song Of The Year (“Ah Feeling”), Soca / Calypso Artist Of The Year, and the coveted Making It Against All Odds Award.
The dynamic Brooklyn-based dance and music troupe, Something Positive, known for their high-octane synergetic and many would say, spiritual performances, kicked things off with a sunburst of sound and color. Founded by Cheryl Byron, this ensemble of dancers, singers, and musician are dedicated to the art and culture of the African Diaspora and its cross-cultural influences has been performing for over three decades.
The crowd also received and exciting surprise when Hypasounds made a guess appearance and performance as well. The crowd went wild as they sang along and gyrated to his 2012 smash hit, “Roll It.” Even though the concert lasted about three and a half hours, it was clear that the crowd still thirsted for more. It was the first soca concert for the Summer season and it started off with a bang. And to think, the Summer has just begun!
