As NHC draws nearer, the fetes are hottin’ up as soca artistes from around the Caribbean are arriving to pump up the vibes. We welcome Brother B (aka Lesly Modeste) and Mr GoldN (aka Matthew Thomas) to London – it’s a first-time visit for the latter. I met up with both artistes to see how they’re feeling about being in London right now and what the soca scene can expect from them.
Brother B, a frequent visitor to London, said: “I’m back here in London, excited, so excited, and it’s energy. You know Brother B is here in London, you know it’s vibes. I take the vibes from Grenada and ah bring it here. I save ah great deal for London so I’m good. I’m excited especially after the pandemic – two years, I can’t wait for NHC. The Brunch show will be energetic, nothing has changed about Brother B, you done know what time it is.” Skin glowing from the Grenadian sunshine, exuding energy like no other, it’s clear things haven’t changed for Lesly.
Equally radiant and well energised, Mr GoldN told me: “It’s such ah good feeling to bring the soca vibes all the way from Grenada, Carricou and Petit Martinique to London from the Isle of Spice where everything is nice, big and serious. London we outside. This is my first time here and I’m lovin’ it. I’m definitely gonna be back. I’m glad I came after two years of the pandemic holding us down; we here in full effect.”
I asked Matthew what we can expect from him in the near future. He explained: “I’m planning a lot of videos, collaborations with people, different flavours like afrobeats and keeping everybody interested in the music so we taking it to the world.”
You can catch the artiste performing tomorrow at the Pre Carnival Brunch & Party, Club Langley, 2 Hawksbrook Lane, Beckenham, BR3 3SR. For more info and tickets visit Pre Carnival Brunch & Party.
