For 40 years, Ras Iley has been producing legendary soca music, and it has withstood the dynamic changes in the industry. Despite having been one of the most prolific calypsonians in the 1980s and 1990s, Iley’s major hits like Spring Garden On Fire and Inez are still widely popular today. On his 60th birthday, and 40th anniversary in the music industry, Ras Iley and other equally renowned musicians came together at the Kensington Oval on May 28, 2023 in celebration of the artist’s remarkable legacy.
The event, entitled ‘Ras Iley and Friends’, was undoubtedly a huge success. Several artists took to the stage to perform their greatest hits for the crowds; the evening entertainment can only be described as magically. Artists from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago who ruled the music industry in the 80s and 90s transported fans back in time by playing their old-school music.
The show, which began at 9pm and ended at 2am, featured live performances from artists such as Mac Fingal, Mighty Gabby, Crazy and Ronnie Mcintosh. Ras Iley entertained the crowd with his popular tunes Inez, King of the Stage, Encore, and Gimme De Mic. He collaborated with Machel Montano to play Spring Garden On Fire, which was thrilling for those in attendance.
Ras Iley and Friends was truly a night to remember. In an industry that is constantly changing, it is refreshing to replay some of the oldies that set soca music in motion many years ago.
