Teddyson John is still reeling from the success of ‘Stripped’, his first-ever signature event in Trinidad and Tobago. Given the event’s success, hosted on February 8 2023 at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium at the National Academy of the Performing Arts, Port of Spain, plans are already afoot for it to become a permanent fixture on the Carnival calendar.
The Saint Lucian native says that the soca cabaret was a passion project, as he’s long dreamed of using his skills as a musician to showcase the versatility of soca music. Guests were promised an evening of soca innovation and Caribbean excellence, and whilst many admitted that they weren’t quite sure what to expect, by the end of the evening, they described the event as a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Backed by an impressive group of musicians, John thrilled the receptive audience with hit after hit of his soca offerings, albeit rearranged. He shared the stage with several other in-demand artists; the stellar cast included entertainer and soca princess Nailah Blackman, who returned to her roots with an acoustic rendition of Iron Love, which she revealed was a remake of her grandfather’s song, Cory Iron. She also sang Bailah Mami, and her 2023 monster hit, Come Home.
Kees, Grenada’s V’ghn, Lyrikal and D All Starz lead vocalist College Boy Jesse also flexed their vocal muscles on the night, impressing attendees with scaled-down, groovier versions of some of their most popular songs. Even Farmer Nappy stepped out of his comfort zone to deliver reimagined versions of some of his most popular songs.
At the end of the event, a tearful Teddyson John voiced his gratitude to everyone who contributed to this realization of his dream. He said the show’s success was testimony to what is possible when Caribbean people have a vision, believe in it, and come together to see it through. “Sometimes you don’t need a lot when your heart is in the right place,” John told reporters.
The Saint Lucian maestro said it’s important for Caribbean musicians to free themselves from the shackles that have them bound to just one way of doing things. He encouraged his musical colleagues to explore the versatility and range of soca music.
“I just wanted to be different. I have a lot of different influences, everyone back home knows, and Trinidad got to see where I come from. I’m an artist, and I just wanted to show music like we’re vibing together, so to be here in front of you… there’s so much you can do with the music that it can be presented in a different way. I want to thank the artists for coming. I know the season is very tough and everybody is in everything, but they decided to take a shot and come, you know what I mean? Kees, Voice, Farmer, Lyro, Nailah… everybody decided to come because they believed. I wish Blaxx was here. I want to thank the All Starz, my Trinidad family, that’s my band in Trinidad, for giving me the platform. Juice, you know the whole team of guys who allowed me to do what I do and just believed.”
Stripped was hosted with the support of Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Tourism, which was represented at the event. According to John, the stage is already being set for Stripped 2024. See you there!
