Photos By Kerra R. and Nadelle L.

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As winter falls upon us, fete-go’ers are slowly preparing for hibernation until the 2k9 carnival season arrives - but - before that happens, we need one big fete to happily send us off. Now when was the last time you went to a fete and saw the artists YOU wanted to see? Or when was the last time YOU as a patron had a choice in the matter?! Well, this weekend it’s all about YOU and who YOU voted for at SOCA OR DIE 9 held at the Kool Haus, celebrating the birthday’s of Dr. Jay, Nurse Karen, marXman and fellow Scorpios.

With 10 degrees temperatures and cold winds outside, de TJJ crew arrived on time and in style to experience a night filled with sweet soca music. With 7 DJ's, 3 MC's and the 7 artists that YOU voted for, yuh already know it was pace. The line-up outside was full of fete-go’ers amped to get inside and with the efficient security they made sure there was no procrastination and everyone got in without ah hassle. On the inside, the dancefloor was already full of winer's and waver’s, and the bars were flooded with people anxious to get their drink on. All the crews were holdin’ down their spots, chantin’ and jumpin' to every chune that played.

The vibes were crazy from the very beginning!! Holdin’down centre stage were the best of the best DJ’s which included, DR. JAY DE SOCA PRINCE, MARXMAN, SOCA SWEETNESS, DJ CHIEF, RENEGADE SQUAD, CRYSTAL VIBEZ and South Florida’s BARRIE HYPE of BLACK SHADOW. Now we can’t forget the men who are always on point with the mic. E MAN kept the Soca or Die crowd motivated, and you could see the anticipation on everyone's faces to see the artists they voted in, represent their country on the Kool Haus stage.

For the first time, Grenada’s own 2k7 Road March King, BERBICE, made an appearance at Kool Haus. He ran out on stage in a neon vest trying to control de “Traffik” jam he caused in de crowd. Powder was everywhere in sight!! Even after it cleared, the smell still lingered in the air .. sweeeeeeet boi! Once his performance was over, the crowd started parting down the middle. No one had a clue as to what was going on, and you could see the look of wonder and excitement on the faces of all fete-go’ers. The TJJ crew couldn’t put our finger on what was really happening either, but once we saw a coffin being pushed onto the stage from the Soca Warrior Crew, we knew it was going to be biiiiiiiig! Out of the coffin came St. Vincent’s “Party Animal” and 2k7 Road March King, PROBLEM CHILD. The crowd was in ah frenzy! They were full of energy singing “Party Animal” word for word, as Problem Child wukked up on stage showin’ them his “private wine!” Fete-go’ers jumped up and down provin’ that we're all in this ting “For Life”!!!!!! What ah performance!! The ladies got ah nice lil' show, but it was time for de fellas to smile.

Trinidad & Tobago Queen of Soca DESTRA, stepped on stage with nothing less that an electrifying performance. She was ready to “Tremble It” and give us wha we want! It felt like it was “Carnival” with all the rags wavin’ and waistlines swayin’! She had the crowd ridin’ her “Saddle” as she took full control.

Barbados 3-time Road March King and 3-time Party Monarch Lil Rick, ran out to “Bus Ah Wine” once Destra’s performance was over. The ladies in de crowd were rollin’ their bumpas “Like Thunder” as he sang “One More Time”! “We were definitely goin’ til ah morning!” The ladies couldn’t get enough of Hypa Dawg.. some even jumped on stage when invited (with some fellas) to wukup and represent for Toronto! It quicklu turned into a Caribbean PG-13 version of Girls Gone Wild. Even Lil Rick was in awe ... some of dem smallies had some moves ah tell ya!! Let's wait to see if TJJ TV airs it, yes!

After “expooooosing” themselves on stage, Antigua’s soca sensation and Winner of 3 International Soca Awards TIZZY (El-A-Kru), blessed the stage. As always, lookin’ fly as ever with her memorable outfits, she “Kicked Off” showin’ why she’s hot! The crowd started to “Bounce” as she moved from one end of the stage to the other. She gave us a sweet taste of her three new chunes “Wuk Meh,” “Rocket Launcher” and “Mash Him Up,” and of course, taught us exactly how to truly MASH HIM UP!

Now unfortunately due to a family emergency St Lucia’s RICKY T could not attend this event, however, the K.O.S family did provide a recorded phone call which included an apology from Ricky T which was played to the audience. We all know family always comes 1st, so that was small ting! With that said, you know the party couldn't be done without ah last big jump! Another first timer was in the building, and the crowd was calling out for him. It was time for St. Vincent's 2k8 Power Soca Monarch SKINNY FABULOUS to end of the night in style. He came out with his “Head Bad” causing the crowd to get to their ultimate “Hype!” As he chanted the hook to Ricky’s T “Pressure Boom,” the crowd was screaming with anxiety and tasting some of drops of liquor he poured out! We didn’t tink the vibes could get any better, but then Skinny surprised us as he jumped off the stage and into crowd! It was insaneeeeeeeeee! As he got back onto the stage there was no “Long Talk,” he continued to pump up the crowd. All the Caribbean girls were smiling from ear to ear, and speaking of Caribbean girls, the Caribbean girl herself ... NADIA BATSON, was in the house bussin’ ah lime! Did someone say bess fete??!! Lol.

TJJ started wrapping up around 3:30am, but fete-go’ers were still hype and jammin’ hard around the room as the DJ’s started to wind it down. With the clocks gone back giving us an EXTRA HOUR at the bar, everyone was in ah state of niceness. SOCA OR DIE 9 turned out to be all we hoped for (even without Ricky T), and we’re already yearning for the next one. Hibernation?? Ammm... not if there’s another bess party like this soon! Did someone say Doh Cry Ah Leaving??!!

As we prepared for the cold breeze outside, we took one last bubble for de road before heading out the door. Leon, "Corn soup for the entire TJJ team .. Daddy Juice got a flight to catch!"

Happy Birthday Jay, Mark, Karen and all Scorpio's from the entire TJJ fam!

Mizz Kayz on de run!!

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