Bad gyals from across the Greater Toronto Area gathered in The Beaches last night to watch some of soca’s hottest stars take over History.
History buzzed with excitement this weekend, with a handful of talented artists, including Destra Garcia and Lady Lava, joining headliner Nailah Blackman at the east-end venue for the first show in Blackman’s B.A.D. (Born a Diamond) Tour.
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Blackman, a Trinidadian singer-songwriter known for blending traditional Caribbean rhythms with contemporary pop and R&B, proved why her music resonates across generations. Thousands of fans — from couples and families to bachelorette parties and longtime soca lovers — packed the all-ages show from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The headliner took over the stage with her band and dancers to perform many fan favourites, including “Sweet and Loco,” “Come Home,” and “Round and Rosie,” before being joined by some of the artists she has collabs with.
A surprise addition to the lineup of soca talent, Blackman was joined onstage by fellow Trinidadian Kes for a rendition of their collaboration, “Workout,” while Kes graced us with a performance of “Savannah Grass.”
Local singer Roy Woods also joined the group of stars taking the History stage, joining Blackman to sing their 2025 track “Feels Like Love.”
Meanwhile, after giving Blackman her flowers for her title of soca princess, and reminding us that she is indeed the queen, Destra Garcia performed hits including “Lucy,” “Fly,” “Bonnie Clyde,” and “Shake The Place” in addition to covering Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.”
Queen of Freaks Lady Lava definitely got the single ladies in the crowd — myself included — going with “Ring Finger,” and “Bob the Builder,” before being joined by Ravi B. for a performance of their hit single “Cyah Pick.”
In addition to being the first stop on Blackman’s new tour, it was also the first show in Toronto’s 2026 Summer of Soca (SOS) concert series. This year has an exciting lineup, including Kes the Band on July 4 at RBC Amphitheatre and Machel Montano on Sept. 12 at Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage.
After experiencing a show that teemed with summertime energy, flags from many Caribbean nations waving in the air, and wineing up-down, side-side and in the middle, I have two things to say: Ms. Blackman was Born a Diamond indeed, and this summer’s SOS series is off to a great start.
