Saint Lucian excellence was on full display as soca artists Ricky T and Lashley Motto Winter took centre stage at the Scotiabank Arena during halftime of the Toronto Raptors versus Miami Heat National Basketball Association game last Friday night.
The performance was part of the Raptors’ Caribbean Night festivities, an event that has been a staple since its inception in 2023. This year’s showcase was held in conjunction with Saint Lucia’s 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The performance featured a medley of soca hits from both artists, including Sweet Saint Lucia and Big Ride. The infectious rhythms and energetic beats had the arena buzzing with excitement, exposing an international audience to the vibrant sounds of Saint Lucian and Caribbean music.
Ricky T, an icon in Saint Lucian music, was elated about the opportunity to perform on this stage. A veteran in the soca industry, he has 24 prestigious titles to his name. Ricky T’s Pressure Boom and Freaky Girls are the two biggest soca songs to come out of Saint Lucia. He has performed across the world, including in Bali and Japan last year. Despite his numerous accolades, the artist remained humbled by the experience.
“This moment was very touching for me. Just to see how beautifully Saint Lucian music has grown. We left the carpet, and we went corporate!” he said. “The response from the crowd was beautiful. They were rocking with me as if I wasn’t a stranger.”
Motto, an internationally recognised ambassador of Dennery Segment music, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to highlight not just Saint Lucian culture but the broader Caribbean musical landscape.
“It was an absolute honour to represent Saint Lucia on such a prestigious platform, showcasing our island’s rich culture, music, and vibrancy to a global audience. This event was a significant moment for Saint Lucia’s tourism industry, providing exposure to new audiences who may not have been familiar with our destination,” he said.
“I must commend the Toronto Raptors for their initiative in promoting Caribbean culture on such a grand scale. The Caribbean is often underrepresented on the international stage, so seeing an event dedicated to highlighting our vibrant heritage was truly remarkable.”
He further emphasised the performance’s impact, stating, “Our primary goal was to introduce Saint Lucia to a new audience—many of whom may have had little to no prior knowledge of our island, our music, or even soca as a genre.
“Alongside Ricky T, we delivered a high-energy, well-executed performance featuring carnival costumes, dynamic dance routines, and an electrifying atmosphere. This was not just a performance; it was a strategic and immersive promotional campaign for Saint Lucia, the Caribbean, and soca music on a global stage.”
The performance was a landmark moment for Saint Lucian and Caribbean music, reinforcing its growing influence on the global stage. It also showcases the close ties between sports and entertainment, a market increasingly tapped into by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
Can someone post a link to the performance please