On Friday 3rd February, the Queen’s Park Oval hosted Republic Bank’s fete. The annual event was put on by TriStar Promotions and showcased 4 big Soca acts.

All performing to a near sold out venue, KMC with band Red, White & Black was first to take to the stage. TJJ unfortunately arrived at minutes to 12 Am and missed out on that one. Caribbean Traffik Jam with front-line singers Shurwayne Winchester & Candy Hoyte was the next out of 4 to perform. Without a doubt the 2 time Road March Champ definitely proved to patrons why he held such a title.

Don’t stop ... The Alison Hinds Show was up next. Well bwoy, that was an eye catching performance. With all that pum pum shorts and waist pelting, all male patrons had their attention locked stage side. During Alison’s performance, promoters had to lower the volume level in keeping with noise pollution regulations. This didn't affect partygoers much though, as they were all in keen anticipation of Xtatik & Mr. Machel.

At about 3 AM, Machel Montano came on. He definitely stirred up the crowd as Xtatik fans went delirious to his performance. Don’t talk about when Patrice Roberts come on and start singing ... “We reach the stage, we warming up ... throw your hands up in de air!!! It was pure madness! If you clueless to which song we takin' bout, it's her big 2k6 tune with Machel - "Band of The Year."

With Xtatik’s performance running a little more that 10 to 15 minutes, the excitement was short lived. Machel announced to the audience that that was the end of his performance for the night as he bid folks farewell with a "Goodnight." The fete didn’t go on for too much longer after this. As folks departed, some felt a bit cheated out of what they expected to be a great show closing performance. Well what we go tell allyuh, yuh bound to catch Machel performing at some other fete so doh fret too much nah man! We running again.