Bad gyals from across the Greater Toronto Area gathered in The Beaches last night to watch some of soca\u2019s hottest stars take over History.<\/p>\n
History buzzed with excitement this weekend, with a handful of talented artists, including Destra Garcia and Lady Lava, joining headliner Nailah Blackman<\/a> at the east-end venue for the first show in Blackman\u2019s B.A.D. (Born a Diamond) Tour.<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 from couples and families to bachelorette parties and longtime soca lovers \u2014 packed the all-ages show from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.<\/p>\n The headliner took over the stage with her band and dancers to perform many fan favourites, including \u201cSweet and Loco,\u201d \u201cCome Home,\u201d and \u201cRound and Rosie,\u201d before being joined by some of the artists she has collabs with.<\/p>\n A surprise addition to the lineup of soca talent, Blackman was joined onstage by fellow Trinidadian Kes<\/a> for a rendition of their collaboration, \u201cWorkout,\u201d while Kes graced us with a performance of \u201cSavannah Grass.\u201d<\/p>\n Local singer Roy Woods also joined the group of stars taking the History stage, joining Blackman to sing their 2025 track \u201cFeels Like Love.\u201d<\/p>\n 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 \u201cLucy,\u201d \u201cFly,\u201d \u201cBonnie Clyde,\u201d and \u201cShake The Place\u201d in addition to covering Cyndi Lauper\u2019s \u201cTime After Time.\u201d<\/p>\n Queen of Freaks Lady Lava definitely got the single ladies in the crowd \u2014 myself included \u2014 going with \u201cRing Finger,\u201d and \u201cBob the Builder,\u201d before being joined by Ravi B. for a performance of their hit single \u201cCyah Pick.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to being the first stop on Blackman\u2019s new tour, it was also the first show in Toronto\u2019s 2026 Summer of Soca (SOS) Fest<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n