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SWISS SOCA FESTIVAL 2022
by panpodium3
Promoting the Soca, Calypso and Steelband Culture of Trinidad and Tobago
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The first edition of Swiss Soca festival took place in 2017. Prior to 2017, the organisers held regular Soca parties and slowly recognised that they wanted to do more for the Soca, Calypso as well as the Caribbean cultural platform in Switzerland. The idea of a soca weekender that could attract Soca Lovers from near and far, and also give visitors something special that was different from other carnivals and festivals. The Swiss Caribbean Experience is all about the fusion and appreciation of the different cultural aspects. As such, founders Christina and Raphael (DJ Iray), decided to create the first edition of the Swiss Soca Festival, on a train, on their way home from a gig. Since then they have hosted international guest artistes in the likes of Teddyson John, Shurwayne Winchester, Fadda Fox, Kimba Sorzano and national and international DJs. The weekender events included open air fetes, boat rides, concert nights, as well as BBQ events.
The sixth edition in 2022, marked new developments for the Swiss Soca Festival. Firstly it was the first appearance of a live steelband in the likes of Out Of The Blue Steel Band (OOTB). Led by legendary pannist, arranger and tutor, Junior Edwards. OOTB certainly added the true Trini flavour to the festival with their energetic, melodious and captivating musical strains of sweet steelband music that had the audience dancing.
2022, also saw the introduction of a Colour J’Ouvert called ‘Soca Colours’, as the opening event. The first of its kind in Switzerland.
Since 2017, In order to give the Swiss and tourists a taste of the Swiss Soca Festival, it has been hosted in more than fifteen venues in different cities in Switzerland, such as Lucerne, Zürich und Zug. They boast of more than a 1,000 visitors each year with 3-4 events yearly and is continually growing. To date, the festival has attracted visitors from all over Switzerland, England, France, Germany, USA, and even from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.
The festival is organised by a non-profit association. It is fully supported by the Swiss Soca Crew, a group of Soca Lovers based in Switzerland. Neither the organizers, nor bar, food, entrance or promotional teams are paid. It is all voluntary. All financial proceeds from the festival is fully invested in future projects to promote the rich Caribbean culture especially Soca and Calypso in Switzerland and introducing as many people as possible to the versatility, joy, friendships and positive vibes it brings.
The 2023 edition takes place from 8th to 10th of September 2023, with a pre-event on May 13. This year’s edition is taking place in the city of Zug in the middle of Switzerland. More information will soon be announced on www.soca-festival.ch.
