Nailah Blackman’s Sokah Origins 2025 delivered a start to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season. Held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday 5 January, the event continued its legacy of fusing traditional and contemporary social influences, celebrating the essence of Trinidadian music and culture.
The festival, a staple for six years, featured an eclectic lineup. Nailah herself performed with her band, The Experience, accompanied by energetic dancers. The event also saw stellar performances from renowned artists like Voice, Mical Teja, Erphaan Alves, Lyrikal, Yung Bredda, Marge Blackman, and GBM Nutron, alongside international collaborators such as Jamaican star Shenseea. DJs and MCs added to the festive atmosphere, ensuring nonstop energy throughout the night.
In her post-event reflections, Nailah expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, her NaiArmy, and her dedicated team of creatives, including dancers, glam squads, and stage managers, for making the show a resounding success. She acknowledged her event partners and sponsors, highlighting the collaborative efforts that brought Sokah Origins to life.
This year’s edition, themed B.A.D (Born A Diamond) resonates with the Trinidadian carnival experience. Nailah also hinted at more projects in the pipeline as she gears up for Carnival 2025. The festival underscored her commitment to preserving and innovating within the soca genre, inspired by her grandfather Ras Shorty I’s foundational influence on the music.
