The Great Debate Alison vs Patrice
-Written by Chandelle ‘Chandy’ De Riggs
This Wednesday Digicel presents to the world a showcase called Showdown featuring two dynamic women in Soca, Alison Hinds and Patrice Roberts. As the flyer was released chatrooms went ablaze and the debates began should Alison even compete against Patrice? Is Patrice on Alison’s level? Does Patrice have as many hits to go toe to toe with Alison? Who made Patrice a Queen of Soca?
One could debate they are both Queens in their own right reigning in their own relic. Alison paved the way in the late 90s. A true queen, the face of women in Soca when Soca wasn’t widely marketed as it is now. There weren’t thousands of fetes, or flyers, or social media. With hit songs spanning 2 decades and over 10 full length albums as the lead singer of the band Square One, and even transitioning into one of the original Riddim riders right in the early stages of the Riddim formula. Alison Hinds has an old school catalogue of music like no other female artist for her time, with mega hits like ‘Ragga Muffin’, ‘Aye Aye Aye’, ‘Sugar’, ‘DJ Ride’, ‘Faluma’, ‘Togetherness’ and dozens. Alison reigned supreme from 1996-2011 Making great hits.
Patrice Roberts stepped on the scene in 2003 when she released her debut calypso album ‘Blossoming’ featuring the single ‘De Dey I Saw Red’. Two years later she was featured on Bunji Garlin’s hit track ‘The Islands’. But it was 2006 she caught the ears and eyes of the entire Soca world with numerous hits ‘Always Be’ featuring Zan and ‘Band of D Year’ featuring Machel Montano. This moment opened doors for her. Shortly after she became the frontline vocalists for the HD Band. Patrice continued to bring out massive hits consistently within a short time period. For the next 3 years she dominated the Soca scene with ‘Sugar Boy’, ‘Till Tomorrow’ featuring Zan, ‘Assume The Position’, ‘Light It Up’ and ‘Rolling’ Featuring Machel Montano, ‘Mo Wuk’, ‘Thunda Waist’, ‘Looking Hot’, ‘Tempa Wine’ and the list goes on. she was marketed groomed and blossomed into the Queen she is now. She has earned her right to that title. 18 years later she still continues to grow her sound and mature musically with recent hits ‘Carry On’ and ‘Splash’ featuring Nessa Preppy.
Both of these women are Queens in their own right. They have a catalogue of music, in fact it’s quite possible Patrice might have more in her bag. Let’s congratulate these ladies and tune in on Wednesday.
Who are you rooting for, Alison or Patrice?
Written by Chandelle “Chandy” De Riggs
Follow me on Instagram @Chandymedia
Facebook @Chandy Sweet