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Soca diva Patrice Roberts during a 45 minutes Instagram live party attracted thousands of viewers on May 1. The Toco soca diva commanded the attention as many; locally, regionally, and internationally, supported the segment themed “Patrice Online Party.” This was the first for a soca artiste to use a social media platform to bridge the gap in the absence of not being able to tour and reach familiar shores during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The entertainment industry is also severely hit by the worldwide pandemic and the closure of T&T boarders. The singer, backed by the A-Team Band, glowed as she worked up a sweat for fans who logged in to be part of the show. From the onset, she raised the curtains with her 2020 runaway hit Carry On and followed up with 12 other songs including Thunder Waist, Sugar Boy, Roll It and, Splash, performed with Nessa Peppy.
Not far from her home at the Crossings in Arima, Roberts, from a rooftop, noted how important it is to be aware of the times we are living in. She said, “Love conquers all. I miss the stage, so allyuh have fun. Show me allyuh lighters from your chairs. Being home tonight has taught me to appreciate everything in this life. Sometimes I complaining, saying I tired, but I will pay anything right now to look my best to perform for you. And, while I in my house cooking and cleaning, and doing housewife duties I never done before, can sometimes cause me to lose my mind. I love my daughter, but sometimes as a mother, you need a little break.”
Popular media personality Whitney Husbands introduced a spirited Roberts and indicated that the Digicel-sponsored event would also include Roberts’ pilot project to bring some relief during this time to people in her hometown, Toco.
Only flattering comments swarmed the entertainer’s comment box on both Instagram and Facebook social platforms. Many requested that Roberts had a repeat of the show for a number of reasons, but most common is that they enjoyed seeing and hearing her perform. This request, however, was followed up with a second show. Roberts said, “I know people have to make their money, but God has a greater plan. I miss hugging my fans; this quarantine, the distance have me frustrated.”
Roberts also delved a bit into the gospel arena seeking heavenly intervention as she performed Bless Me by GoodGirl LA. But, feeding off the adrenaline of her fans, Roberts also performed Thanks, Real Woman, and Not One Thing before ending as she started with the 2020 Carnival hit song Carry On.