All eyes were on Devon “Lyrical” Martin, acclaimed Soca artist from Trinidad and Tobago, as he delivered an electrifying performance in the heart of Times Square on Sunday, August 25, 2024. As Lyrical brought the vibrant energy and infectious beats of the Caribbean in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, it was clear why he is referred to as New York’s King of Soca.
The Times Square performance marked an important milestone for Soca and Lyrikal’s career as he continues to strengthen his reputation as a global ambassador for Soca music. Fans from across the city and beyond flocked to watch the dynamic show, which featured a mix of his classic hits and new releases. Those at the lively Broadway intersection in Midtown Manhattan were seen dancing and singing along to every beat.
The performance featured at Tropical Fete’s annual Pop-Up Caribbean Carnival also included Steelpan characters and traditional carnival characters. Lyrikal’s performance of his hit song ‘Happy Place’ was accompanied by Tropical Fete’s Steel Youth Orchestra. Reflecting on the performance, Lyrical expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his music in such a legendary venue. “We did it for the culture. To perform in Times Square is a dream come true. The energy, the people, the atmosphere – it’s something I’ll never forget. To look out at the people and see a variety of Caribbean flags and smiling faces of it makes everything count, I’m proud to represent my culture and bring Soca to the world stage,” said Lyrikal.
Lyrikal’s performance in Times Square highlighted his incredible talent and underscored the growing influence of Soca music on the world music scene. As it continues to break boundaries and reach new audiences, Lyrical remains committed to celebrating and spreading the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.
