by Dianne Mendes

Upstage TV Show has quickly become the ‘Verzuz’ of the Caribbean as entertainers in Grenada find creative ways of engaging fans virtually during the pandemic. The Facebook live production has featured Soca, Reggae and Dancehall artistes from Grenada going head to head in a friendly battle of original music.

Taking place 8pm on Saturdays, Upstage features live performances from Soca, Reggae and Dancehall artistes who face off against each other in friendly head-to-head battles. Thus far the show has seen amazing performances by some of the biggest Grenadian names in music including multi-time Power and Groovy Soca Kings Boyzie and Dash, 2017 Carriacou Power Soca Monarch winner Slatta, songstress Valene and Urban Reggae Artist A#keem. The season, started on 20 June will end on what would have been Carnival Saturday, 8 August 2020. 

This Monday, 27 July will feature a highly anticipated clash between 3-time Road March winners Lil Natty and Thunda. Fans will have a lot to look forward to in this unique clash, as the “Get in your section” singers of this dynamic duo will instead be pitted against each other. 

Upstage adds a unique twist to the Verzuz frenzy created by American music producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. Apart from entertaining performances from the artistes themselves, the show starts off with a live DJ stirring up a wicked blend of choice tracks before the main performance. Upstage TV Show, produced by Chrislyn Lashington aka Msy.Chrissy has also featured traditional aspects of Caribbean culture in the forms of traditional dress, dance, spoken word poetry and a live band with goat-skin drums. 

The cancellation of carnival events as a result of the coronavirus pandemic left a large gap in the hearts of mas-loving Grenadians. Therefore, in an effort to keep the festive spirit alive and feature Grenadian talent, the well-known Grenadian radio and TV personality produced Upstage. Since its premier, Upstage has garnered impressive viewership, climbing to over 100,000 views within only the first three episodes. It has provided a much needed catalyst through which music lovers can be entertained from home. 

With the rising success of Upstage, the young producer is now looking into avenues through which she can take the show on the road, inviting artistes from all over the Caribbean to participate in upcoming seasons.