Barmuvinjam's Soca versus Reggae series promises to be explosive.

The annual event, on the second day of Cup Match, is produced in conjunction with Startime. It starts at 9 p.m. on Friday under the Big Tent at #1 Gate, St. George's.

Vejay Steede said: "The Soca versus Reggae series has fast become one of the hottest tickets of the summer.

"It is held every year on the second day of Cup Match, this exuberant celebration of Caribbean music is destined to become a highlight of summertime in Bermuda for many years to come!

"The series began in 2007, when the Barmuvinjam crew braved monsoon conditions on the beach in St. George's to deliver an unforgettable event that had every shirt soaked by the end of the night.

"The evening saw Reggae take the crown by the narrowest of margins, when local legends Magnum Force deployed their unyielding core of devoted followers onto the front line to snatch a last minute victory away from a strong Soca contingent.

"Soca was represented by Trini Boy and Swanny, and Barmuvinjam's own De General and 'Tombo, who worked the crowd into a frenzy each time they played, but still couldn't overcome the aggressive Reggae assault. Round one: Reggae."

Although Reggae took the title in 2007, last year was quite another story.

"We saw the importation of celebrated international acts; and what a show they put on!" said Mr. Steede.

"Reggae was once again represented by Magnum Force, with Shock 'n' Lust, and the internationally renowned Reggaelution sound out of Miami.

"The real story of the 2008 event, however, was the impact of Soca purveyors extraordinaire the Soca Twins out of Germany. The early rounds were ably handled by De General and Atlanta's DJ Tony Tempo, but once the Soca Twins hit the precariously unstable stage, the battle was all but done.

"The Germans had the crowd eating out of their hands during every second of their two outstanding sets, and by the end of the show, there was absolutely no doubt that Soca had evened the score in the most emphatic way possible. Round two: Soca."

He added: "The Soca Twins are returning to defend their title, and the honour of the music they love and play so well, and Reggae will be represented by Japanese bad gals Baddy 45," he added.

Tickets $40 are available at Secrets or $50 at the gate.