BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – JACINTH ‘SHAKKI’ SMITHEN, one of the lead vocalists of d’Vybz Band, will be participating in this year’s Carnival in St. Vincent, which is popularly known as Vincy Mas.

Smithen will be performing at a pre-carnival event called Caribbean Soca Explosion, which is organised by Vincy Promotions and will be held on Saturday, June 6.

The event is said to feature the region’s top soca acts including Zoelah, Fire Empress, Bomani and Icon.

Smithen told SKNVibes that she would be in St. Vincent from June 4-7 and, while there, she would also network and be a part of activities to promote herself as an artiste.

Smithen said that the event is an opportunity for her to break into the soca arena and she sees St. Vincent as a place where soca music is dominant.

“I’m hoping that this opportunity will open more doors for me. I’m always excited and eager to breakout as a soca artiste especially in the Windward Islands, and I’m looking forward to this performance. I’m very excited,” she said.

Smithen, who is known for her colourful performances in tantalizing outfits and colourful braids and weaves, said that it would be energy ‘cyan dun’ for the crowd.

“I’m definitely aiming to please the crowd,” she said.

She will be performing a number of songs she recorded since being with d’Vybz Band, including ‘Hello’, ‘Get on so’, ‘Like Doves’ and ‘Having a ball’.

“The organisers feel very excited about meeting me after hearing my music, and I’m very pleased with the way things have been going and I’m looking forward to the exposure,” she said.

There are also a number of other gigs that Smithen will be a part of with the band in neighbouring islands, including Anguilla, Tortola, Statia and Nevis.

Another major upcoming gig for Smithen will be her second appearance on the annual St. Kitts Music Festival, where she will perform as a solo act on the final night - Saturday, June, 27.

“This will be an opportunity for all those have been behind me to see me perform as a solo act on the festival,” she said.

Smithen has been with d’Vybz Band since its inception in 2006, and their current album ‘Doing it Right’ will be featured on Caribbean Soundtrack TV Show with Sonya Sims.

The Caribbean Soca Explosion is said to be one of the major events for the Vincy Mas celebration.