Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Pandemonium Steel Orchestra Wins Pan Explosion at Blockorama

    Pandemonium Steel Orchestra Wins Pan Explosion at Blockorama

    Last night’s Pan Explosion competition, held as a highlight of the Original Steel Orchestra’s Blockorama event, delivered an evening of vibrant rhythm and world-class steelpan performance, with Pandemonium Steel Orchestra emerging as the clear champion of the prestigious competition.

    As a long-standing staple of Antigua and Barbuda’s national cultural calendar, the annual showcase draws the nation’s most skilled and celebrated steel bands each year, giving ensembles a platform to display their technical mastery, creative arrangements, and signature stage energy to enthusiastic audiences and expert judges alike. This year’s event lived up to its reputation, packing the venue with fans of the iconic Caribbean musical tradition and offering dynamic sets from every competing group.

    What set Pandemonium Steel Orchestra apart from the field was a trifect of standout strengths: a thoughtfully crafted, powerful arrangement, flawless precise execution of every rhythmic layer, and a high-octane dynamic stage presence that connected deeply with everyone in the room. The ensemble’s performance drew resounding praise both from the competition’s judging panel and the packed audience of attendees, who cheered loudly through the group’s set.

    The first-place win at this year’s Pan Explosion does more than add a trophy to the group’s collection: it further solidifies Pandemonium Steel Orchestra’s long-held reputation as one of the most dominant and influential forces in Antigua and Barbuda’s thriving local steelpan community.

  • Cap

    Cap

    Haiti’s northern region has formally opened its slate of centennial celebrations honoring iconic Haitian writer René Depestre, launching the regional program on Friday, April 17, 2026 with a curated retrospective exhibition at Cap-Haïtien’s Musée de la Monnaie (Museum of the Mint).

    The exhibition uses immersive informational panels to guide visitors through the extraordinary dual literary and political career of Depestre, best known for his groundbreaking work *Alléluia pour une femme-jardin* (Hallelujah for a Woman-Garden). The launch event brought together cultural leaders, literary institutions, and community members to honor Depestre’s enduring legacy as one of Haiti’s most influential cultural voices.

    In his opening remarks to attendees, Marc Exavier, national coordinator for the centennial celebration year, shared exciting news for literary audiences: a newly reissued complete collection of Depestre’s poetic works, titled *Rage de vivre* (Rage to Live), has just been released and featured in French literary media. The reissue brings Depestre’s powerful poetry back into print for a new generation of readers.

    Alteery Maxi Marc, director of Cap-Haïtien’s Alliance Française, used the occasion to highlight Depestre’s lasting contributions to Caribbean and world literature while drawing attention to the critical role of reading in youth development. Speaking on behalf of Ernst Saint Louis, director general of Haiti’s National Book Directorate (DNL), Stephania Duchel extended formal gratitude to the network of partner cultural institutions that made the launch event and larger centennial program possible. She also reaffirmed the DNL’s long-standing commitment to its core mission: expanding access to books and fostering a culture of reading across every region of Haiti.

    The opening celebration was enriched by live performances, with actors Micken Jeanite and Billy Desir delivering dramatic readings of selections from Depestre’s most beloved works. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Haitian jazz ensemble Stars 262 provided musical entertainment throughout the event.

    Notable guests in attendance included Fritz Alphonse Jean, former presidential transitional advisor; Angélique Jules Verdilus, director of the Museum of the Mint; and Alteery Maxi Marc, representing the Alliance Française. The nationwide centennial initiative first launched on August 29, 2025, and will run through August 29, 2026, with events planned across multiple Haitian cities to bring Depestre’s work to new audiences.

    For audiences interested in engaging further with Haitian literary culture, three interactive educational games focused on Haitian literature are available for public access at https://quiz.haitilibre.com/en, located under the Haiti “Literature” menu. The event was reported by iciHaiti.

  • Govt opens Crop Over events to private sector as Cohobblopot returns

    Govt opens Crop Over events to private sector as Cohobblopot returns

    Barbados is embracing a bold new strategy for its iconic annual Crop Over festival, opening production rights for the event’s flagship activities to qualified private sector organizations. The progressive policy shift is designed to inject fresh creative energy into the cultural celebration, lift production standards, expand its international footprint, and protect the festival’s core cultural heritage, according to government officials.

    The official announcement was made by Senator Shane Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with oversight for Youth and Culture, during the festival’s official media launch hosted Saturday at the Hilton Barbados Resort. Archer confirmed that eligible domestic and international entities will be invited to submit competitive bids to manage and produce Crop Over’s most high-profile events, including the wildly popular Party Monarch competition and the classic Cohobblopot showcase.

    Archer emphasized that this public-private partnership model is not a withdrawal of government commitment to the festival, but a forward-thinking evolution of how the cultural event is governed. “This is not a step back from responsibility. It is a step forward into partnership,” he stated, noting that the new framework will drive creative innovation and strengthen the festival’s ability to compete on the global cultural tourism stage.

    Beyond boosting the festival itself, Archer explained that the policy creates a pathway for local Barbadian businesses to expand their operational capacity, scale their creative enterprises, and position themselves as exporters of Barbadian culture, rather than just local participants in the annual celebration.

    A key highlight of the 202X Crop Over plans is the long-awaited return of Cohobblopot, which is making a comeback after more than 10 years off the official festival calendar. Government officials plan to stage the reimagined event on a large scale, with direct support from private sector production partners. Archer noted that the revival comes after years of consistent public calls to bring back the beloved event, but stressed that the decision is rooted in strategic cultural planning, not nostalgia alone.

    Addressing potential pushback from observers who question the relevance of reviving a legacy event, Archer pushed back on the idea that cultural renewal requires rejecting the past. “Being youthful is not about rejecting the past… youth know how to recognise value, refresh it, and make it matter again,” he said.

    The minister explained that the return of Cohobblopot will center on intentional renewal, not simple replication of the historic event. “There’s nothing new under the sun, but there’s always room for renewal. Real freshness is knowing what was good and having the vision and capability to present it in a way that belongs fully to the cultural environment we live in now,” he added.

    Far from being a static “museum piece” or a carbon copy of the earlier iterations of the event, the new Cohobblopot will be framed as a re-energized cultural experience crafted to resonate with a new generation of festival-goers, while still delivering the nostalgic magic that long-time attendees remember fondly.

    For decades, Cohobblopot stood as a cornerstone of the Crop Over festival, blending live music, elaborate costume design, and theatrical performance into one of the calendar’s most anticipated showcases. “For many Barbadians, Cohobblopot was never just another event on the calendar. It was a spectacle, it was performance, it was culture,” Archer said. “It was the meeting point of music, design, and national excitement in one place.”

    Archer confirmed that the 202X revival will be guided by contemporary creative thinking, upgraded production standards, and a intentional alignment with the modern Crop Over festival structure, setting the stage for a refreshed cultural experience that honors the past while embracing the present.

  • Reggae rocks Diane Warren

    Reggae rocks Diane Warren

    One of the music industry’s most decorated and prolific hitmakers, Diane Warren — an Academy Award honoree, Emmy and Grammy winner, three-time consecutive Billboard Music Awards songwriter and Golden Globe recipient — is set to launch a highly unusual new project: a 13-track reggae compilation album titled *Songs in the Key of Diane: A Reggae Compilation of Diane Warren Songs*. Slated for global release on July 31, the collection reimagines Warren’s catalog through the lens of Pacific Island musical talent, who offer fresh covers of some of the songwriter’s most iconic and underrated work. The album brings together a mix of beloved classic hits, deep-cut fan favorites, and never-before-released tracks all penned by Warren, with a diverse lineup of featured performers including Common Kings, Fiji, Pia Mia, Lea Love, and Gramps Morgan, among many others.

    In an official statement announcing the upcoming drop, Warren opened up about her longstanding affection for the reggae genre, and how the style has quietly woven its way into her own writing for decades. “I’ve always loved reggae,” she explained. “It’s music that just makes you feel good. My music has always had that rhythmic Caribbean feel, starting with *Rhythm of the Night*. It’s cool to have fresh covers of the old hits; it’s like putting a new set of clothes on them. But I’m even more excited about the songs that haven’t been heard before. There’s such a wide variety of artistes on this record, which made it so much fun to do.”

    Warren added that the project grew out of her core belief that a truly great song can transcend any genre. “What makes a song great is its ability to stand on its own two feet, and be able to work in different genres, like reggae,” she said. “If the melody, lyrics and rhythm are there — the bones — it should work in any style of music. I could write something as a ballad and have it turned into a killer dance track. I love taking a song and flipping it on its head.”

    The collaborative project is the product of more than 30 years of professional friendship between Warren and Steven Rosen, president of Regime Music Group, who curated the collection. Rosen co-produced the album alongside Warren and Regime/Island Empire co-founders Ivory Daniel and Kevin Zinger.

    Gramps Morgan, of the iconic Grammy-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage, delivers a performance of the track *I Wish That*, and he opened up about his excitement to join the project when speaking with the *Jamaica Observer* earlier this month. “Working with Diane Warren and her team was exceptional. When I got the call to be a part of the album I was shocked. I’m just excited to be a part of the project. For her to even pick the genre of reggae and to have me sing a song like *I Wish That* is a blessing,” Morgan told the outlet.

    The compilation also includes a historic final recording from beloved late Pacific reggae superstar Fiji, born George Brooks Veikoso, who died at age 55 in July 2025. Fiji delivers his take on *You Kind of Beautiful*, a track originally recorded by country singer Jimmie Allen for Warren’s 2021 project *The Cave Sessions, Vol 1*. Polynesian/Samoan reggae artist Sammy Johnson interprets *I Heart U*, a never-before-released reggae track Warren wrote specifically for this collection.

    Other standout tracks include Filipino American singer Eli Mac’s reimagining of Exposé’s 1983 hit *I’ll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me*, Tongan singer Analea Brown’s take on Aerosmith’s 1998 Oscar-nominated blockbuster *I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing* from the *Armageddon* soundtrack, and Hawaiian-born artist MAKUA’s cover of Bad English’s 1989 chart-topper *When I See You Smile*. Hawaiian artist Anuhea puts a reggae spin on LeAnn Rimes’ *Can’t Fight the Moonlight* from the *Coyote Ugly* soundtrack, while the collection also includes unreleased deep cuts such as Pia Mia’s *Hey Haters*.

    For Warren, the opportunity to match her unheard catalog with perfect vocal fits from the reggae and Pacific Island music community was the biggest draw of the entire project. “Being able to place these songs with these reggae and Pacific Island artistes so that they can be heard was a big attraction for me,” she said. “I write songs without having any idea about who can perform them, and then along comes an artiste who fits it perfectly. That happened throughout this project.”

    Over a decades-long career, Warren has built an unparalleled legacy as a hit songwriter, penning chart-topping tracks for some of the biggest names in music across every genre. Her resume includes DeBarge’s 1985 number one hit *Rhythm of the Night*, Cher’s *If I Could Turn Back Time*, Chicago’s final number one single *Look Away*, Celine Dion’s *Because You Loved Me*, Bad English’s *When I See You Smile*, Michael Bolton’s *Completely*, Toni Braxton’s *Un-Break My Heart*, and Chante Moore’s *I See You in a Different Light*, among dozens of other hits. In total, Warren has penned nine number one singles and 33 tracks that have cracked the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

  • June Isaacs hopes ‘The Cool Ruler’ biography connects Gregory with new fans

    June Isaacs hopes ‘The Cool Ruler’ biography connects Gregory with new fans

    On April 13, Jamaica’s St Andrew played host to the local launch of a long-awaited biography honoring one of reggae music’s most iconic voices, Gregory Isaacs. Titled *The Cool Ruler: The Incredible Life Story of Gregory Isaacs*, the project is the debut literary work of Peter Price, a Kingston College educator and lifelong fan of the late singer. The event opened with a warm, nostalgic welcome for guests: a life-size poster of Isaacs, the beloved artist who earned his famous “Cool Ruler” nickname through his smooth vocal style and magnetic stage presence, greeted attendees as they entered Triple T Eatery, the venue for the launch.

    At 388 pages, the biography pulls back the curtain on every chapter of Isaacs’ extraordinary life and decades-long career, which cemented his status as a global reggae superstar. The book dives deep into the creation of his most enduring hit tracks, including fan favorites *Night Nurse*, *Soon Forward*, and *Love is Overdue*—songs that still receive regular radio play and draw crowds at reggae festivals more than a decade after the singer’s passing. It also does not shy away from the personal struggles that shaped Isaacs’ journey, offering an unflinching account of his decades-long public and private battle with substance abuse.

    While the Jamaican launch brought the project to the artist’s home country for the first time, the biography actually made its global debut a year earlier, in May of the previous year, in the United Kingdom. The initial release coincided with a six-show run of *The Cool Ruler: The Musical*, a stage production adapted from Isaacs’ life story that drew warm reviews from international audiences. Price shared that from initial research to final editing, the entire project took two years of dedicated work to complete.

    Among the special guests in attendance at the St Andrew launch was June Isaacs, Gregory’s widow, who spoke to local media about what she hopes the book will offer new generations of fans. “I absolutely hope young Jamaicans will buy this book. It’s more than a biography, it’s a piece of history,” she told *Observer Online*. “Our young people need to see real examples of resilience, discipline, and purpose from someone who walked the same streets, faced the same system, and still made an impact.”

    For Price, the project is far more than a work of nonfiction—it is a labor of love rooted in decades of admiration for the reggae icon. A graduate of Kingston’s Mico Teachers College, Price grew up in Bamboo, St Ann, where he first fell in love with Isaacs’ music as a young person. Over the decades, he followed the artist’s career closely, and even had the chance to meet him once at a live performance years ago.

    The launch event included a book signing session with Price, and the biography carries the official endorsement of the Gregory Isaacs Foundation, the nonprofit organization that manages legacy projects and charitable initiatives tied to the singer. Other notable attendees included foundation president Colin Leslie, University of the West Indies lecturer Dr. Dennis Howard, celebrated Jamaican singer Nadine Sutherland, and veteran broadcaster Donald Phipps, all of whom gathered to celebrate the enduring impact of Isaacs’ life and career.

  • Battle of The Drums Holds Album Launch Concert

    Battle of The Drums Holds Album Launch Concert

    On the evening of April 17, 2026, the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts will come alive with the vibrant percussive rhythms and cultural heritage of Garifuna music, as the organization Battle of the Drums hosts a special launch concert for its first curated compilation album. More than just a release event, the showcase doubles as a tribute to four decades of musical legacy, elevating emerging Garifuna talent while honoring the legendary trailblazers who brought this distinct cultural art form to a global audience. The compilation album, years in the making, pulls together nine award-winning original tracks from Battle of the Drums competitions held annually since 2017, each one a celebration of the genre’s rich rhythmic traditions and evolving creativity. In a pre-event interview, Darius Avila, president of Battle of the Drums, outlined the dual mission driving the project: to shine a global spotlight on the depth of Garifuna musical culture, and to address longstanding gaps in support and protection for local Garifuna artists. Unlike many informal releases that leave independent creators without rights or compensation, this project is structured to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to the artists behind the music. Avila explained that once launched, the nine-track compilation will be distributed across more than 20 major global streaming platforms, opening unprecedented access for the featured artists to connect with international audiences and break into the broader world music industry. Crucially, the project formalizes intellectual property rights for each track, giving artists legal ownership of their original work and protecting their creations from unauthorized use. Most importantly, the distribution model ensures artists earn direct royalty income from streams, putting monetary benefits directly into the pockets of the creators who built the genre. The launch event itself will follow a full concert format, kicking off promptly at 7:00 PM local time. Every artist featured on the album will take the stage to perform their track live, backed by the popular local ensemble Sweet Pain 3.0. Confirmed performers include iconic Garifuna musicians Pen Cayetano, Adrian “the Doc” Martinez, Chico Ramos, Mohobub Flores and Peter Poots Flores. Following the live performances, each participating artist will receive a special award recognizing their contribution to Garifuna music. The night will also include a moving segment honoring the legends who built the foundation of modern Garifuna music on the global stage but have since passed. Trailblazers Andy Palacio, Aurelio Martinez, and Paul Nabor, who first earned international acclaim for Garifuna music when they competed and won recognition at the World Music Awards as part of the Garifuna Collective, will be posthumously honored with awards that will be accepted by their family beneficiaries. Tickets for the launch concert are available for purchase directly at the Bliss Center box office for $20 per person, with doors opening ahead of the 7:00 PM sharp start time. The event represents a key milestone in Battle of the Drums’ ongoing work to preserve Garifuna cultural heritage while creating sustainable opportunities for the next generation of local artists.

  • Jamaican Reggae Legend Ernie Smith Dies at 80

    Jamaican Reggae Legend Ernie Smith Dies at 80

    The global reggae community is mourning the loss of one of its pioneering figures, legendary Jamaican musician Ernie Smith, who passed away on the evening of April 16, 2026 at a medical facility in Florida. He was 80 years old, just two weeks shy of his 81st birthday scheduled for May 1.

    His passing was confirmed by his wife Claudette Bailey-Smith in an interview with Jamaica’s leading national newspaper The Jamaica Gleaner. Bailey-Smith shared that Smith had already completed one surgical procedure at the Florida hospital and was preparing for a second operation when he succumbed.

    Smith’s decades-long career in music helped shape the sound of modern Jamaican reggae and cement the genre’s reputation around the world. He launched his professional journey in the late 1960s, and his infectious, distinctive sound quickly made him a household name across the entire Caribbean region. By 1971, he had already notched two major chart hits with *Bend Down* and *Ride on Sammy*, establishing him as one of the most promising new talents in Jamaican music. Over the following decades, he went on to record a catalog of tracks that remain among the most recognizable and beloved in reggae history, including signature classics *Pitta Patta* and *Duppy Gunman* that still receive regular airplay across Caribbean radio stations today.

    Smith’s breakthrough onto the international stage came in 1972, when he competed and took home the top prize at the prestigious annual Yamaha Music Festival held in Japan. His winning entry, *Life is Just for Living*, had an unexpected origin: it was originally composed as a jingle for a Red Stripe beer commercial before being expanded into a full song that captured global acclaim.

    Recognizing his immense contribution to the nation’s cultural identity, the government of Jamaica honored Smith the very next year. In 1973, he received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in the Field of Music, awarded for his enduring impact on growing Jamaica’s cultural heritage both at home and abroad. Beyond his home country, Smith built strong connections across Central America, and made multiple performance and personal visits to Belize throughout his career.

    As news of his death spread, tributes have begun pouring in from reggae fans, fellow musicians, and cultural institutions around the world, celebrating Smith’s legacy as a trailblazer who brought Jamaican reggae to a global audience.

  • US Embassy launches Next Level Hip Hop Programme

    US Embassy launches Next Level Hip Hop Programme

    A new cross-cultural artistic initiative is set to bring American and Grenadian creative communities together next spring, as the U.S. Embassy in Grenada officially announced the launch of the 2026 Next Level Hip Hop Programme. This dynamic exchange project, developed in collaboration with Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, will host a two-week immersive residency from April 13 to 24, 2026, pairing established American hip hop artists and industry professionals with emerging local Grenadian talent.

    Throughout the residency, participating Grenadian creators will gain hands-on experience across four core pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, breakdance, DJing, and aerosol art. Sessions will combine skill-building workshops, collaborative creation opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship designed to lift up local creative voices.

    Unlike traditional performance programs, Next Level frames hip hop as more than an art form: it serves as a versatile platform for personal storytelling, cross-cultural dialogue, creative entrepreneurship, and grassroots community building. At its core, the initiative aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and Grenada, strengthen people-to-people connections, and create space for the open, free exchange of ideas between artists from different backgrounds.

    The 2026 iteration of the programme carries special historical significance, as it coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary of national independence. The program is used as a showcase for the enduring values of free expression, creative innovation, and equal access to opportunity that the anniversary celebrates — values that cultural exchange efforts like Next Level work to advance every day.

    Next Level is a flagship initiative of the U.S. Department of State, with on-the-ground implementation managed by the non-profit Meridian International Centre. Officials from the U.S. Embassy Grenada have publicly expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Government of Grenada, noting the shared commitment to nurturing and expanding Grenada’s growing creative economy.

    To cap off the two-week residency, the program will wrap with a free, open-to-the-public showcase that invites the entire Grenadian community to experience the work created during the collaboration. The event will celebrate the vibrant, unique creative talent of Grenada’s hip hop scene and highlight the new connections forged between the participating artists from both nations.

  • Lost In Paradise finds home in Kgn

    Lost In Paradise finds home in Kgn

    Last Friday, the verdant, sprawling gardens of Jamaica Pegasus Hotel underwent a stunning transformation, reborn as a dreamlike floral oasis to host Lost In Paradise – an all-inclusive premium fete that has injected a bold, playful new energy into Jamaica’s annual Carnival lineup.

    Originating as a beloved signature event from Barbados’ world-famous party circuit, Lost In Paradise made its highly anticipated Jamaican debut via an innovative collaborative partnership with local Carnival powerhouse Xodus Carnival. This cross-island collaboration delivered a seamless blend of distinct Caribbean cultural energies, crafting a one-of-a-kind elevated celebration that brought island synergy to vivid life.

    From the moment guests crossed the entrance, they were enveloped in a sensory-driven atmosphere crafted to delight and enchant. Whimsical, oversize floral installations stretched across the grounds, soft romantic lighting cast a warm glow over the space, and carefully crafted photo backdrops turned every corner into a shareable moment. The event’s aesthetic struck an effortless balance between refined elegance and unapologetic playfulness, ensuring every attendee left with lasting memories and a camera roll full of stunning shots.

    The entire night hummed with electric energy, powered by a stacked lineup of top-tier Caribbean musical talent. Virgin Islands soca star Adam O kicked off the live performances with a high-octane set led by his popular track *Warming Up*, getting the crowd on their feet from the first note. Following his set, Trinidadian DJ Major Penny surprised attendees by bringing soca heavyweights Voice, V’ghn, and Skinny Fabulous to the stage for an unplanned, high-energy collaborative set that kept the crowd dancing and amplified the venue’s electric vibe through the final hour of the event.

    A core highlight of the experience was its premium open bar offering, headlined by luxury cognac brand Courvoisier. The brand’s signature smooth profile and reputation for sophistication became a foundational part of the event’s upscale identity, adding a refined touch to every guest’s night of indulgence. The curated bar service ensured a steady flow of expertly crafted high-quality cocktails, perfectly matching the event’s elevated, chic ambience.

    Dominic Bell, Communications Manager at J Wray & Nephew Ltd., shared insight into the event’s core vision following its successful run: “Lost In Paradise was always about creating a specific feeling – something soft, beautiful, and fully immersive, yet undeniably vibrant. Partnering with Xodus Carnival to bring this Bajan staple to Jamaica was a natural fit, and the public response exceeded every one of our expectations.”

    With its wildly successful first run in Kingston, Lost In Paradise has already cemented its place as a standout new addition to the Jamaica Carnival calendar. The event offers a refreshing reimagining of the traditional Caribbean fete experience, blending chic aesthetic, unbridled energy, and cross-cultural collaboration to create an unforgettable experience for attendees.

    As the last song faded and guests departed Friday night, one thing became abundantly clear: Paradise has found a new permanent home in Kingston.

  • Clarendon Jerk Fest delivers on fun

    Clarendon Jerk Fest delivers on fun

    Jamaica’s Clarendon parish welcomed a vibrant new community tradition over the Easter weekend, as the inaugural Clarendon Jerk Fest drew enthusiastic crowds to Woodleigh Estate, blending iconic local flavors, family-friendly entertainment and charitable impact despite scattered rain showers.

    Organized by returning resident Lance Roache, the full-day celebration kicked off in the late afternoon, designed to cater to guests of all ages. Young attendees jumped into a lineup of interactive games, while adult visitors grooved to curated musical sets from popular DJ iKon. Media personality and event host Talia Soares-Brown kept energy high throughout the afternoon, engaging the crowd with sponsor-provided giveaways that added extra excitement to the day.

    One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights was a star-studded celebrity cookoff, which brought together prominent local figures from across different sectors. Participants included Orrett Wallace, principal of Foga Road High; Suzette Camille Buchanan, CEO of Bellevue Hospital; well-known comedian and digital content creator Evert “Evy Royal” Johnson; and Eugena Clarke James, CEO of May Pen Hospital. Wallace ultimately took home the top prize in the friendly competition, partnering with local favorite Murray’s Fish and Jerk Hut to craft a crowd-pleasing rasta pasta paired with signature jerk chicken.

    Beyond food and fun, the festival carried meaningful community purpose: a portion of all proceeds will benefit May Pen Hospital, which serves approximately 300 patients daily from Clarendon and surrounding neighboring communities. Clarke James emphasized the importance of the event for her institution, noting that participating in the first edition of the festival held huge value for the hospital and the communities it supports.

    Corporate partner The Best Dressed Chicken, one of the event’s key sponsors, echoed that commitment to community connection. Brand manager Arielle Oliver noted that the festival aligned perfectly with the company’s core values, offering an ideal platform to connect with local residents and give back to the Clarendon community while celebrating the things that bring Jamaicans together: great food, shared joy, and family-focused fun.

    As daylight faded and evening fell, the festival’s main stage opened for a stacked lineup of comedic and musical performances. Comedy duo Apachie Chief and Sarge kicked off the evening entertainment, followed by sets from rising recording artists Deizzle, Pipelyne, Inpha Reblitive and Ching Boss, before headlining acts Shane O and Ding Dong took the stage to cap off the night.

    In addition to the celebrity cookoff, the festival hosted two competitive categories for local food vendors: Kevin “Antsman” Smith claimed the title of Best Pan Jerk Chicken, while local favorite Lorraine’s Kitchen won the award for Best Jerk Vendor.

    Roache, the festival’s host and organizer, shared that he was pleased with the outcome of the first staging, even with multiple other events happening across the parish and the wider region over the Easter weekend that split potential crowds. Despite that, he called the turnout a strong showing for the new festival, praising all participating performers from local up-and-coming acts to the big-name headliners for delivering standout sets that kept the crowd engaged. Even sporadic light rain throughout the day failed to dampen attendees’ enthusiasm, with guests staying to sample the wide range of jerk and local food offerings and enjoy every moment of the celebration.