Positive vibes in store at annual Caribbean music festival

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This article was published 27/06/2024 (488 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Old Market Square will be transformed into a Caribbean dance party this weekend when the Soca Reggae Festival returns to Winnipeg for its 17th year, bringing a vibrant mix of music and culture to the Exchange District.

As central Canada’s largest Afro- and Indo-Caribbean music festival, it promises two days of high-energy live performances, DJs and family-friendly fun Friday and Saturday.

“It’s about bringing the Caribbean culture to Winnipeg and letting everybody enjoy and learn about it through music and food,” says Nicole Sankar, one of the festival’s co-ordinators.

Started in 2006, the festival aims to increase local awareness and appreciation of soca and reggae. Soca music, a genre that originated in Trinidad and Tobago, is known for its upbeat and lively rhythms perfect for dancing. Reggae, hailing from Jamaica, is characterized by its laid-back beats and socially conscious lyrics.

This year’s lineup features a diverse array of local and international artists. Homegrown talent includes dancehall/reggae musician and dancer Black Lantern of T-West, rock reggae band Dub City Foundation and Afrobeat/reggae artist Jedimz.

Touring acts — including Calgary’s Gyal Ediot, Jahmiel and Charly Black from Jamaica, Afro B from London, and Motto from St. Lucia — will also take the stage.

Organizers stress that the festival is a family-friendly event.

Attendees can try Caribbean cuisine from various food trucks (including K&S Island Grill and Triple S.S.S. Caribbean & African Cusines), browse the offerings from local vendors and enjoy a licensed beverage garden — there are three different bar areas, including a tiki bar — that features a Caribbean-style lager brewed especially for the fest by Sookram’s.

On Saturday, children can have their face painted and play in a bouncy castle.

“We want everyone of all ages to come and enjoy and have fun, regardless of their background,” Sankar says.

Kevan Francis, known as Black Lantern of T-West, who performs on Saturday, is excited to return to the festival.

“This would be my second year around with Soca Reggae. I’m just going to bring vibes and just good energy and crowd interaction,” he says.

Originally from Westmoreland, Jamaica, Francis comes from a musical family.

“My mom was a backup singer and dancer, and my dad is an entertainer in Toronto now. I grew up surrounded by music and dance,” he says, adding he enjoys the Winnipeg music scene.

“The music scene here is diverse and the local talent is incredible.”

Black Lantern is particularly enthusiastic about the lineup this year.

“I grew up listening to Charly Black and Jameel, and it’s great to share the stage with them. Everybody is going to bring good vibes for the audience and our fans,” he says.

Another anticipated performer is Garfield Louis, the man behind the stage name is Gyal Ediot, who is set to perform tonight. Originally from Jamaica, he has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years.

“I’ve been doing standup comedy and music, but I’ve taken music more seriously for the last six, seven years since I moved to Canada,” he says. “Being onstage is nothing new for me. I travel the world musically.”

The festival’s history is rooted in a love for soca and reggae music; it began with a mission to promote these genres and has since become a staple of Winnipeg’s summer festival lineup, Sankar says.

“It’s all about love and unity,” she says. “We love to see people of all nationalities coming to enjoy the Caribbean culture.”

thandi.vera@winnipegfreepress.com

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