Caribbean Carnival in Brooklyn is the largest celebration of Caribbean culture in the United States. People come from all over to celebrate the food, culture, art, and music of the Caribbean. This year, as usual, there were parties, concerts, and events taking place all over New York City, the center of it all being Brooklyn. With the relatively new venue, the Barclays Center, showcasing everything from Beyonce to Brooklyn’s first NHL hockey match, looming over Flatbush Ave, it seemed only right to have the Caribbean massive take over that as well… not just for one night though. Oh no. It is Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn.
The organizers of the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree decided on REAL bacchanal – Dahved Levy, Steven Williams, Robert Clarke and Louis Grant set up a three day Caribbean music extravaganza featuring the best in Caribbean music. The first night featured international music including zouk, and Wyclef Jean performed. The third night was a night of reggae and dancehall royalty including Damian Marley, Shabba Ranks, and Capelton. But the second night…. yes – right in the middle of it – was a night of soca madness featuring Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons (click here for the interview), Edwin Yearwood, Alison Hinds, Iwer George, Skinny Fabulous (click here for the interview) and Tallpree (click here for the interview).
Left to Right: @racablog, @jayblessed, @socamomdc, @dyschick
I hit the road on Saturday to check out the “Carnival Mania” Night at the suggestion of fellow Caribbean blogger and Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree event team member Jay Blessed.
Bunji Garlin on stage – Photo Credit: @gigibratt on Instagram
The music was incredible. I expected nothing less with the lineup of soca superstars set to perform. I did expect the venue to have more of a crowd considering the number and quality of the performers. I am guessing that there may have been at least two contributing factors to the lower than expected attendance.
The price point was high compared to the other events happening during the week, and Panorama was the same night. Nonetheless, the people who did choose to come out, came with rags and flags – ready for a fete – and fete they got.
Fay-Ann Lyons and Beenie Man – Photo Credit: @realjayblessed on Instagram
Jay Blessed’s camera caught Beenie Man – a known soca lover – in the crowd (and even popping up on stage) having a ball…
Beenie Man in the crowd (right) – Photo Credit: @realjayblessed on Instagram
So not only was the show great, but I was able to chat with the artists after their performances about everything from raising kids on the road to creating child friendly soca music.
In our interview, Iwer George shares his love for inspiring children with his family friendly tunes.
Edwin Yearwood shared how his music changed when he heard a child singing lyrics that were not age appropriate.
Skinny Fabulous shared his childhood dream, and how he would take that dream to the next level if given the chance. Let’s just say he’d be giving LIAT a run for its money!
Fay-Ann Lyons, Soca Mom extraordinaire talked with me about traveling with her little one in tow, and working with family. Her husband, Bunji Garlin, also shared what it is like to see his baby girl on stage. It truly is a family affair!
Those interviews are coming soon to the YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe!
[UPDATES]
Interview with Grenada’s Tallpree is now on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eB4c8eQkE4
Interview with Vincy Mas Soca Monarch 2013, Skinny Fabulous, is now on Youtube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8byewMycSFo
Interview with three-time Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Road March champion, International Soca Monarch, and International Groovy Soca Monarch champion Fay-Ann Lyons is now on YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYsxytpXabA
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