Summer 2024 did not disappoint at all. To be honest, the weather has improved, but that’s not surprising.
But I still love it because it still gives me an adrenaline rush with the usual antics of having to time everything perfectly before I get to work.
Yes, I missed a few planes and trains, but I never missed a gig.
As we head into August and Carnival, it always feels like the end of the season, and if we’re going back to school, it’s time to focus (that feeling will never go away). Luckily for me, the party continued for another week while I prepared for Labor Day weekend in New York City. Last year, I returned to the Big Apple for the first time in 15 years.
It was actually my first time to participate in a parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway, but the trip centered around the Caribbean Music Awards.
This year’s CMAs had a star-studded lineup of top Caribbean artists. Marcia Griffiths, Skinny Fabulous, Patrice Roberts, Raja Wilde, Machel Montano, and so many other stars all under one roof… wow!
So, celebs were on the red carpet and flashes were flashing at Brooklyn’s King’s Theater. And I was really looking forward to the night wearing my pink velvet blazer until I found out that myself and my Canadian equivalent, Spex Da Boss, would be presenting. Award for the best cruise ship event.
Oh my goodness…we both knew it was an important DJ who never missed a year on Damian Marley’s Jamrock Cruise, so we thought it was a prank. Needless to say, Jamrock Cruise didn’t win (National Party), but we made sure our loyalty to the brand was noticed.
The night was long but fun with hosts dancehall queen Spice and comedian Maja Hype adding to the atmosphere and energy.
I think I had my most cherished moment backstage that night. My dad is a huge Mighty Sparrow fan, and after seeing him win the Calypso Honor Award, I felt like a daily rag journalist behind the scenes. I had to get that scoop. I was begging for 30 seconds of my time with Legend just to check that box.
The spell worked and I was able to gain more than 30 seconds. I accepted it happily and acted respectfully.
On my second day in the city, I attended Private Ryan’s soca brainwashing event.
Last year’s production of this event was very impressive and he did not disappoint us this time either. It’s hard to describe, but with the help of an LED wall over 200 feet wide, you can immerse yourself in an abstract world of light and visuals.
Midway through the two-night event, we got to move in with dancehall star Govana, which was pretty much the theme of the entire weekend. Upon seeing me, his team focused on getting attention and yelled, “Shoni Bee, it’s outside, it’s outside.” I think they were just as surprised to see me go out as I was to see them at a soca event.
But the next night, a reggae fest was held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, and the dance hall was packed. Walking into that arena filled with 19,000 dancehall fans, lit up batons in hand and singing along to Mr. Vegas’ every word, I was caught off guard. . To say I was shocked would be an understatement as I had to take some time to calm down. No kidding, the energy in this arena was next level.
I spoke with Govana a few days ago about how huge this lineup is. He said he was planning to leave by plane. So I was surprised again when I saw him backstage having a shootout in Cologne with Aidonia, Elephant Man, Mr. Rex and Wayne Wonder.
But the show of camaraderie didn’t end there, with more artists invited to perform. Vanessa Bring, Cerrone, Dexta Daps, TOK, Ding Dong, and Movado all performed, with surprise guests Sken and Rajah Wilde also contributing to Brooklyn’s epic night.
“This is a dance hall, look at the love,” Ele told me in her trademark lisp. It was a lot of fun, but anyone who knows dancehall knows that “who was running the show” is always at the back of their minds.
But no one expected me to be the star of the afterparty! Rule number one, please stay away from the stage during Ding Dong’s performance.
I know that, but I got comfortable and got caught up in the moment and ended up being a prop in Ding Dong and the Elephant Man’s circus.
This could have been the end of our weekend in New York, but by the grace of God we were able to enjoy the Oracabessa Festival in Queens the next day and the Labor Day Parade on Monday.
I think I can now officially say that my summer is over.
“Evil” with a difference
