New York’s Inaugural Bouyon Festival: A sold-out celebration of Caribbean unity

If you’re a lover of Caribbean music, then you’ve probably encountered the viral hit “Whistle” by TK International. Last Sunday, that energy found its way to Amadeus nightclub in Queens, New York, where the first-ever Bouyon Festival took place. The festival captivatingly attracted a full house of enthusiastic attendees and sold out all tickets.

The event was organized by prominent NYC event producer Jay Upscale and his team in partnership with Olivier Choisi of KaruKera One Love Music Festival team, known for organizing the largest Bouyon Festival in Europe. The New York edition was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and unity. Their mission was clear: introducing Bouyon music to a broader audience and fostering deeper connections among Caribbean nationals in the United States.

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Olivier Choisi of KaruKera One Love Music Festival, General Manager Cedric Melasse, and prominent NYC event producer Jay Upscale. Photo by Tracey Khan

he festival drew a diverse crowd that proudly waved flags representing nearly every Caribbean nation: French, Creole, and English Caribbean. As festival-goers danced and celebrated to the infectious beats, it became evident that this festival was more than just a music event; it demonstrated Caribbean unity and pride.

The festival featured a lineup of artists from Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Haiti, St. Kitts, and the US Virgin Islands who brought their unique styles and high energy to the stage. Performers included Triple Kay Band, Asa Bantan, Ridge, Pumpa, Riddle with disc jockey’s; DJ MJ, Sal Infrared, Luchshiy, 507, Dankers, ByFarMega, and others. Each act contributed to a collective celebration of Bouyon music, making the festival a memorable experience for everyone present.

Ridge, a relatively new face in the Bouyon scene who has quickly become one of the most sought-after artists, delivered an electrifying performance. Reflecting on the event, he shared, “The event was spectacular. I was amazed at the impact Bouyon music is having on the world—the amount of love and attention Bouyon is receiving right now.”

Bouyon, pronounced “boo-yohn,” means “one-pot” and originated in Dominica. It is characterized by its blend of traditional Caribbean rhythms and modern beats. Developed and popularized by the Windward Caribbean Kulture (WCK Band), the genre incorporates many sonic elements from traditional dance beats and goat-skin drums combined with contemporary digital enhancements. This fusion results in a vibrant and dynamic musical experience that has gained international appeal over the years, resonating with listeners from around the globe.

The response to the festival is a testament to Bouyon music’s growing popularity and the event’s success in raising the genre’s profile. Shanita Scotland, marketing coordinator for the event, highlighted this achievement, saying, “The success of the Bouyon Festival in New York marks a significant milestone for the genre. Bouyon has been celebrated at smaller Dominican parties, but this is the first time it has been showcased on such a grand scale.”

Party-goers like Ian Hilaire echoed this sentiment: “I have been to 100s of shows here in NYC, and I have never seen one so well put together like Bouyon Fest. The fusion of the different nationalities all under one roof, singing and dancing to bouyon music, says a lot about the genre,”

The Bouyon Festival in New York has set a new benchmark for how Caribbean music can foster unity and transcend geographical boundaries. It has shown that a rich tapestry of sounds and cultures can come together through music, creating a collective appreciation and celebration that resonates beyond borders.

As Bouyon music continues to gain recognition, including its notable mention as a significant category at this year’s Caribbean Music Awards, the festival’s success demonstrates the genre’s potential to achieve even greater heights. With nearly every Caribbean nation represented, the first Bouyon Festival in New York was more than a music festival—it celebrated Caribbean unity and culture.

With such an overwhelmingly positive response, there’s no doubt that Bouyon music is here to stay, and New York’s first Bouyon Festival was just the beginning of a new era for the genre.