First-ever Bouyon Music Festival takes off in NYC

The first Bouyon Festival in New York took place on Saturday, August 25, at Amadeus Nightclub in Queens, attracting a full house of enthusiastic attendees. The event aimed to promote Caribbean unity,  and reportedly, featured a colorful array of flags from different Caribbean nations.

The festival was organized by Jay Upscale, a prominent event producer from St. Lucia residing in New York, alongside Olivier Choisi from the KaruKera One Love Music Festival in France. It served as a platform to introduce Bouyon music to a wider audience, fostering connections among Caribbean nationals in the United States.

Bouyon music, which originated in Dominica, is characterized by its blend of traditional Caribbean rhythms and modern beats. The genre was developed and popularized by the Windward Caribbean Kulture (WCK Band). The sound incorporates a range of sonic elements taken from the traditions of Bele, Quadrille, Jing Ping, Mazouk, Kadans, and goat-skin drums, and combines them with contemporary digital enhancements, resulting in a vibrant musical experience.

Gaining international appeal over the years, the genre has attracted listeners from around the globe, even rippling into the rhythms of neighboring islands.

Organizers report that the event showcased representation from nearly every Caribbean nation, through a collective appreciation for music. The festival’s lineup featured a variety of well-known artists, including Triple Kay, Asa Bantan, Ridge, Pudaz, Burning Flames, Riddle, DJ MJ, Sal Infrared, Luchshiy, 507, Dankers, ByFarMega, and others with each performer contributing their distinct style and energy.

Shanita Scotland, a key member of the marketing team for the festival, discussed the importance of Bouyon music, likening it to a diverse “soup” that combines various musical influences into an engaging and enjoyable experience. She noted the festival’s impact on raising the profile of Bouyon music, particularly with its recognition as a significant category at the Caribbean Music Awards. Scotland remarked, “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. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, many of whom preferred future outdoor events, motivates us to continue spreading the infectious energy of Bouyon music,”.

As the genre continues to gain recognition, the Bouyon Festival in New York aims to establish a new benchmark for how Caribbean music can foster unity, transcending geographical boundaries and creating a rich tapestry of sounds and cultures.