by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — The Soul Beach Music Festival is making its first appearance in Curaçao this year. The organization is going big with singer and producer Babyface and the legendary R&B group Jodeci, among others. According to Muryad de Bruin, director of the Curaçao Tourist Board, the arrival of the festival means a lot for Curaçao. “It marks a special moment for our island. Soul Beach offers an impressive range of North American artists and thus attracts a broad and international audience. This gives a positive boost to visitor numbers, hotel occupancy and the local economy,” he says. the True Time.
According to De Bruin, the festival also strengthens Curaçao’s position as a vibrant and culturally diverse destination. “We look forward to welcoming national and international festival goers and invite Surinamese in particular to experience this unique combination of music, lifestyle and island experience.”
“In addition to Babyface and Jodeci, the program also features big names, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, comedian Deon Cole and Spinderella.”
Mark Adkins, CEO and executive producer of the festival, also speaks of a new chapter. “This isn’t just a change of venue; it’s a cultural alignment. We offer our guests a refined retreat where the pulse of soul meets the heart of the Caribbean,” he stated in a press release on PRWire.com.
In addition to Babyface and Jodeci, big names are also on the program, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, comedian Deon Cole and Spinderella. The festival takes place over the US Memorial Day Weekend in May and kicks off on May 22 with a comedy night. The show is presented by Deon Cole, with actor and stand up comedian Chris Spencer as host. The big concert with Babyface and Jodeci will follow on May 23. The festival will conclude on May 24 with DJ sets on Papagayo Beach.
Musical heavyweight
Babyface, born Kenneth Brian Edmonds, is an absolute celebrity in the music industry. With ten Grammy Awards and eleven solo albums, he is one of the most influential R&B and pop artists ever. He worked with stars such as Bobby Brown, Karyn White, Paula Abdul and Sheena Easton, and co-founded the label LaFace Records with Antonio Reid, which produced artists such as TLC and Toni Braxton.
Jodeci left a lasting mark on the R&B scene with hits such as Come and Talk to Me, Forever My Lady and Freek’n You. The Soul Beach Music Festival was successfully organized in Aruba for twenty-four years. Last year the event moved to St. Maarten, and this year Curaçao was chosen. According to the organization, the combination of top music and comedy provides a unique experience that perfectly matches the energetic atmosphere of the island.
