New Wave strikes again – Block Party a hit

With three successful stagings under their belt, New Wave is reaping the rewards with this year’s Block Party. Held at the Summit Kingston in New Kingston, Block Party is one of the many ways that the collective of creatives have taken collaborated efforts to bolster Jamaica’s rich cultural experience.

“New Wave works alongside the Very Culture Media Group,” explained New Wave Director, Lindsey Lodenquai, “so together, we are able to pull on our combined talents and networks to build on the Block Party formula our patrons know and love. The combined effort means additional creative, strategic and technical support to pull together a top-class event both behind the scenes and for the patrons to enjoy.”

Starting right on time moments after 5 p.m., the courtyard had more rainfall than patrons early on. But it soon filled up as Kingston’s creative community poured in. Though the afternoon drizzles persisted, it seemed to do very little to dissuade the crowd that had grown exponentially by the time the sun had set.

Speaking on the favourable reception New Wave Director Alysia Francis said, “Each year we’ve been able to grow and diversify the experience. This year we were so pleased to see such a great turnout of people who really just continue to come together to just have a good time, build a vibe and celebrate the parts about Jamaica we love so much and that really make us, us. From patrons, to sponsors, to artistes and supporters from the creative and entertainment industries – it’s a blessing to see everyone continue to show up and help to make each staging unique.”

With the event in full swing, patrons were enveloped in the sonic stylings of DJs Nico Lee, Anash, Fatalic and the repeat offenders DJ Franco and Brush1 the Road Marshal.

Alongside the noteworthy DJs spinning on the turntables, local artistes like Amanyea, Tessellated, Ras-I and Friday Night Cru hit the stage. Jesse Royal blessed the audience with a preview of his shared track Skyway with Ras-I while Protoje simply vibed. Noting that he was only present to party, The Indignation boss spent a considerable amount of time in the audience dancing and enjoying the performances. The artiste also had his film crew present to capture clips for the music video of his new single Legend.

Though there was a miniature food village and a booth selling New Wave and Very Culture merchandise, music was the clear star of the night.

“What we can say is that we really are driven by our community who continue to show up for us and spread the word about the unique experience that defines the New Wave brand,”explained New Wave Director, Kangwa Sambo. “So each year, with Block Party and with all the different events and experiences we create, conceptualise and execute, at the core we want to be sure we are bringing something different, fresh, unique and always providing a platform for upcoming talent across all areas of our vibrant creative and cultural industries.”

Speaking on what the collective has planned for the rest of the year, New Wave Director Habibi Bailey said, “Well, event wise, next up locally is our highly anticipated annual charity thrift experience, Celebrity Closet, slated for early December. Patrons can shop pieces from the closets of big-name local celebrities as well as donations from supporters in a unique experience that combines charity with art, music and food in a way only New Wave can. The New Wave and Very Culture teams plan to build on that experience this year, and also plan to [take the] brand into new places and spaces to carry the brand and our impact far and wide.”

shanel.lemmie@gleanerjm.com