The 4th annual Caribbean Food and Music Festival, was held on May 28th 2023, Memorial Weekend at the Apopka Amphitheatre in Orlando Florida. It featured artists from different music Genres from the Caribbean including Reggae, Latin, Kompa and AfroBeats (Africa) ; a star-studded line-up of Artists, Djs and local bands hit the stage and the vendors offerred various Caribbean styled foods.
The approach to the venue was thrilling as I was greeted by the beautiful greenery of the park. This is a famliy-oriented event, so kids, young adults and mature adults alike, were in attendance. The late afternoon and early evening, included event-goers enjoying the different options on the menu and soaking up the Florida sun.
Dj Asha and Dj Ming entertained the audience and the attendees for the first half of the event. Later in the evening, the stage was warmed-up by Jah Movement Band, Riddim Dreamz Band, Caribeno Tropical & Haitian sensation Zenglen with lead singer Louis Emmynix . I have never vibed to Kompa (Konpa) , quite like that! l Artists included Qupid, PR Carlo and the show closed off with the audience getting out of their seats and to the front of the stage for Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths and Romain Virgo. Marcia Griffiths got the audience involved, dancing to the Electric Boogie while Show closer Romain Virgo showed his versatility with an energy packed performance, while also paying homage to the likes of Queen Ifrica, Beres Hammond, Kevin Lyttle & Bob Marley through their music.
This event had a good turn-out with people from all over. It was a great, big open venue and a good production team, all made for a successful event. There’s always space for growth and I look forward to next year’s event being even bigger and better.
By Tisha ‘Ms. Petite’ Myrie