The Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) began its 50th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Week (NYCCW) on Thursday with “Reggae Unda Di Stars.”
WIADCA said this “funky reggae party” features “Reggae Ambassadors” Cocoa Tea, Ghanian Dancehall Reggae artist, Stonebwoy, and Brooklyn’s own Afrobeat songstress, WUNMI, performing popular hits such as “She Loves Me Now,” “FYAH,” “My Name,” “Come from Far” and “Fit Body.”
The show was expected to be augmented with “a taste of Marley magic” by the appearance by Grammy award-winning artist, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, commemorating his father’s visit to the same Brooklyn stage where he (Bob Marley) debuted “Uprising” and expressed enthusiasm and support for WIADCA’s efforts in bringing the community together by promoting diversity and tolerance through music and culture in New York City.
Both Stephen and Bob (posthumously) Marley will receive New York Senate citations, WIADCA said.
Friday, Sept. 1, celebrates the annual “Summer Jam: Stay In School Concert & Youth Fest;” and, in the evening, at 8 pm, the popular Brass Fest concert features “Soca Ambassadors” D’All Stars featuring Blaxx; 2017 Party Monarch King Ricardo Drue (Antigua); Teddyson John (St. Lucia); Lyrikal (Trinidad and Tobago); Farmer Nappy (Trinidad and Tobago); 2017 Road March King, Problem Child (St. Vincent and the Grenadines); Lavaman (Grenada); King Bubba (Barbados); and 2017 Road March King MX Prime of Ultimate Rejects (Trinidad and Tobago).
On Saturday, Sept. 2, the Junior Carnival and Panorama take place. The next day, the Dimanche Gras finale is showcased, featuring “Calypso Ambassadors” The Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow.” the Calypso Queen of the World, Calypso Rose; David Rudder; Swallow (Antigua); Ras Iley (Barbados); and Dane Gulston steel pan virtuoso, along with the King & Queen of the Bands costume presentations.
The New York Caribbean Carnival Week, celebrated under the theme, “From A Dream to A Legacy,” climaxes on Monday, Labor Day Holiday, with the grand Carnival Parade on the famed Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.
“We are blessed to have marked 50 years of Caribbean impact, culture, education, economic contribution, services and Carnival in New York State,” said WIADCA president William R. Howard. “This year, we celebrate our long-standing partners and welcome new ones that will help sustain this legacy for the next 50 years.
“We look forward to a diverse, inclusive, and bright future, as we welcome new members and volunteers from all walks-of-life and celebrate our stalwarts,” he added. “Looking forward to seeing you all on the parkway.”
