Kylla Herbert, president of the South Jersey Caribbean Festival, says that the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this Saturday, July 12, with “dazzling” cultural presentations, including stellar performances by Trinidadian Soca artiste Nailah Blackman, at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront.
Herbert, who is also the coordinator of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays initiative, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday that the showcase will also include stilt walkers, steel pan music, carnival costumes, Afro-Caribbean drumming, and indigenous cultural dance.
She said community organizations will also be present to provide health resources, cultural exhibits, interactive kids’ activities, and giveaways.
“For 25 years, the South Jersey Caribbean Festival has been a beloved tradition, uniting cultures and celebrating the rich heritage of the Caribbean,” Herbert said.
“We invite everyone to join us on July 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Wiggins Park, on the Camden Waterfront, as we continue the legacy of my father and (festival) founder Nkem Tshombe,” she added. “This will be another unforgettable day of Caribbean music, dance, food, and fun on the Camden, NJ Waterfront.”
Herbert said attendees will enjoy “a taste of the Caribbean, ” with delicious dishes like jerk chicken, roti, curry shrimp, empanadas, and more.
She said the festival features music performances by the Philadelphia Pan Stars Steel Orchestra and reggae and Latin bands.
“We will have local artists, including NGR.IAM, Camden’s own Universal Dance and Drum Ensemble, and Rhufman,” Herbert said.
In addition, she said the Yurumein Project Youth Arm, which is on tour from Belize, will present a special Garifuna dance presentation.
Herbert said the Yurumein Project was established “to preserve and share Garifuna language and culture.”
She said the performers comprise youth from Gangriga, considered the cultural capital of Belize.
Herbert said international artistes performing at the celebration include Bahamian Julien Believe, singing his chart-topping hits “Caribbean Slide,” “Ain’t Nothing Like Home,” and “Whip Whap.”
She said Nailah Blackman, the granddaughter of Garfield “Ras Shorty I” Blackman, the creator of the Soca genre, will be the featured entertainer.
Herbert said Nailah is expected to mesmerize the crowd with her hit songs – “Round and Rosie,” “Pressure,” “Workout,” and “Come Home.”
Herbert said the idea for the South Jersey Caribbean Festival originated from founder Nkem Tshombe, a native of St. Kitts and Nevis.
She said the late Tshombe had moved to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, then settled in Philadelphia.
Herbert said her dad was deeply involved with the Caribbean community during his years in Philadelphia. He played several roles, including promoting Caribbean musical events, hosting trips to carnival celebrations, and hosting Caribbean radio programs.
Subsequently, Herbert said Tshombe moved to New Jersey and founded the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural and Development Organization (SJCCADO), “with the mission of promoting awareness of Caribbean culture through arts, music, and educational programs.”
Herbert said the first festival was held at Wiggins Park, in partnership with the Walt Whitman Arts Center.
She said the first South Jersey Caribbean Festival featured leading Caribbean calypsonians, such as the Mighty Sparrow, Swallow, and Black Stalin.
Over the years, Herbert said the South Jersey Caribbean Festival has featured several international chart-topping artistes, including Kevin Little and Alston “Becket” Cyrus from St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Farmer Nappy and Erphraan Alves from Trinidad and Tobago; and Alison Hinds and Eddie Charles from Barbados.
“Well, after being a part of the SJCCADO for the past 18 years, I can say that Nkem Tshombe created a wonderful mechanism,” Vincentian James Cordice, who is also the pioneer and coordinator of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize Penn Relays initiative, told Caribbean Life.
“This system has delivered to South Jersey a festival of class and creativity; a contrast view of Caribbean culture; a unique blend of craft and craftsmanship, depicted or displayed in the arts, food, songs, musical rhythms; and drama on and off the stage,” he added.
“I am so proud of the work of the woman at the helm – the woman who kept this organization, along with the South Jersey Caribbean Festival, going since the demise of Mr. Nkem Tshombe,” Cordice continued.
Herbert offered a “special salute to the die-hard membership, supporters, sponsors, and volunteers, who contributed their time, energy, and resources for all 25 years.
“This year, I am especially proud to present at the SJ Caribbean Festival The Yurumein Project Youth Arm – from Dangrega, Belize, featuring Garifuna cultural performances,” added Herbert, also thanking “everyone who has contributed their time and talents to making the South Jersey Caribbean Festival possible each year.
“I appreciate all of the volunteers, performers, DJs, sponsors, and supporters who have played a role in sustaining the South Jersey Caribbean Festival over the past 25 years,” she continued.
Additionally, Herbert gave “special thanks” to the Camden County Parks Department and the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission for their “ongoing support.”
She also thanked Planning Committee members – Cordice, Denise Willoughby, Keith Mitchell Morgan, Livingston Benjamin, Valencia Morgain, Deborah “Jazzy” Agbessi, Eldiean Morgan, Keith Hodge, Sheila Morgan, Niger Ali, Anthony Morgan, Taniesha Works and Dell Morgan.
