Queens, New York – The Oracabessa Festival, long hailed as a hallmark event celebrating Caribbean culture and music, promises to be a sensational showcase on September 1st at Roy Wilkins Park. Noted for his deep-rooted affinity with the 1990s music scene, Bobby Clarke, spearheading the effort through his renowned company Irie Jam, has curated a lineup that marries the nostalgic sounds of yesteryears with contemporary rhythms.
The festival will feature a star-studded roster of artists from diverse music genres, drawing from Jamaica’s vibrant music history and beyond. Festival-goers can look forward to performances by legendary names such as Louie Culture, Mr Eazy, Marcia Griffiths, and Lady G. The energetic beats of soca will be represented by none other than Edwin Yearwood, promising an eclectic and dynamic musical experience.
Syntyche Clarke, the event director of the Oracabessa Festival, emphasized the enduring influence of music from the ’90s while also highlighting the festival’s evolution. “Irie Jam was born in the 90s, and the music and artistes of that era, and prior, we will always showcase and celebrate. Thirty-plus years later, as our music has evolved, we understand the importance of blending the old with the new sound of reggae, dancehall, soca and calypso,” Clarke remarked. This diverse lineup aims to reflect the wide-ranging tastes and cultural backgrounds of the Caribbean audience in New York.
This year’s celebration holds particular significance as it marks Irie Jam’s 31st anniversary. Since its inception in October 1993, the Irie Jam radio station has been a pivotal platform for promoting dancehall and reggae to the broader American audience, particularly within New York City’s substantial West Indian community. Syntyche Clarke describes the Oracabessa Festival as “a Caribbean music festival showcasing our arts, our culinary offerings, our rich history and traditions and of course our diverse music.”
In addition to honoring past musical icons, the festival will spotlight contemporary talents who embody the vibrant and evolving Caribbean music scene. Patrons can look forward to seeing Jada Kingdom, Patrice Roberts, Ian Sweetness, Valiant, Terry Linen, Jr Demus, and comedian Majah Hype.
Bobby Clarke’s contributions to Caribbean culture and media have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, he was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in recognition of his over two decades of dedicated media services to Jamaican nationals in the New York Tri-state area. Clarke’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and preserving the rich heritage of Caribbean music.
The Oracabessa Festival is more than a musical event; it is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean life. With a lineup that spans generations and genres, it offers an opportunity for attendees to revel in the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture through music, food, history, and community.
On September 1st, Roy Wilkins Park in Queens will transform into a carnival of sounds and sights, reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of the Caribbean. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable experience celebrating 31 years of Irie Jam and the timeless resonance of Caribbean culture.
