Greeted by complimentary glowing I Love Soca cups to light up a night of jumping and gyrations, The Best Weekend Ever began. I Love Soca was the first event of The Best Weekend Ever, starting the series on a high. One highlight was the entrance of the Road Marshal Brush1 Chromatic. Decked in his signature “work” attire, he marshalled the crowd like Moses did the Red Sea, paving the way for the Legendary Kes the Band.
It was nothing short of pandemonium with the introduction as he sang “sign me up, I come for this work” from his song “Boss Lady”. Hands were in the air at his command. He paused to say it’s been way too long since his last visit to Jamaica, two and a half years on his count, and on that count, he sang “Hello” to Jamaica. Other songs like “Til the Morning” were followed word for word by the I Love Soca audience. His performance was met with rain, but that didn’t deter the patrons from feting.
“I Love Soca, one of the best events as usual, when mi say girls, mi mean whole heap a girls. It’s my third time performing, so big up I Love Soca team, one of the best events in Jamaica,” Jr. Chromatic told CARIB VOXX. La Lee also made a surprise appearance, and then challenged Usain Bolt, who proved he still has the dancing skills he followed with medals on television.
Day two of The Best Weekend Ever began vibrantly with the colourful brunch wear and the valiant juggling from Jamaica’s finest, giving fans range and hits throughout the party. The overcast weather provided enough shade from the sun to keep the patrons cool enough to dance to every beat. And if ever their energy was depleted, the delightful brunch cuisine acted as a picker-upper along with the multiple bar locations throughout the party.
Daybreak saw a surprise appearance from Topmann, who shared his “gyalis” knowledge with the patrons. Some ladies may call it debatable, but what’s not debatable is that the crowd was hyped. During the festivities, the CARIB VOXX team spoke to season band holder Jahlene Thomas, who stated it was her second time attending Day Break and that she was having so much fun. “It’s just straight vibes, it’s lit,” she said over the music.
In the evening, a white walkway welcomed patrons on the second night of the best weekend ever into Milk and Honey. The patrons were decked in white and as fashionable as ever as they graced a wall dubbed “the wall of fashion.”
Salutations were made to Jamaica’s 60th throughout the event, pleasing both Jamaicans, returning Jamaicans, and internationals alike with foundational tracks and artists being played.
Busy Signal entered the stage and it was nothing short of fireworks. Literally, as he sang “Jamaica Love,” his background was explosive with fireworks being released over the sea. He was met on stage with welcoming patrons and video lights of every kind as an artiste of his calibre and accolades. After a calm introduction, he “got busy” stepping out in his black, contrasting to the sea of white in front of him.
On day three, on Sunday morning, the sun was out in full strength, but that wasn’t enough to deter patrons from partying. The entrance was booming as partygoers collected their complimentary Zimi cups to start the festivities. After that, they continued to the white sandy stretch of beach clad with huts and tents for shade. Some patrons cooled off in the sea, still partying through it all.
Sunday night, however, saw the weekend feting shift from the sands of Puerto Seco to the sands of Bay Beach. Allure was in full swing going into Monday with the town of Ocho Rios involved.
Ding Dong, ever energetic, took the stage with his entourage of ravers and “the good thing dem.”Reeling off a barrage of hits with instructions as always for the non-dancers and the few who would not be familiar with the dances, Allure became a party of ravers. Party classics like “Holiday” had Allure, with singers matching the speakers word for word.
Last but by no means least was Late Check Out, which did not draw the crowd that the other events drew, for obvious reasons. However, this created a more intimate atmosphere for patrons. For the last event partygoers limed, and the disc jocks just had fun with their craft for the sendoff. With space to navigate and the beautiful scenery, Late Check Out had a serene vibe as the sunset provided a beautiful backdrop on the beach.
It was the first staging of The Best Weekend Ever, but it felt rehearsed. The organizers had everything under control except for nature itself, but even nature couldn’t stop the weekend from happening. From day one to day four, every event gave patrons a different aesthetic and experience to go home with. Patrons were advised to mark their calendar all the way for next year’s staging, and with the success of the first staging they probably already have. Safe to say The Best Weekend Ever lived up to its name.
