In the strict scientific sense, “nectar” is the sugary fluid found within flowers that encourages pollination by insects and other animals and is collected by bees to produce honey.
In the Caribbean, “sweetness” is a term of endearment typically used to describe a mesmerizing atmosphere or a beautiful person. With Air Committee, GenXS, and Live In Love teaming up for Nectar, there was no shortage of sweetness neither in vibes nor in beauty.
Dubbed the sweetest fête for Carnival, Nectar’s lineup of performances, drink specials, and food menu had patrons buzzing in anticipation of the Nectar experience.
The Moko Jumbies, paired with the riddim section at the entrance of the food court, were an absolute hit—quickly becoming one of the standout interactive elements at Nectar. Many patrons found themselves so captivated by the riddim section’s vibrancy and energy that they momentarily forgot about the rest of the event’s “hives.”
The synergy between the event’s theme and its décor was top-tier. Bright orange accents on cups, banners, and 3D production backdrops for the artistes added warmth and energy, while also maintaining the overall concept.
GBM Nutron kicked things off with a stellar set led by his monster anthem for the season, “One Wine,” which the Nectar crowd received enthusiastically. He followed with favorites from his catalog—“When Last,” “Soca Hero,” and “Hot Gyal Anthem”, once again proving why he remains one of the genre’s most consistent artists.
Grenadian sensation Blaka Don delivered a spirited rendition of his hit single “Blessing.” During his set, he gave an anecdotal explanation of the song’s concept, noting that it addresses not only relationships but also the triumph over hardships a moment of transparency from the usually lighthearted artiste that resonated well with the audience.
He was followed by the Princess of Soca, Nailah Blackman, who gave a performance worthy of her royal title. Yung Bredda then surpassed all expectations with another phenomenal set, headlined by what many call the season’s top track, “The Greatest Bend Over.” His performance had no dull moments, once again showing why he’s now hailed as one of the Caribbean’s best artists.
Finally, the always consistent and prolific Bunji Garlin closed out the performances with a musical journey through his extensive catalog of hits, spanning over 20 years.
Seeing Live In Love, Air Committee, and GenXS join forces to pull off such a polished event demonstrates how beneficial cultural integration between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago can be. Though it was “just a fête,” Nectar showcased the power and harmony that emerge when major regional players collaborate in the entertainment space.
It would be remiss not to end by thanking all our Nectar sponsors, including Puncheon Punch, Vuse, Coca-Cola, Monster, Kotex, Brydens, and Dasani. We look forward to watching Nectar grow into a staple event on the Carnival calendar—and possibly expand into other territories.
