Ashanti, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Mavado, Richie Spice, Prince Swany, Jashii… Some of the biggest names of the Caribbean and international scene gathered on December 3 and 4 in Barbados for the Hennessy Artistry Festival. All eyes on one of the biggest musical events of the end of the year – which is back grandly to the delight of urban music lovers, after 2 years of absence due to the pandemic! And we were able to sneak behind the scenes…
In addition to being one of the most instagrammable places on the planet, Barbados is also probably one of the liveliest Caribbean destinations. The island is indeed – all year through – the scene for many events of all kinds, each crazier than the next. Whether in the sport department like Run Barbados – a multi-format race that appeals to marathon runners from around the world, or culinary like the Food and Rum Festival or even festive like the Crop Over in the heart of summer or the Reggae Festival during Easter time. But at the end of the year, the biggest attraction that brings several thousand of festival-goers to Bridgetown – the capital city – is the Hennessy Artistry Festival. The famous high-end Cognac brand made no mistake in associating its image with the numerous international celebrities from the urban and Caribbean music arena converging to the nation dear to Rihanna.
Among the renowned artists lined up for the last edition, Ashanti – the RNB princess – voluptuously set the Kensignton Oval Stadium stage on fire, the first day. On the next day, for the Hennessy Artistry on the Beach, it was Elephant Man who made a remarkable impression throwing the craziest show ever where the Jamaican star did not hesitate to jump into an overexcited crowd. This year, the impressive lineup also brought together other big names of reggae in a variety of styles: Sizzla the spiritual one, Mavado the rebel, Richie Spice the romantic one… who entered in communion with an accomplice audience hit after hit.
The Hennessy Artistry Festival is also an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to approach their audience closely and measure their popularity. This was obviously the case of Skeng, 10Tikk, Jahshii or the highly-anticipated Prince Swanny – the Trinidadian rapper who continues his breakthrough on the international scene. Among the local atcs, the performances of IAmReallyATRex, Brutal Crankstar or Mole De Chief did not go unnoticed either.
…This is what you may have missed last year if you were not in the audience for this last edition. But not to worry. Just a small piece of advice when planning your next vacation, take a look at the Barbados events calendar. There’s always something happening there!
Auteur : Edgard Parfait
MORE INFORMATION
https://barbados.org/
https://www.hennessyartistry246.com/
They said TO ONAIR MAG…
Raphaël Confiant
«I try to incorporate my Bajan heritage into everything that I do …to see people receive it, receive me, my music and my truth is the best feeling»
Richie Spice
«It’s a great feeling to be in Barbados after all these years where people have been locked down, it’s a great feeling, a great vibration to come and see the people and to perform for the people»
Jahshii
«It’s always a pleasure to perform in front of my fans and people who like good music and share the vibes – and I will give them a good performance on the stage every time»
Sizzla
«There’s never been a time that I have been to Barbados and it wasn’t matched with high energy… The people, that’s what it’s all about»
Elephant Man
«It’s a pleasure to be here with the Bajan people, always love Barbados, it’s a home from home you done know! Good to Go!»
