MIAMI – The 8th Annual International Caribbean Music Festival (ICM Fest) previously known as the Caribbean Music Fest takes place October 7th, the Saturday before Miami Carnival making Columbus Day weekend irresistible to lovers of Caribbean music and culture everywhere.
Inspired during a visit to Trinidad’s infamous Carnival earlier this year the promoters decided on adding a wider range of Caribbean musical genres to a lineup that already featured popular reggae acts. Fans will now have the exceptional opportunity to see the prolific Sizzla who has been called “the most significant reggae artist since Bob Marley”, the dynamic reggaeton duo Wisin Y Yandel and Trinidadian soca favorite Machel Montano perform on the same show.
The event’s unique concept is best personified by the 3 time International Soca Monarch Champ Bunji Garlin who is also performing. Bunji is the undisputed leader of the ragga soca genre he helped to create. Ragga soca combines dancehall’s rap with soca’s infectious beat.
Wayne Wonder will perform from his extensive catalog of hits including “No Letting Go” the hit that helped him earn a Grammy nomination for his album of the same name. Super group Morgan Heritage will add a touch of roots reggae to the mix.
Barbados will be represented by Rupee who helped put soca on the World stage with his video and song “Tempted to Touch.” He will be joined fellow Bajan soca diva Alison Hinds also known as the Ragamuffin Queen. Hind’s “Roll It (girl)” has been flirting with airwaves all year and she is on the verge of becoming the first female soca artist to crossover into the pop market.
ICM Fest favorite Red Rat performs in his 7th consecutive appearance. Tami Chynn an exciting new artist continues the festival’s tradition of breaking new artistes. Jovi Rockwell, Rempage and Gailann are some of the many other artists completing the diverse lineup.
The promoters promise that “The International Caribbean Music Festival will be a one of a kind musical celebration of the Caribbean spirit.”
