By Tanya Dickson
Connection to Creole has anchored Dominica’s Jazz n Creole event. However, this year was historical as Dominica’s very own Bouyon genre was introduced for the first time by the multigenerational Signal Band.
The band went from a jazzy creole opening, before finishing with heavy Bouyon hitters like Drunkish, which slapped as hard as ever and stole the show.
Shelly of Signal Band expressed that when the band was publicly announced as part of the 2023 artist lineup, many raised an eyebrow in wonder. “ What is Signal going to do on the night? Are they going to come and be Signal or are they going to contribute to the fusion of jazz and creole?”
Despite the wonder, Signal Band believed they were capable and capable they were. The young Bouyon band executed well and even made history.
“I definitely think this will go down in the history books and tonight we set a great template for Bouyon to find a place in events like these. We hope to see the inclusion of Bouyon to Jazz n Creole in years to come.”
Jazz, Culture, Fashion & Family: Dominica’s Jazz n Creole checked off all the points.
Discover Dominica Authority (DDA’s) Destination Manager Kimberly King has described the 2023 Jazz n Creole experience “as checking off all the points.”
She spoke with Nature Isle News (NIN) in an exclusive interview from the event venue.
Situated atop the lush Cabrits National Park of the historic Fort Shirley; the 12th edition of Dominica’s Jazz n Creole delivered jazz and-creole-infused performances from Black Violin, Swingin Stars, Island Jazz, Collective, Phyllisia Ross, Signal Band, and Octeto Kanaima.
“Jazz, culture, fashion, family. It’s absolutely checking all these points for sure!”
King explained that the Authority is placing more emphasis on the use of data to determine the success of their events and efforts in general. However, from what she has observed Jazz n Creole 2023 was successful.
“From what I’ve seen here today and while people were watching in town, in the capital city just a few days before; I’m seeing a lot of persons from outside of Dominica. Whether they are Diaspora, Caricom, or US arrivals, they are here on the island to experience the event and the island itself. So I am particularly excited to see what our data says about the success of the event come next week”
