“A Caribbean Fete in Times Square” was hosted by I AM CARIBBEING in partnership with TSQ Live to mark Caribbean American Heritage Month. The free public event welcomed thousands of enthusiastic attendees – with official Times Square sources confirming that the venue reached maximum capacity during the memorable celebrations.
For two unforgettable hours of revelry, Caribbean music, movement and pride filled one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment landmarks. DJ Private Ryan and his music comrade, Kevin Crown, delivered an electrifying set that had the crowd waving flags, dancing and celebrating to the vibrant sounds of Soca, Reggae, Kompa, Dancehall and more. Trinidad Killa’s surprise performance also brought a burst of high-energy Soca that heightened the excitement and momentum of the occasion. As attendees proudly raised flags representing various Caribbean nations, the square became a vivid sea of colour and unity with people from all walks of life. The celebration concluded on a high note with Machel Montano Road March-winning hit “Pardy” leaving the crowd exhilarated and uplifted.
“Performing in Times Square to represent my country and Caribbean Culture was nothing short of amazing and iconic. Being able to play for so many people in a world renowned space such as Times Square in New York is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities and experiences,” said Trinidad and Tobago-born DJ Private Ryan immediately after the showcase, where he was awarded a proclamation from the City of New York. “My hope is that more of these world-class events occur so we can showcase our rich Caribbean culture. I have dedicated my professional journey to this cause worldwide both as Dj Private Ryan and with my range of events – including Soca Brainwash. It was a pleasure working with the I AM CARIBBEING team on this initiative.”
The celebration attracted a multigenerational and multinational audience, from elders to young children, all united in their pride for their heritage. In addition to the young and young-at-heart, attendees from outside the Caribbean community also took part in the festivities, embracing the spirit of the event. Organisers shared Caribbean-themed bandanas with non-Caribbean guests, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere that welcomed patrons to share in the significance of the occasion.“A Caribbean Fete in Times Square was not only culturally significant but historic for the Caribbean community in NYC, the Diaspora and the region,” said Shelley Worrell, Founder of I AM CARIBBEING and Little Caribbean NYC. Noting the heartwarming and beautiful moments of seeing national flags from across the Caribbean represented in Times Square, Worrell explained that this was an exemplary display of regional unity. “From DJ Private Ryan’s infectious set of soca, bouyon, dancehall and zouk to Kevin Crown’s hypnotizing command of the crowd, the Caribbean pulse created a viral buzz across social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.”
