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Jamaican couple expands Soul Food Caribbean Festival Brand beyond Jamaica
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Culture & Society

Jamaican couple expands Soul Food Caribbean Festival Brand beyond Jamaica

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Jamaican promoter Fabian Cole is expanding his Soul Food Caribbean Festival brand internationally, with past events held in England and Canada.
  • The festival celebrates classic soul music, Caribbean culture, and authentic food experiences, with a growing demand for such entertainment within the diaspora.
  • Upcoming Canadian events are scheduled for July 1, 2026, in Markham, Ontario, featuring artists like Capleton and Gyptian, with plans to expand to New York and Los Angeles, and a major staging in Jamaica.

From Kingston, Jamaica, the Soul Food Caribbean Festival is making waves far beyond our shores. Promoter Fabian 'Boomas' Cole is proving that the soulful vibes and rich culture of the Caribbean have a global appeal. What started as a local movement in Jamaica, celebrating the deep emotional connection found in soul music and authentic island flavors, has now blossomed into an international brand with successful events already held in England and Canada.

Jamaica is known for dancehall, but there’s a souls movement happening right now.

— Fabian 'Boomas' ColeCole explains the growing popularity of soul music within Jamaica and its diaspora.

This expansion is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Caribbean music and culture. While Jamaica is globally recognized for dancehall, Cole highlights a burgeoning 'souls movement' that resonates deeply with people. The festival taps into this by offering a curated experience that blends classic soul, Caribbean rhythms, and delicious food – a combination that clearly strikes a chord with audiences worldwide, particularly within the diaspora seeking a taste of home.

People love the vibe and emotional connection that soul music brings.

— Fabian 'Boomas' ColeCole describes the appeal of soul music to festival attendees.

The upcoming Canadian staging in Markham, Ontario, on July 1, 2026, is set to be a major event, headlined by the legendary Capleton, alongside Gyptian and D’Yani. Cole's strategic choice of Markham, a 'central area' with ample parking and accessibility, underscores the meticulous planning behind these international ventures. The strong ticket sales are a clear indicator of Canada's deep appreciation for reggae and soul music, a connection Cole emphasizes, noting that 'Canadians love reggae music.'

It’s a central area in Markham, Esna Park.

— Fabian 'Boomas' ColeCole details the location of the Canadian festival staging.

Looking ahead, Cole's ambition doesn't stop at Canada. Plans are already in motion to bring the festival to major US cities like New York and Los Angeles, and crucially, to bring a significant staging back home to Jamaica. 'We’re Jamaican and we have the brand, so we definitely have to do one in Jamaica,' Cole asserts. This homecoming is not just about business; it's about pride and ensuring that the global success of the Soul Food Caribbean Festival is rooted in its origins. The vision even includes potentially featuring American R&B star Keyshia Cole, showcasing the broad influence and reach of this Caribbean cultural export.

We have parking right around because it’s a commercial area. People easily get around in Markham. It’s a very centralised location.

— Fabian 'Boomas' ColeCole elaborates on the logistical advantages of the chosen venue in Markham.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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