Carnival is coming to the Gulf Region, well sort of.The first Caribbean Carnival is scheduled for November 1-2 in Dubai. With acts like Jason Derulo, Bow Wow and Sean Kingston headlining opening night, the overall integrity of the event is saved by Trinidadian soca group Kes the Band who is set to close the concert series.
The Carnival is being billed as a two-day family oriented concept themed around the music and entertainment of the Caribbean BUT only features one soca act. Odd. When I think of Carnival, Bow Wow, Sean Kingston and Jason Derulo are certainly not top of mind!
Zoha Beig, CEO of 321 events comments:
“The family demographic is often overlooked here in Dubai. Bearing that in mind, we have conceptualised an outdoor event that can be enjoyed by young and old alike in the perfect weather the month of November offers. From the world-class performers on stage at the concert to the colourful costumes and décor on display and the celebration of the food, dance and music of the Caribbean, the whole event is designed to entertain and energise the city,”
Kes the Band is absent from the majority of the Carnival’s promotional material (even from the official website). Perhaps they were a last-minute addition, even so, this makes the Dubai ‘Caribbean Carnival’ a bit fraudulent huh.Hmmn is it me or did event organizers completely overlook something here? Where is the prominent soca presence? This feels very Kiss Jingleball rather than Carnival. From a marketing standpoint I understand securing “A-list” international acts to generate interest and awareness for a new event.No, let’s be real, those headliners are more like “C list” talent.If you’re touting this as a Caribbean themed event, the most logical thing to do is 1)add soca stars to the line up 2)consult with an island’s Carnival commission ensure that Carnival culture is being properly represented. But hey I’m not the event planner.
Granted this is the first event of its kind in Dubai so it gets a “pass” this time around. However if you’re going to capitalize off of another culture at the very least have the decency to represent it accurately.
To my Dubai folks who attended, link me and let me know your thoughts!
Peace,
DV
