All-round fun at Kingston Curry Festival
From the sound system selector who dished up danceable treats to the entertainers on the main stage, music reigned supreme at last Sunday’s staging of the Kingston Curry Festival.
Held on the grounds of Devon House, it attracted a large turnout of patrons who came to get their fill of curry dishes.
Gospel artistes Johnmark Wiggan, Rion Davis, Prince Saj, and former Digicel Rising Stars winner Mozein excited the crowd with their hits.
Mozein tantalised the ladies with an interpretation of Luther Vandross’ So Amazing, Dorothy Moore’s 1970s chestnut Misty Blue and Conversation in the Dark.
“I enjoyed how receptive the audience was; it was overall a good event and I hope everyone enjoyed it,” Mozein told the Jamaica Observer post-performance.
The singer also said he is gearing up to release his new single on his birthday, December 22.
“I enjoyed every minute of it. This year was just so much more engaging. I enjoyed that the people stayed and participated. They were praying with us and it was just a blessing. I also tried some curry dishes as well,” Johnmark Wiggan said of his third time performing at the event.
Garnet Silk’s Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders, Validation, Never Fall, and Blessings were just some of the songs that comprised his set. He also invited fellow gospel act Rion Davis on stage during his set, and Davis delivered Mad Over Mi and Sin Naw Wear Again.
Other performers included Renzzah, Melia, and Prince Saj, who closed the show on a high with Fully Jesus, God with Us, and Godly Woman.
Organiser Leighton Davis of Project 2 Project was pleased with how the event unfolded.
“Coming up to this weekend, the weather was a big factor. We are men of faith, so we decided to push through same way and believe that God would bless us, and here we are, it was a beautiful day,” said Davis.
He said seeing families coming together and having an afternoon of fun and excitement was a highlight for him.
“This year has doubled in terms of vendor support… Derrimon Group has committed to 2-3 years with us, and they want to grow with the brand. And that’s why Spicy Hill, Delect and Arosa are here,” Davis shared.
Georgia Strachan, group marketing manager at Derrimon Group, title sponsors for Kingston Curry Festival, added:
“This year marks Spicy Hill Farms’ second year participating in the Kingston Curry Festival. In 2023 we proudly served as the food sponsor for the VIP area, and we also offered delectable samples to the general admission patrons from various brands under the Derrimon Group umbrella… This platform has allowed us to introduce Spicy Hill Farms to a wider audience and generate significant buzz around our new line of seasonings, particularly our flagship curry powder.”
Said Strachan, “We also surprised our vegetarian patrons with a unique twist on curried broccoli and corn. Our Delect brand added a fun dimension to the event with its engaging play zone, captivating both kids and adults. While our Refresh water provided hydration in our VIP Lounge, and WuWu wines — which offers a line of sweet wines in red, white and rose from our sister company Arosa Ltd — added a touch of elegance to the occasion.”
Patron Kereen was spotted at Abu’s Kitchen: “I’m having so much fun here today, so it was worth braving the showers to be here.”
Another attendee, Jervis, decided to try the vegetarian offerings at Veggie Meals and Wheels.
“I’m just here sampling the vegetarian food, and this event overall has been a good experience. I’m loving it so far, loving the vibe and next year I will be here,” he said.