Anybody who experienced City Splash 2024 will tell you about one thing: the mud. The return of the Caribbean Reggae Dancehall and Afrobeats festival took place at Brockwell Park. The day was in full swing with everything from masses of people, good music, good food, sound issues, endless walking, unpredictable weather and, of course, mud.
And despite the countless shoes, white trainers and outfits that may have suffered at the hands of the highly unpredictable weather conditions, the festival as a whole once again brought together the audience of 30,000 people as they joined in the vibes of everything the festival had to over.
From the myriad of food vendors, each with lines that seemed to stretch for days, offering a tantalizing array of cuisines under the food tent, to the bustling businesses promoting themselves, and the lively Rum Shack, the festival was a true celebration of Caribbean culture. The energy and vibe of the festival were palpable, reflecting the rich diversity of the Caribbean disaopra which came out in full efffect.
Of ocurse the various stages across the festival offered music from across the world of Dancehall, Reggae, Afrobeats and even Amapiano which catered to the crowds which packed Brockwell Park.
Stepping back into this scene was a reminder of the environment of the festival season being so fully immersed in everything, not to mention getting one's steps in moving from stage to stage.
The lineup included music from the legendary Beenie Man, who was once again welcomed and opened by the crowds. Unfortunately, a culprit of poor sound issues plagued his set, but he could still deliver as he usually does. Another musical moment was up-and-coming Jamaican songstress Mehka, who did her thing on the Bossy London Stage. Of course, the Dancehall queen Shenseea dazzled the crowd the best way she knew how. Fresh off the release of her newest album, Never Gets Late Here, she treated her fans to her hits, old and new, even inviting two eager fans from the crowd to join her on stage.
Capturing a glimpse of the Amapiano vibes, the Dankie Sounds take the Pull Up Stage very much, bringing the piano vibes to the festival stage with dancers and hosts moving in high energy. Closing out the festival was headliner Capleton, the iconic person who shut down the festival. Playing to the sold-out crowd as the sun set on Brockwell Park made everything from the rain to the mud well worth it.
City Splash 2024 was not just a festival, but a grand celebration of Caribbean culture, surpassing its previous offerings in size and quality. As we eagerly await the next instalment, we'll be basking in the afterglow of vibrant vibes and unforgettable experiences
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