As summer winds down, the vibes are heating up in Brooklyn. On Saturday, August 24, Caribbean music and culture will take center stage at the Barclays Center as soca legend Machel Montano headlines a massive showing of Caribbean music and unity with his electrifying Machel Montano & Friends concert.
Presented by Planet Brooklyn, the concert promises an unforgettable night of soca and dancehall, with a heavyweight lineup that blends iconic veterans with red-hot rising stars. Joining Machel are soca powerhouses Bunji Garlin, Lady Lava, Problem Child—who recently took the crown as Vincy Soca Monarch Champion—and Ravi B, the chutney soca star beloved by fans across the Caribbean diaspora.
Also on the bill is Vincentian Soca Star Skinny Fabulous, whose unstoppable momentum this year includes being named a brand ambassador for LIAT Airlines. Expect anthems, energy, and non-stop vibes.
Representing dancehall are the genre’s new-generation firestarters Skillibeng and Ayetian, both known for their gritty lyrics, street hits, and magnetic stage presence. Skillibeng is riding high this year as his collab with Ghanaian songstress Moliy and fellow dancehall trailblazer Shenseea for Shake it to the Max (remix) continues to climb international charts. Ayetian is enjoying the summer of his dreams as his “Tip” (remix,) which also includes Shenseea, Nvtzz, and DJ Mac, continues to trend local charts. It has amassed almost 1 million views on YouTube.
The show is shaping up to be one of the biggest Caribbean musical moments of the summer in North America.
But the celebration doesn’t stop at Barclays.
Planet Brooklyn has crafted an entire weekend experience around the show. Leading up to the main event, the city will be buzzing with cultural energy through additional performances at the Brooklyn Paramount and BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). The festivities also include a massive outdoor block party, set to feature a curated lineup of Caribbean and local food vendors, live street performances, artisan markets, and showcases from some of Brooklyn’s most dynamic creatives.
As if that wasn’t enough, the weekend kicks off early with a prelude concert on Saturday, August 17, when Dominican dembow king El Alfa takes over with El Alfa & Friends—an explosive blend of Latin trap and hip-hop. Sharing the stage will be A$AP Ferg, Lil Pump, and more surprise guests still to be announced.
For the Caribbean diaspora and lovers of global music, August in Brooklyn is shaping up to be a true cultural moment. Whether you’re there for the riddims, the food, the fashion, or just the pure island energy, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.
