Talented ragga soca artist, Bunji Garlin, who has won Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Monarch/International Soca Monarch competition on several occasions, is now confirmed for the first Atlanta Independence Rum & Wine Festival.
The event will take place on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at the Piedmont Park, The Promenade, in Atlanta, Ga.
Garlin, a bonafide global star, won the 2013 Soul Train Award for Best International Performance for his song “Differentology,” while his 2017 single “Turn Up” peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
He joins the award-winning Bad Boys of Reggae Inner Circle, Kymani Marley, Baby Cham and powerful American singer, songwriter, rapper, television and radio personality, Lil Mo, best known for her single “Superwoman Pt. II”, according to Jamaican Tony Turner, founder of Images, LLC, a New York-based entertainment company.
“This is a powerful lineup and is exactly what patrons requested,” event promoter Clinton Garibaldi, chief executive officer of Jabari Productions, told Caribbean Life. “It hits the bullseye and is a certified winner.
“Patrons will be able to sample various Caribbean delicacies, expand their passion for wine, learn about some of the legendary rums from the Caribbean, all while they enjoy the best live music,” he added.
In an informal survey done a few years ago, Garibaldi said he was surprised by the interest his team received from Caribbean American nationals living in the New York tri-state area.
“The event is buzzing in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut,” he said. “Lots of folks are also coming in from Florida and even parts of the Caribbean.
“But, when you think about it, the July 4th Independence weekend is a big time for travel to Atlanta,” he added. “So, this was a major consideration when we conceptualized the festival.”
Speaking about CDC health and safety protocols that are being put in place for the safety of patrons, performers and staff, Garibaldi said: “We will be conducting temperature screening of staff and attendees in a way that is safe and respectful, and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.
“We will also encourage our patrons to wear masks, practice social distance and sanitize where necessary,” Garibaldi said. “We are installing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate these measures.”
The Rum and Wine festival organizers Jabari CG Production brings loads of experience to the table.
Turner said the entertainment production company offers a variety of services, such as event planning and execution, artist management and bookings.
“The team has worked assiduously to maintain a high level of professionalism and prided itself on producing some of the most talked-about events in the USA,” he said.
Turner said the group has also managed and developed talents, such as Sanchez, Jah Selah, School Boy, Teflon, and US rapper Omillio Sparks.
They have also managed bookings for Tanya Stephens, Dexta Daps, D’Angel, Serani, Kip Rich, Cobra and Cocoa Tea, Turner.
