Sandz Caribbean Music Festival kicked off their 10th anniversary celebrations on January 1, 2024 with a bang.

That event heralded the beginning of a year-long celebration, and set the stage for the highly anticipated Easter staging of Sandz X on April 1, 2024, at the picturesque Plantation Cove in St Ann.

This will mark a decade of extraordinary achievements and unforgettable experiences, which promises to close out VaCae Weekend with unprecedented flair.

Last year’s staging of Sandz during VaCae Weekend saw over 20,000 patrons who were all eager to see international rap superstar Rick Ross perform.

With the ‘X’ representing the Roman numeral for 10, the event will feature music from a curated selection of the finest DJs. Among them Team, Wayne Ed X Junior Killa, X-Factor, Bishop Escobar, and Kevin Crown from New York.

Andrew Ellis, CEO, Twenty 14 Limited, shared: “Sandz has grown tremendously over the last 10 years. We are the only event of this nature that has amassed the support and patron loyalty that we have. It’s the people’s party and we appreciate them.”

The event series has recorded over one million patrons across its lifetime of 70 stagings across all its markets in a span of 10 years, with a commanding majority being between the ages 21-35 years.

From its humble beginnings as a beach party in Portmore, St Catherine, in May 2014, Sandz has evolved into a calendar sensation now thriving in New York and Florida in the United States; and in Toronto, Canada.

Sandz has become a cross-cultural phenomenon with each market offering up its own unique essence, creating a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture and music. The festival has been instrumental in bridging diaspora markets, bringing international artistes and DJs to Jamaica, and showcasing local talent on a global stage.

Excitingly, Sandz is expected to expand its Jamaican footprint to St Elizabeth at the Alpart Sports Complex on October 20, 2024 during Heroes’ Weekend.

Ellis shared: “We have seen growth in all markets and the possibilities for additional markets are very high. This expansion is a testament to the global appeal of Caribbean culture and the unique experience Sandz offers. The overwhelming support from our audience across the globe motivates us to aim even higher. As we move forward, we’re inspired to broaden our reach and bring people together through the rich culture of the Caribbean everywhere. It’s a reflection of our commitment to foster connections through music, celebrate our rich heritage, and build a global community”.

Over the years, the Sandz stage has featured luminaries such as Rick Ross, Da Baby, Shenseea, Aidonia, Masicka, Govana, and many more, embodying the festival’s commitment to excellence and diversity.