KINGSTON, Jamaica — Born out of a desire to expose raw up-and-coming talent, the Fiwi Soun Live Music Par will commemorate its first anniversary this Friday, May 2, at House of Flamez, 1C Jacks Hill Road.

The event, which is organised by Fiwi Campus, features not only emerging performers but also selectors and disc jocks, yearning for exposure.

“We wanted to create a space where live music, culture and community collide. It’s about giving emerging and established artists a platform to connect with real people through authentic, high-vibe experiences. We had the first staging in May 2024, and we have had multiple stagings throughout the year,” Jevaughn Bell, organiser of the event, told Observer Online recently.

Said Bell, “We are offering consistent opportunities for music lovers to experience fresh sounds and for artists to showcase their craft. FiwiSoun has grown in both scale and impact. From larger crowds and better production to stronger artist lineups and brand support, the event has become a staple for live music and culture on campus and beyond, and in essence, it’s about building a creative hub that encourages community involvement and industry connections.”

Among the DJs who have showcased their talent at Fiwi Soun are DJ Prdnvte and DJ Huntr. Up-and-coming acts, including Jaddon, Dom Trap, MB and Tanzie, have also graced the Fiwi Soun stage.

Asked if having emerging talent was strategic, Bell said, “Yes, the focus on upcoming talent is intentional. It aligns with Fiwi Campus’s mission to give emerging artists and DJs a platform, helping them gain visibility and grow their audience.”

According to Bell, the past year has been rewarding.

“It’s been a rewarding ride— full of growth, learning curves and community support. Every event brings new challenges, but the love and energy from the crowd make it all worth it,” he said, while hinting about adding new elements to the offerings.

“Yes! We’re exploring more interactive and immersive experiences—think live art, curated vendor spaces and exclusive behind-the-scenes content—to elevate the vibe and deepen the connection with our audience,” Bell shared.

At Friday night’s event, the likes of Giomar, Tanzie and DJs Prdnvte, Carlos A Team and ZJ Romzi are scheduled to perform.

— Kevin Jackson