The Xodus Carnival Wet Music Festival served up a colourful splash for hundreds of patrons on Saturday morning at Port Spectrum, downtown Kingston.

When the band — which prides itself as being the biggest in Jamaica — advertised a start time at 4:00 am many wondered if revellers would be present that early. But present they were!

Thanks to strategically placed signs along the route to direct them to the venue, men and women donned in Xodus-branded pieces, coupled with waterproof phone cases, showed out with their coolers to enjoy the festivities.

The festival ran on schedule, with each DJ playing in complementary sequence so that patrons could experience soca music from yesteryear to present day. From Jus Jay, Zess, Major Penny, Rico The DJ, Nocturnal Sound, Bloodline Franco & Brush1 The Road Marshal, Tony X, and Fatalic to Walshy Fire from Major Lazer Sound System, the water, paint, powder, and foam created the perfect stomping ground for dancing as the morning sun peeped out.

Soon, there was no regard for hairdos, shoes and clothing brands, with patrons wet and covered in colour from head to toe.

Among the lot were soca lovers from overseas who were seen to be having the time of their lives.

“I’m actually visiting Jamaica to celebrate my birthday, and my friends and I decided to come… it’s my first time at a water party, and it’s going really well. I’d definitely do this again,” one patron from Canada told the
Jamaica Observer.

Another, who was bursting with joy, fought to get his words out.

“I’m from Trinidad, so you know we know what a good fete is. I have no complaints! The energy, the vibes, the food, the drinks, and time with my friends is everything. I’m always team Xodus when I’m in Jamaica for Carnival,” he said in a hoarse voice.

Patrons enjoyed reasonably priced options from Janga’s Sound Bar & Grill as well as complimentary meals from KFC, and breakfast items from Elle & Vire, Hungry Jack, and Foska Oats.

The penultimate portion of the festival saw high-energy performances by GBM Nutron and Bunji Garlin. The latter brought out cameo guest DJ Bravo, who performed his popular single Champion.

Bunji Garlin in performance (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

From left: Walshy Fire, Pierre Goubault, and DJ Nocturnal (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Xodus directors Scott Dunn and Taylor Chung (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Brush1 The Road Marshal does his thing. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

GBM Nutron (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Edge 105’s Burgerman gets a hold of the water hose. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)