T.O.K. takes FRi~NALLY stage tonight
For the first time in a decade, dancehall group T.O.K. will be performing in Jamaica. They ensemble is set to headline a special throwback edition of FRi~NALLY at 36 Hope Road in St Andrew tonight.
“This staging is special to us as we grew up in the 90s and got to really experience the beauty of dancehall leading from the 90s into the 2000s to where it is today,” co-promoter Jared Samuel told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.
He continued: “After shelling down the place last year this time with the return of Wayne Marshall to the scene, we knew we had to match that energy and experience.”
Samuel said that T.O.K. seemed the natural choice for this edition.
“This will be the group’s first live performance in Jamaica in approximately 10 years. T.O.K represents that golden era of dancehall that everybody connects with. When we said ‘Likkle Throwback’, we didn’t just want to play the music, we wanted to bring the feeling to life. T.O.K has timeless hits that people still know word for word, so they help us create that real nostalgic energy that this specific FRi~NALLY theme is known for.”
Coppershot (Cyclone and Marc Chin) as well as ZJ Liquid will be at the turntables.
He shared that there will be other special elements to complement the theme.
“We’re bringing back the full throwback vibe through the music, visuals, and atmosphere, and execution specially designed between ourselves and our execution partners, Phenomenal Systems and Major Marketing. Expect early 2000s sets with, of course, a likkle bit a new bangers from our DJs playing multiple genres; crowd interaction moments; and surprise throwback segments that will have everyone fully engaged. It’s all about making people feel like they stepped back into one of the best eras of partying,” he explained.
The promotional team has made the event accessible to everyone with a two-for-one deal for women before midnight.
They have also signed a partnership with the Hennessy Jamaica team at Select Brands which will elevate the overall premium experience of FRi~NALLY. Through this partnership, patrons will be able to experience Hennessy bottle deals.
Meanwhile, co-conceptualiser Daniel Wong noted that the intentional planning has been going well. He explained that the longevity of the party series is owed to consistency.
“FRi~NALLY is more than just a party; it’s a vibe and a community… It’s a part of the Kingston party scene DNA. FRi~NALLY is in its seventh year now and we can boast that we are one of the longest-lasting Friday night party series in Jamaica and continue to grow. What makes us unique is the consistency in energy, the quality of the crowd, and how we blend music, culture, and experience into one night. We are a celebrity playground and you never know who you will see partying next to you at FRi~NALLY. Whether it’s the themes, the DJs and their music selection, or the overall atmosphere, people know when they come to FRi~NALLY, they’re getting something different every time — but always top-tier,” he told Splash.
Wong is encouraging everyone to attend for what is setting up to be an unforgettable night of quality music and premium drinks on sale.
“If you love dancehall culture, good music, good energy, and a premium party experience, this is where you need to be… FRi~NALLY is one of those events where you don’t just attend — you feel it. This ‘Likkle Throwback’ edition is going to be special, and it’s the kind of night people will be talking about long after it’s done. You don’t want to hear about it, you want to be there and be about it,” he charged.