KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican promoter Fabian Cole, popularly known as “Boomas,” is taking his Soul Food Caribbean Festival brand international as demand grows for soul and reggae-centered entertainment across the Caribbean diaspora.

What began as the weekly Soul Food Tuesdays event in Jamaica has now evolved into the Soul Food Caribbean Festival, with successful stagings already held in England and Canada.

Cole said the movement is built around classic soul music, Caribbean culture and authentic food experiences.

“Jamaica is known for dancehall, but there’s a souls movement happening right now,” he said. “People love the vibe and emotional connection that soul music brings.”

This year’s Canadian staging of the festival is set for July 1, 2026 in Markham and will feature performances from Capleton, Gyptian and rising act D’Yani.

“It’s a central area in Markham, Esna Park,” he explained. “We have parking right around because it’s a commercial area. People easily get around in Markham. It’s a very centralised location.”

Cole said ticket sales have already been strong and credited Canada’s deep appreciation for reggae music as part of the festival’s growing success.

Looking ahead, he plans to expand the brand into cities including New York and Los Angeles, while also bringing a major staging of the festival to Jamaica.

“We’re Jamaican and we have the brand, so we definitely have to do one in Jamaica,” he said.

Cole also revealed that American R&B singer Keyshia Cole is among the artistes he would love to feature at a future Jamaican edition of the festival.

Although deeply rooted in Jamaican culture, Cole believes reggae and soul music continue to resonate strongly with Canadian audiences.

“Canadians love reggae music,” he said. “I think we both have the culture where Canadians are grounded for reggae.”