The 2023 Artwalk Festival celebrates ‘Youth In Arts’ to highlight the creativity and talent of young people in Jamaica.

Headlining the festival on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Water Lane and Church Street in downtown Kingston, is young musician Yeza, who hails from Bull Bay, St Thomas.

Yeza embodies a modern-day “reggae roots empress” and is dubbed by many as the “Lyrical Lioness” and “Rebel Empress”, due to her effortless melodies, strong stage presence and versatility.

She has collaborated with several noteworthy artistes and producers, among them Sizzla Kalonji, Bobby Digital, Rory Stone Love, Monkey Marc, Blvk Hero, Turbulence, Tuff Like Iron, and Sarangetti Music.

The Artwalk Festival is organised by Kingston Creative, a non-profit organisation that aims to use arts and culture to transform downtown Kingston. It is supported by partners Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Main Events, F&B Downtown and Catherine’s Peak.

The event features a variety of diverse activities, including music, literature, visual arts, and provides a platform for young artists to showcase their work and connect with other artists and industry professionals.

The day starts off at 10:00 am with a free arts-themed children’s scavenger hunt and is followed by book readings from children’s authors Richard Nattoo and Kamille Jackson. A fashion show by Michelle Gordon’s Island Child Style, live performances by roots rock reggae singer Yeza, an art exhibition by visual artist Suzanna Missenbeger, and more make up the slate of activities.

The festival also has something for the ‘spirited’ set. At 1:00 pm there will be the launch of White Rum and Coconut Water, as well as a new book of prose and poetry by Dr Natalie Corthesy.

The book launch will feature readings by the iconic Fae Ellington and Fabian Thomas and takes place inside chic bistro F&B Downtown.

Creative patrons can also sign up for the open mic segment hosted by DJ Fenix.

Tours of the murals, National Gallery of Jamaica, and the Institute of Jamaica’s National Museum will also be available.

The festival promises to feature performances by some of Jamaica’s most talented young artistes and artisans to highlight the diversity and richness of Jamaican culture in National Youth Month.

It is free and open to the public.