Chris Gayle takes ‘40 Shades’ brand global - Universe Boss to stage party in Dubai and India

Recording artiste and legendary former West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is taking his annual party series, 40 Shades of Gayle, global.

The local event, which was conceptualised as a celebration of his birthday and vibrant lifestyle, will now make stops in Dubai, and possibly India. This expansion underscores Gayle's global appeal and marks a major milestone for the event, which has grown into one of the most anticipated parties in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, 40 Shades of Gayle has become a fixture on the entertainment calendar. The party has attracted celebrities, athletes, and music stars, all eager to partake in a night filled with high-energy music, live performances, and, of course, Gayle's signature charm.

Gayle described Dubai as the perfect location for his first staging on foreign soil because of the relationships he has leveraged from visiting regularly.

"Dubai will host my 40 Shades of Gayle party on November 2 at the Barasti Beach. It's the perfect location because Dubai is known for being a very exotic place and it's a country I visit almost every year. I have developed a strong network of business associates and friends here, and I even shot a music video here a few years ago. The promoters of the event here, VTR Hospitality and Events, have incorporated [it] into their annual Headlines Festival and they, along with other partners, are experienced in keeping exclusive events in Dubai," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

"I bring my high energy wherever I go, and in Dubai, people from all over the world come to enjoy life and have a great time. So I'm bringing the Brand Jamaica way of having a good time to the event," he added.

He assured that there will be a mixture of musical genres played by the DJs.

"We have international DJs Onfaya and San Collins at the event and several more will be coming. So we will have not only reggae, soca and dancehall, but house music, dance music and Afrobeats to fit this international audience," he said. For 2025, Gayle said there are definitely plans to have 40 shades of Gayle in India, where he has a large fan base.

"India is my second home where I had a great IPL career, and it has a vibrant entertainment culture. I started this party from my home in Kingston and I have to thank my team of Contractor's Marketing, Chantal and Camar Flava, for helping to expand the party to a beach event and keeping my brand high," he said. "So as I look to expand in Bollywood, and with Jamaica and India making strong ties with Prime Minister Andrew Holness' recent visit to India, I'm looking forward to having the party in India next year," he added.

Gayle also emphasised that his philanthropic efforts will not be overshadowed by the staging of these events.

"I am focusing on this Dubai event in November and using it as a learning experience. Then I will sit with my team and investors and work on doing it in a big way, so that I can help charities in India as well, because I always want to give back to those in need," he said.