Pamputtae, Irie Souljah for November Artwalk Festival

November is Youth Month, and for creatives who may be new to performing, but no stranger to the arts, this month’s Artwalk Festival is creating a vibrant space for emerging artistes to put their talent on display.

On the last Sunday of November, Kingston Creative, Red Stripe Flavours, Main Event and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will come together to celebrate the work of these up-and-coming artistes, including dancers, actors, visual artists and musicians.

The Artwalk Festival will feature a double headliner with popular dancehall entertainer Pamputtae and Spanish reggae entertainer Irie Souljah. Pamputtae, whose real name is Eveana Henry, is known for her powerful and hardcore dancehall sound on her hit songs like Sticky Whine and Gymnastic, a collab with Aneesa Badshaw. She has gained international recognition and has collaborated with artistes like Nicki Minaj on the Likkle Miss Fine Nine Remix.

Irie Souljah, whose real name is Josep Jordi Grau Saula, is known for his deeply spiritual messages and soulful voice. He fell in love with reggae music at a young age and has dedicated his life to the genre. Some of his popular songs include Helping Hand and Kiss The Sky.

“Our partnership with Kingston Creative for this month’s artwalk is all about empowering young people with resources and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while celebrating the diverse range of creativity among them. Through initiatives such as these which support emerging talent, we’re helping nascent creatives step into the spotlight and gain confidence in their artistic journeys. It’s an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their unique voices and for the community to come out and support the incredible potential of our young adults,” shared Red Stripe Flavours Brand Manager Jodi-Ann Campbell.

What’s in store for creatives?

Emerging artistes, innovators and creators will be able to network and learn, as there will be workshops with established creatives to build their skills and knowledge. Budding artistes are also encouraged to participate by expressing their talent at the Open Mic, where they have the chance to win $20,000.

Artisans can reserve a booth and join the artisan village to showcase a diverse range of artforms. They can also participate in hands-on workshops, where up-and-coming creatives can learn how to earn and hone their skills under the guidance of experienced artisans.

What’s in store for patrons?

Festival patrons will have the opportunity to have fun in the Red Stripe Flavours Paint & Sip sessions, guided by resident artist Daniel Thompson ‘DanThoArt’ who will helps guests to create a beautiful masterpiece of their own. Patrons can also take in the art exhibitions of original works created by local artists or get involved in a game of dominoes or loodi along Water Lane.

“Of course, no Artwalk Festival is complete without doing our new ‘Hop On Hop Off’ bus tour,” commented Teisha Williams, Kingston Creative tours manager. “We have guided tours starting at 10 a.m. for anyone who wants to know the history behind the murals or visit the Tivoli Murals Project, the Institute of Jamaica or the National Gallery of Jamaica.”

The tours run until 5 p.m., with registration and online payment made easy on the company’s Kulcha Connect App.