Fabian Cole Expands Soul Food Caribbean Festival Brand To Serve The Caribbean Diaspora

Jamaican entertainment promoter Fabian Cole, better known as “Boomas”, is taking his Soul Food Caribbean Festival overseas as demand continues to grow for reggae and soul-centred events within the Caribbean diaspora.

What first began as the weekly Soul Food Tuesdays series in Jamaica has since expanded into a fully-fledged festival brand, with successful stagings already held in both England and Canada.

Boomas said the concept was created around a fusion of classic soul music, Caribbean culture and authentic culinary experiences, offering patrons an alternative to the dominance of dancehall events.

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

This year’s Canadian instalment of the Soul Food Caribbean Festival is scheduled for 1 July 2026 in Markham, Ontario, and is expected to feature performances from reggae artistes Capleton, Gyptian and emerging singer Dyani.

According to Boomas, the event will be staged at Esna Park, which he described as a convenient and accessible venue for patrons.

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

The promoter said early ticket sales have been encouraging, attributing the festival’s continued growth to Canada’s longstanding appreciation for reggae music and Caribbean culture.

With momentum building internationally, Boomas revealed plans to expand the brand further into major American cities, including New York and Los Angeles, while also preparing to stage a large-scale edition of the festival in Jamaica.

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

He also disclosed that American R&B singer Keyshia Cole is among the artistes he hopes to secure for a future Jamaican staging of the festival.

Despite the event’s Jamaican roots, Boomas believes Canadian audiences maintain a deep cultural connection to reggae and soul music.

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