In an interview with Asberth News Network, Neeks Jones, promoter of the Vincy All Stars show, shared insights on the event’s success, its challenges, and the importance of showcasing Vincentian talent during Labor Day celebrations.
When asked what inspired him to host the event, Neeks explained, “I’ve always believed that we have musical content that the world not only knows but has a real appetite for. There’s something special about our music in the larger West Indian culture and diaspora, and it was time we showcased that in a big way.”
He continued by expressing the importance of timing, stating, “When we started planning the event, I knew it was something that people would appreciate. We needed to give our people and the fans of Vincy music something to enjoy, especially for Labor Day. We hadn’t done an event like this in seven years, so the timing just felt right.”
Discussing how he selected the performers, Neeks told Asberth News Network, “Vincy Mas is the heartbeat of our music scene. It gives you a clear sense of which artistes resonate with the people. We wanted to bring that energy to New York. Thankfully, most of the artistes were already planning to be here for the carnival weekend, and the ones who had won crowns or titles during Carnival were automatically on our list. After all, this was ‘All Stars,’ and we had to showcase the best of the best.”
However, the event didn’t come without its challenges. Neeks recalled, “The decision to do the event came late, so finding a venue was tough. Everywhere we tried was booked. We almost thought it wasn’t going to happen, but we tapped into some resources, negotiated hard, and finally secured a place. The Carnival Development Committee also stepped up and offered their support, which really helped.”
Reflecting on the community’s response, Neeks shared, “People were genuinely excited. It had been so long since we had something like this, and to see our artistes on one stage in Brooklyn during Labor Day Weekend, all with music that the world knows? That was a proud moment. The highlight for me wasn’t just one performance; it was the fact that we had 12 Vincentian artistes up there, representing. Seeing flags from other Caribbean islands in the audience, vibing with our music—that was the moment I knew we had done something special.”
When asked what made the event successful, Neeks told Asberth News Network, “The talent and content. Our artistes are among the best in the world. With social media, our music is reaching more people faster, and that appreciation is growing. Our people are proud, and that pride translates into support. It’s really that simple.”
Neeks also emphasized the importance of highlighting Vincentian talent, stating, “It’s crucial. We have so much talent, and the world is starting to see it. Showcasing our artistes at events like Labor Day only helps to build the brand of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. It gives our people something that’s truly ours, something we can claim and be proud of. And the fact that people from other nationalities are coming to enjoy our music—that’s the direction we want to keep moving in.”
For those looking to host a similar event, Neeks advised, “Your goal should always be to highlight our artistes and culture. That’s what it’s about—creating awareness and putting our talent on display for the world to see.”
Looking ahead to next year, Neeks told Asberth News Network, “We’re already planning. First off, we’ll start marketing earlier. This year, we only had two weeks to promote the event, and still, the turnout was amazing. Just imagine what we can do with more time. We’re also hoping to get more support from the right groups to make sure we’re offering the best possible experience. I’m confident that even more people will recognize the importance of this event, and we’ll see increased support moving forward.”
Concluding the interview, Neeks expressed his pride and optimism for the future, stating, “This is just the beginning. We’re building something big here, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.”