The 19th edition of the Soul Beach Music Festival (SBMF) lit up Aruba like never before, smashing attendance records and drawing music lovers from across the globe for a six-day celebration of soul, sunshine, and unforgettable performances.
From beach parties by day to electrifying nightlife by evening, SBMF 2019 offered the ultimate Caribbean music experience. But the heart of the festival was its star-studded lineup of comedians, international headliners, and soulful local talent.
🎭 Comedy Stars Kick Things Off
The festival opened with laughter, as Deon Cole and Aida Rodriguez brought big energy to the stage. Deon, known for his work on Conan, Black-ish, and Grown-ish, had the crowd roaring with his razor-sharp wit. Aida followed with her bold comedic style, representing for women in comedy as a powerhouse performer, writer, and actress.
🎶 Soul-Packed Weekend of Music
Saturday night delivered soulful heat with Charlie Wilson, who set the tone with his legendary stage presence. He was followed by H.E.R., the two-time Grammy winner, who mesmerized the audience with hits like “Focus”, “Could’ve Been”, and “Hard Place”.
Sunday’s grand finale opened with local stars Le Groove, whose soca-infused soul got the crowd dancing early. British R&B sensation Ella Mai took over next, pouring her heart into her performance with chart-toppers like “Boo’d Up”. During her Q&A, she revealed her dream collaboration would be with Lauryn Hill, fittingly on the same day as Hill’s birthday.
🎤 John Legend Closes with a Legendary Set
The festival’s final headliner, John Legend, delivered a truly unforgettable show. He brought Ella Mai back on stage for a live performance of “Everything”, followed by a touching surprise moment when he slow-danced with an elated local fan named Ruth, creating an intimate memory that swept the crowd off their feet.
Just when fans thought the night had ended, John returned to the piano and closed the evening with his iconic hit, “All of Me”, igniting cheers and singalongs throughout the venue.
🥂 Looking Ahead to SBMF’s 20th Anniversary
As SBMF prepares for its 20th anniversary in 2020, excitement is already building. While the headliner lineup is still under wraps, one thing is certain—next year will be even bigger. Soul Beach Music Festival continues to grow, year after year, cementing Aruba’s place on the global music map.
Huge thanks to the SBMF team for producing such a world-class event and giving us the chance to witness the magic.
Photo credits : https://www.visitaruba.com/blog/entertainment/soul-beach-music-festival-lights-up-aruba-once-again/
