VI Royal Festival And Wellness Conference Starts Today On St. Croix

Virgin Islands roots reggae musicians, artists, and wellness professionals will gather in St. Croix this weekend July 21-23 at the “Virgin Islands Royal Fest and Wellness Conference”, according to a release issued Thursday. The three-day celebration of the 126th birthday of Haile Selassie I will highlight the spirit of unity and wellness through a powerful international gathering of the African conscious community, according to the release.

The community has been invited to experience what is expected to be one of largest gatherings of top Virgin Islands roots reggae artists and musicians against a backdrop of African dance and drumming, vegan cuisine, fashion, poetry, visual art, children’s activities and more. Presented by Ras Bobby Herbal Products LLC, Denkenesh Records, Ancient Divine Order of Nyabinghi St. Croix, Ethiopian World Federation Local #5, Original Kulture, House of RasTafari and Uca’s Kitchen, admission is free all weekend.

“We chant life over everything else,” said co-founder Niyorah Olivacce of Denkenesh Records. “The ones to which God has given the gift of voice are coming together to speak as one consciousness for our Virgin Islands. The rough storms of last year humbled us all and showed us the importance of coming together. Our vision reflects and reinforces that unity in a powerful and positive way.”

Born on July 23, 1892 Haile Selassie I is revered by many as a seminal world leader who championed African unity and serves as the guiding inspiration of the Rastafari movement, according to the release.

“We must become bigger than we have been: more courageous, greater in spirit, larger in outlook, ” Selassie once said. “History teaches us that unity is strength, and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals.”

On Friday July 20 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 p.m., musicians will be on hand for a media meet and greet and to give their perspective not upcoming events for the weekend at Original Kulture shop at 206 Estate La Reine.

On Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., the weekend kicks off with a concert featuring music artists and live bands at the Rudolph E. Schulterbrandt Agricultural Complex in Estate Lower Love.

On Sunday, from 10:00 am until, music artists and DJs will perform at Buddhoe Park in Freedom City, Frederiksted for the “RasTafari Ises, I Grade Dub Session and Track Show.”

On Monday, July 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. the culminating Wellness Conference will take place at the University of the Virgin Islands cafeteria at the Albert E. Sheen campus in Kingshill and will feature lectures and demonstrations by respected Virgin Islands, Caribbean and international herbalists, vegan chefs and Italists.

For more information, check out the Virgin Islands Royal Fest page on Facebook and Instagram for up to the moment details. To inquire about media coverage call 340-423-7113 or 707-478-4324 or email [email protected].