Afro-Caribbean Carnival
This summer, Melbourne will once again come alive with the vibrant energy of the Afro-Caribbean Carnival.
This free celebration of Afro-Caribbean music, food, costume and sound-system culture, features performances from three international superstars.
The legendary Kevin Lyttle, a fan favourite in Burn City, will hit the stage to ‘Turn You On’ once again. Joining him is the world-renowned Soca Queen herself, Alison Hinds, bringing the unmistakable vibes of Barbados and her iconic anthem, ‘Roll It Gal’. UK’s Solo Banton will bring the dub, soundsystem and reggae vibes to carnival, fresh off the back of his latest full-length album release, In This Time.
The heart of Melbourne will pulse with the power of three heavyweight DIY sound systems, filling the air with beats that you’ll hear long before you see them. Expect towering sound systems, some standing as tall as three meters, from El Gran Mono, Heartical Hi Powa, and Housewife’s Choice Sound System. Their music will transform the Square into a celebration of rhythm, culture and community.
Get ready to dance alongside hundreds of carnival lovers decked out in vibrant costumes – grab yours from MC Costumes and join in the colourful parade.
Whether you’re from Australia or visiting from abroad, everyone is invited to immerse themselves in this rich Afro-Caribbean experience.
This event is completely free, so mark your calendars and don’t miss the celebration. All tribes are welcome – no tickets, no fees, just pure musical joy.
Presented by Fed Square in partnership with Stick Mareebo Productions.
Costume workshop
From 4pm | Main Square
Join in a free costume workshop with MC Costumes, to get yourself feathered-up and fabulous for Carnival! All materials are provided.
About the artists
Crowned the undisputed ‘Queen of Soca’ by fans worldwide, her powerful, emotional vocals and high-energy live shows are legendary in Caribbean music. Alison Hind’s musical journey has taken her throughout the Caribbean islands and the diaspora worldwide.
At the age of 17, Hinds joined Square One as one of the band’s lead vocalists, recording several albums and winning multiple awards with hits like ‘Ragamuffin’, ‘Twister’ and ‘Faluma’. Faluma topped the charts in Guatemala for 46 weeks. in 2005, Alison formed her own band and released her first solo album, ‘Soca Queen’, in 2007. The album delivered her positive message of love and upliftment for one and all. On the back of this success, particularly in Jamaica, led to new collaborations, such as with Richie Spice on ‘King and Queen’, Jah Cure on ‘Call On Me’ and with Shaggy on ‘Can’t Let My Love Go’.
Hinds has appeared on The Today Show with Matt Lauer, won Best Female Vocalist (2009 and 2010) and Best Calypso/ Soca Entertainer (2009) at the International Reggae and World Music Awards, and has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Soca music at the 14th Annual Caribbean American Heritage awards in 2010.
Kevin Lyttle broke the mould, altering the course of traditional Soca music and infusing a more international flavour, with the release of his 2003 hit single “Turn Me On”. The track topped charts around the world – the UK, Germany, Italy France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Australia, and on to the United States.
After earning spots on MTV, Billboard’s Hot 100 and signing a deal with Atlantic Records, his single and album both went multi-platinum, selling over 5,000,000 and 2,000,000 copies respectively. He went on to have two more songs, ‘Drive Me Crazy’ and ‘Home for Carnival’, that hit number one on the charts for two consecutive years. Lyttle was, by all definitions of the term, a rising star.
Four albums later, Lyttle again joined a major label when his label, Tarakon Records, partnered with the Sony/ Ultra family to release his hit single ‘Slow Motion’ in 2017.
In 2017, Billboard named ‘Turn Me on’ the number 1 dancehall chorus of the 21st century. Stating ‘Perhaps no other hook on this list could turn a club into Carnival faster than this reggae/ soca smash.’
After a long career in the reggae music business as a DJ and top soundsystem selector and producer, Banton recorded his debut album ‘Walk Like Rasta’ in 2010. Two EPs followed, and his latest full-length album ‘In This Time’ was released in 2024, working with the French sound system and label Irie Ites, to great acclaim. His infectious and bubbly character charms audiences the world over from Brazil to Eastern Europe, from Japan to Africa. A no nonsense hard-hitting, high-energy show leaves the crowd longing for more and more.
Check out the full program of free live music, outdoor cinema and community events on as part of Open Air in the Square.
