More than 6,000 music fans packed Festival Green in Camana Bay at the third annual Out Of This World music festival on Saturday night.
International music icons Ludacris and Shenseea topped the star-studded bill, which included a reunion of local group The iZ, back on stage together after a 13-year break.
Festival director John Watler, also known as Selecta Renegade, brought the three members together for this year’s event, which, for the first time ever, stayed dry, meaning fans soaked up the vibes but avoided the rain.
During the nearly 60-minute set performance, The iZ brought fans nostalgic Caymanian greatness, while giving newcomers to their music a chance to embrace the local tunes.
It was a blast from the past as the group brought out longtime Caymanian rappers and artists such as Neptune, Bubblez, Popeye Caution, Josh Cotterell and Jeffery Wilson.
Also on the line-up was Caymanian musician Georgie Duarte, who was first up on stage, getting the crowd in the festival mood with his signature dancehall, reggae fusion.
Cayman singer, songwriter and music producer Rico Rolando was next up with a mix of R&B tunes, followed by a heartfelt rendition of ‘No Woman, No Cry’. He was followed by award-winning singer, songwriter and music producer Mical Teja from Trinidad and Tobago, who got the whole crowd singing along.
The arrival of Grammy-nominated Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea really set the crowd alight, with thousands of phones held aloft to record her arrival on stage, accompanied by some impressive moves by her backing dancers.
“How you feeling, Cayman?” Shenseea asked, getting a roar from the crowd in return. “You guys look good tonight!”
The singer also brought a few ‘Shen Yeng’ fans onto the stage to show off their ‘Tap Out’ moves, with the crowd choosing their favourite fan with the best dance.
Top of the bill was US rapper Ludacris, a multi Grammy Award winner, increasingly known for his film career thanks to the likes of the Fast & Furious franchise. His energetic and spirited set got the crowd jumping in Festival Green and, no doubt, all the way home.
Fans delighted by festival line-up
Stephanie and Robert Jenkins had travelled all the way from Arizona to attend Out of This World. The entire trip, including the festival experience, was a 50th birthday surprise for Robert from Stephanie, his wife of 14 years.
“I had no idea I was coming to the festival, or even to the Cayman Islands!” Robert told the Compass. “It’s been an amazing week. We’ve been snorkelling, we’ve eaten some great food and I’ve even gotten used to driving on the other side of the road.”
It was the first time either of them had been to the Cayman Islands and they were particularly excited to see the local artists.
Shanice Bonitto from Grand Cayman was a solo festival-goer this time, after her friend was unable to make it.
“But I wasn’t going to miss this!” she said.
She didn’t let it dampen her enjoyment of the day, and while waiting for her favourite acts, including Shenseea, to come on, she enjoyed making the most of Out of This World’s free, 360-degree video booth.
It was the first time at Out of This World for music festival-goers Laureen and Hector Robinson from Crystal Harbour, Grand Cayman. The enjoyed soaking up the sunshine along with the festival vibes before their favourite artist — another vote for Shenseea — came on.
“We maybe should have brought chairs though,” they said, looking on with envy at those who had opted to bring their own seating.
However, experienced festival attendee Donna Dilbert said that chairs might look like a smart idea when the festival was relatively quiet, but later in the evening, when the crowd turns up, “it just gets in the way. I took mine last year, but it turned out to be a real pain later on as you’re just carrying it around everywhere.”
Dilbert, a “born and bred Caymanian”, proved that age is no barrier to following your passions, having brought two of her grandchildren with her to the event.
“They’re off with their friends somewhere but I’m just loving being here and enjoying the music,” she told the Compass. “I never miss a music event, from Capella to Carnival!”
In addition to bringing the ultimate vibes to this year’s Out of This World music fest, the A-listers were seen across social media living their best lives and taking in the islands’ beauty. Shenseea shared her time at Stingray City, with a caption, “They say when you kiss a stingray, you’ll get 7 years of good luck.”
Ludacris, who arrived on Grand Cayman a day earlier, also enjoyed the sights of Stingray City, posting on his social media, “Of course I’m here a day early for bucket list checkoffs”. He was also seen gliding through the waves and drifting in Cayman waters in the iconic water car.
Additional reporting by Shanda Gallego
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