Cleopatra and calypsoes . . . Ajodun Modupe celebrates African culture

On Sunday, Ajodun Modupe: Love in Africa Brunch took patrons back to the “motherland” with tribal prints, Nigerian patterned garb and Afro beats music.

Themed to coincide with African Awareness Month, patrons in The Garden of Love, Dash Valley, St George, pulled out the stops with their bright, bold and colourful attire.

Some of the ladies stepped out in their Nigerian traditional dress from head to toe. It was a tight competition for best dressed against the gents.

The name, Ajodun Modupe, derived from the Nigerian Yoruba tribe, means The Festival of Love and Gratefulness. There was an abundance of good vibes, music and partying at the food-inclusive brunch party.

The event opened its doors at 11 a.m. but in keeping with “Bajan time” locals started to flood into the venue after 2 p.m. Those who did not follow the dress code were able to immerse themselves in the Afrocentric theme with aptly named delicious cocktails such as Cleopatra, King Selassie, African Queen, and Luxor.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Love Garden was pumping the diverse mix of dancehall, soca, reggae, Afro-beats and more from deejays Party Trident, DJ ZEN, Ramon G, MHK and Incy, Hutchy and Sizz, Jesse T, Kidwe and Tazz. Although the numbers were moderate, the patrons were there to enjoy themselves and it was evident as they huddled together to dance to Squash’s Shooting Mood or Voice’s Full of Vibe.

Deejay Ramon G turned the event to lover’s lane during his set, creating a romantic ambience with John King and Alison Hind’s Hold You In A Song. Hutchy and Sizz catered to the musical taste of locals with their mix of recent Trinidadian and Barbadian soca hits as well as the mix of bashment soca and dancehall for those who wanted to release their inhibitions.

Promoter Shakeel Greaves told Bajan Vibes he came up with the Afro-inspired concept two years ago due to the lack of land events during the month of February.

“Basically, I was always fascinated by the African culture and the clothes they wear so I wanted to create an event that could bring awareness to that culture and allow everyone to be unique and come out in their best African outfits while coming together to enjoy themselves, share in love and unity in one place embracing rhythms and beats,” he explained.

The event, currently in its infancy, shows signs of promise, and the Afro-themed concept is a plus for those who wish to go the extra mile with their outfits.

Noting there was room for growth, Greaves said he was pleased with the reception of locals towards the event and he’s looking forward to taking it up a notch next year.

“To be honest, I am humbled and grateful for the response so far. With so many options out there, it is growing and people are taking notice of it and the most satisfying aspect is the fact that so many people are embracing the theme and coming out in their own unique African outfits.” (IMC)