Dance music is about to ripple through the Caribbean waters with beautiful prospects: new landscapes, new experiences, new sounds, new cultures. As the opposite term to Déjà Vu, Vujaday designates something one has never felt before. Husa Sounds took a look into what sets this new Caribbean electronic music celebration apart; so far, the event seems as promising as the name.

Vujaday is put on by experienced Canadian nightlife patrons, who’ve previously spearheaded events like Digital Dreams and WEMF. Beyond music, this vibrant gathering doesn’t overlook connecting its attendees to the abundant culture and activities that Barbados has to offer, as well as providing functional event infrastructure for performers and guests alike.

Let’s talk about this lineup, stacked with gems; from voyages with dreamers such as Bedouin, Lee Burridge and YokoO, to the punchy rhythms of DJ Tennis, Lauren Lane and Green Velvet, to Canadian talents – and HS favorites! – Niki Sadeki, Mustafa Ismaeel, Nymra & Sofisticated, to Caribbean locals Joe Santoro, D. Luxe, Andy Himself. We recommend checking out the many more names gracing the program, they’re a treat for all tastes. Below, a high energy, undeniably groovy mix fashioned by Wolf+Lamb to set the tone – enjoy.

Vujaday’s been going the extra mile in terms of programming and production, and it shows. After a careful examination of potential island locations, organizers set sail for Barbados. The festival will be spread out across five days in five scenic locations (Farley Hill, Holetown, South Beach Zone, and the East / West coasts of the island). Friday’s stage will be hosted by London’s legendary venue and electronic events hub Ministry of Sound, while Saturday will be curated by the innovative Amsterdam promoters Audio Obscura – they recently made waves for booking the first ever electronic music act at Amsterdam Central Station, none other than  Adriatique.

Vujaday adds to the growing cultivation of dance music within the Caribbean, (along the likes of St. Martin’s SXM and Aruba Electric Festival), matching addictive abandonment to electronic beats with peacefully breathtaking locations. Although the island is still primarily moving to the rhythm of soca, calypso and jazz, other genres are gradually carving out their space.

According to festival co-founder Ryan Kruger, the reception and feedback from locals has been positive and supplements their efforts to build the scene, while the government and tourism office are on board, enthused by the pop-up venues that encourage guests to discover more of the island. Kruger has decades of experience under his belt, from founding a successful rave company in the 90s, to running some of the most influential national festival agencies, to launching Live Nation Canada’s electronic music branch.

“People travelling to Barbados for Vujaday want to see three things. The beach, the natural beauty of the island and amazing events that are flawlessly executed. What makes Vujaday unique is that we are moving the festival around the island by creating five pop-ups rather than sending people to the same festival site day after day. We chose a schedule that alternates between three beach club events and two inland events, with the inland events being held in and around stunning private residences with immaculate grounds and tropical beauty. All of the sites were chosen to highlight the natural splendor of the island while allowing us to safely and efficiently execute memorable experiences.” -Kruger in Forbes.

We recognize a successful recipe when we see one, and can’t wait to hear your feedback on the first edition of what could become a bright, sunny staple of the scene. Intrigued but not committed yet? Get a 15% ticket discount here. The Vujaday website features all sorts of accommodation resources, addresses, promos and packages. As usual, respect the locals, the space, your peers and yourself as you dance on through sunsets and sunrises. T-12 Days!

Article by Lola Baraldi.