I’ve been counting down the days until the 2024 Soul Beach Music Festival hits the pristine shores of Aruba this Memorial Day weekend. As a longtime fan of this Caribbean celebration of R&B and soul music, I’m thrilled to share the star-studded lineup that’s set to make this year’s festival unforgettable. From Grammy-winning legends to rising stars, the 2024 roster promises five days of non-stop groove and island vibes. The festival’s reputation for bringing together the best in soul, R&B, and contemporary music continues to grow stronger with each passing year. Not only will attendees enjoy world-class performances but they’ll also experience the perfect blend of music and tropical paradise at one of the most anticipated events in the Caribbean music scene.
- The 2024 Soul Beach Music Festival takes place in Aruba during Memorial Day weekend (May 22-27), featuring 5 days of R&B and soul music performances
- Headlining artists include Maxwell and Mary J. Blige, with Maxwell returning after 8 years and Blige closing the festival with a 2-hour performance
- New Edition will perform a special reunion show featuring all six original members, complete with a 12-piece live band and multimedia elements
- Rising stars Victoria Monét, Coco Jones, and October London join the lineup, showcasing the next generation of R&B talent
- The festival offers three VIP packages ($1,200-$3,500) with exclusive perks like meet-and-greets, backstage access, and private events
2024 Soul Beach Music Festival Performers
The Soul Beach Music Festival ranks as the Caribbean’s premier music festival, taking place annually in Aruba during Memorial Day weekend. Located along the pristine Eagle Beach, this 5-day cultural celebration combines live performances from R&B legends, contemporary soul artists, comedians with exclusive beach parties.
Since its inception in 2000, the festival has featured performances from acclaimed artists such as:
- Alicia Keys performing her chart-topping hits
- John Legend delivering soulful piano ballads
- Mary J. Blige showcasing her signature R&B style
- Usher entertaining with dynamic dance routines
- Jennifer Hudson belting powerful vocal performances
The festival experience includes:
- Main stage concerts at Harbor Arena
- Comedy shows featuring top stand-up comedians
- Daytime beach parties with live DJ sets
- VIP events at luxury resorts
- Local food vendor showcases
Event Statistics:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Attendance | 15,000+ visitors |
| Economic Impact | $20+ million |
| Performance Venues | 3 primary locations |
| Event Duration | 5 days |
| Artist Lineup | 10-15 performers |
The festival transforms Aruba’s Eagle Beach into an entertainment district, featuring multiple stages across beachfront venues. I’ve observed how this format creates an intimate atmosphere where attendees interact with performers while enjoying Aruba’s natural beauty.
Top Headlining Artists for 2024
The 2024 Soul Beach Music Festival showcases an exceptional lineup of R&B legends at Eagle Beach, Aruba. Grammy-winning artists Maxwell and Mary J. Blige lead the Memorial Day weekend celebration as main stage headliners.
Maxwell’s Return to Soul Beach
Maxwell marks his triumphant return to the Soul Beach Music Festival stage after 8 years. The neo-soul pioneer brings his signature falsetto to perform hits from his platinum-selling albums including “”Pretty Wings”” “”Fortunate”” “”Lifetime.”” His 90-minute set features a full backing band complete with horn section string ensemble to deliver his sophisticated brand of R&B.
Mary J. Blige’s Spectacular Performance
Mary J. Blige headlines the festival’s closing night with her catalog of empowering anthems soul-stirring ballads. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul performs chart-topping tracks like “”Real Love”” “”Family Affair”” “”Just Fine”” backed by her signature choreographed dancers 6-piece band. Her 2-hour performance includes costume changes special effects that transform Harbor Arena into an immersive concert experience.
| Artist | Performance Date | Set Duration | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxwell | May 25, 2024 | 90 minutes | Pretty Wings, Fortunate, Lifetime |
| Mary J. Blige | May 26, 2024 | 120 minutes | Real Love, Family Affair, Just Fine |
R&B Legends Taking the Stage
The 2024 Soul Beach Music Festival features an unprecedented gathering of R&B royalty, showcasing iconic performers who’ve shaped the genre for decades. Each legendary act brings their signature sound and timeless hits to Aruba’s pristine shores.
New Edition’s Special Reunion Show
New Edition takes center stage at Harbor Arena with their first festival appearance in 5 years, performing a 2-hour set that spans their 40-year career. The complete lineup includes all six original members – Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe & Johnny Gill – reuniting for this exclusive Caribbean performance. Their set list features 20 classic hits including:
- Perform “”Candy Girl”” with original 1983 choreography
- Present “”Cool It Now”” with modernized arrangements
- Deliver “”If It Isn’t Love”” with synchronized dance routines
- Execute “”Can You Stand The Rain”” with 3-part harmonies
- Stage “”Mr. Telephone Man”” with vintage costumes
The group incorporates elements from their successful Las Vegas residency, including:
| Performance Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage Design | 3-tier LED platform with rotating sections |
| Band Setup | 12-piece live band with horn section |
| Costume Changes | 4 wardrobe transitions |
| Dance Segments | 8 choreographed routines |
| Show Duration | 120 minutes |
Their performance integrates multimedia elements displaying archival footage from their earliest performances alongside current live feed, creating a dynamic visual experience that celebrates their evolution from teen sensations to R&B legends.
Rising Soul Artists to Watch
Victoria Monét leads the emerging artist showcase, bringing her 3 Grammy nominations experience to the Soul Beach stage. Her 75-minute set features tracks from her debut album “”JAGUAR II”” including “”On My Mama”” plus unreleased material.
Coco Jones transitions from Disney star to R&B sensation, performing her viral hits “”ICU”” and “”Double Back”” alongside a 4-piece band. Her performance incorporates elements from her sold-out 2023 tour, featuring intricate vocal arrangements backed by live strings.
Here are the scheduled performance times for the rising stars:
| Artist | Date | Time | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Monét | May 24 | 8:30 PM | Harbor Arena |
| Coco Jones | May 25 | 7:45 PM | Harbor Arena |
| October London | May 26 | 6:30 PM | Beach Stage |
October London brings his vintage soul sound to the Beach Stage, performing selections from his “”The Rebirth of Marvin”” album. His set incorporates:
- A 6-piece live band with horn section
- Classic Motown-inspired choreography
- Special tribute medley to soul legends
- Live recording of his upcoming single
The emerging artist lineup also features breakthrough performances by:
- Alex Vaughn performing songs from her “”Voice Notes”” EP
- Q performing his viral hit “”Today””
- Jac Ross showcasing his powerful vocals from “”Tell The Truth””
- Kenyon Dixon bringing his Grammy-nominated R&B stylings
Each rising artist receives a 45-minute set time to demonstrate their unique musical perspective while connecting with the Soul Beach audience through intimate performances.
Festival Schedule and Performance Times
The 2024 Soul Beach Music Festival runs from May 22-27 with performances scheduled across multiple venues. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the festival’s main events:
Wednesday, May 22
- 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Opening Comedy Show at Renaissance Festival Plaza
- 10:30 PM – 2:00 AM: Welcome Party at Divi Phoenix Beach Resort
Thursday, May 23
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Beach Party featuring DJ sets at Eagle Beach
- 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM: Rising Stars Showcase
- Alex Vaughn (9:00 PM – 9:45 PM)
- Q (10:00 PM – 10:45 PM)
- Jac Ross (11:00 PM – 11:45 PM)
Friday, May 24
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Daytime Beach Concert at Eagle Beach
- 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Main Stage at Harbor Arena
- Kenyon Dixon (8:00 PM – 8:45 PM)
- October London (9:00 PM – 9:45 PM)
- Victoria Monét (10:00 PM – 11:15 PM)
- New Edition (11:30 PM – 1:30 AM)
Saturday, May 25
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Soul Beach Party at Renaissance Private Island
- 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Main Stage at Harbor Arena
- Coco Jones (8:00 PM – 8:45 PM)
- Special Guest Performance (9:00 PM – 9:45 PM)
- Maxwell (10:00 PM – 11:30 PM)
Sunday, May 26
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Finale Beach Party at Eagle Beach
- 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Main Stage at Harbor Arena
- Opening Acts (8:00 PM – 9:45 PM)
- Mary J. Blige (10:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Farewell Beach Party at Bugaloe Beach Bar
All performance times are subject to change based on production requirements.
VIP Experience and Special Performances
The 2024 Soul Beach Music Festival offers 3 exclusive VIP packages ranging from $1,200 to $3,500:
- Platinum Package: Front-row seating at all concerts, backstage access, meet-and-greet sessions with Maxwell & Mary J. Blige
- Gold Package: Premium reserved seating, exclusive cocktail reception, artist photo opportunities
- Silver Package: Priority entrance, designated viewing areas, VIP concierge service
Special Performance Elements
The main stage performances feature enhanced production elements:
| Artist | Special Features | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Maxwell | LED wall backdrop, string ensemble, pyrotechnics | 90 minutes |
| Mary J. Blige | Moving stage platforms, laser show, video mapping | 120 minutes |
| New Edition | 3-tier LED stage, holographic effects, rotating set pieces | 120 minutes |
Exclusive Events
VIP ticket holders gain access to 5 invitation-only events:
- Private beach party at Renaissance Island with DJ sets by D-Nice
- Sunset yacht cruise featuring acoustic performances
- Celebrity chef dinner series at Aruba Marriott Resort
- Poolside champagne brunch with live jazz performances
- Late-night afterparties at Renaissance Ocean Suites
- 30-minute Q&A sessions with headliners
- Exclusive songwriting workshops with Victoria Monét
- Group photo sessions with performers
- Autograph sessions in the VIP lounge
- Behind-the-scenes production tours
I’ve witnessed many music festivals but the 2024 Soul Beach Music Festival promises to be an unparalleled celebration of soul and R&B music. The star-studded lineup featuring Maxwell Mary J. Blige and New Edition alongside emerging talents like Victoria Monét creates a perfect blend of legendary and fresh performances.
The festival’s combination of pristine beach locations exclusive VIP experiences and world-class entertainment makes it a must-attend event for music enthusiasts. From daytime beach parties to evening concerts this Memorial Day weekend celebration in Aruba will create unforgettable memories for over 15000 attendees.
I’m confident that the 2024 edition will continue the festival’s legacy of delivering exceptional musical experiences while showcasing the beauty of Aruba’s Eagle Beach.
