Mombasa Hosts First-Ever Caribbean Carnival Along the Beach
Revellers enjoying during the latest Mombasa Caribbean carnival held at the CoCoa Boutique beach front in Nyali.(Photo by Mbungu Harrison).
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Mombasa, KENYA: The warm breeze of the Indian Ocean carried more than just the scent of salt and seaweed last weekend. It carried the rhythm of steel drums, the laughter of excited revelers, and the sweet aroma of Caribbean spice.
For the first time in history, Mombasa hosted a Caribbean Carnival right along its famed Nyali Beach, delivering a spectacular fusion of music, food, and culture that lit up the coastal city in ways never seen before.
Held at the elegant Cocoa Boutique Hotel, the event transformed the beachfront venue into a vibrant festival of tropical color, attracting hundreds of revelers, cultural enthusiasts, and curious tourists eager to experience a taste of Caribbean right here in Kenya.
The event was strictly for attendees aged 18 and above, offering a mature and electrifying atmosphere that ran late into the night. With feathers, beads, flowing Caribbean fabrics, and afro-tropical themes dominating the dress code, the scene resembled a lively street parade in Kingston or Port of Spain more than a coastal Kenyan city.
“This is more than just a party, it’s a movement,” said Jeremy Odhiambo, head of content and culture and one of the lead organisers. “We are bringing together the sounds, the tastes, and the soul of the Caribbean and merging them with our African roots. Mombasa offers a unique environment because of the beach. The ocean connects us both physically and culturally.”
Odhiambo explained that this carnival marked the beginning of a broader vision to expand cross-cultural entertainment experiences throughout Kenya.
Having already hosted four successful Caribbean-themed events in Nairobi, the team saw Mombasa as the next perfect destination.
“In September, we’ll be celebrating our first anniversary. Our goal is to create immersive cultural events where people can celebrate food, music, and life.
The Caribbean has always been linked to the ocean—and so has Mombasa. This made for a perfect match.”
The event’s primary focus was to target a youthful, energetic crowd—those who live for music festivals, cultural exploration, and unforgettable memories.
“We’re seeing an entertainment revolution. Young people want more than a DJ and drinks—they want experiences, culture, and stories.”
The carnival was not only a celebration of art and entertainment—it also served as a strong boost to Mombasa’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Hotels across Nyali reported increased bookings, and local vendors near the event site enjoyed high sales throughout the weekend.
Kevin Wandu, co-founder of Caribbean Brunk (?) Kenya, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the economic and cultural value of such events.
“Mombasa is a neutral, well-loved destination for Kenyans from all over the country. What we’re doing is creating an authentic Caribbean experience here.
And with the ocean in the background, you feel like you’re in Montego Bay or Bridgetown. This vibe is closing a huge gap in Kenya’s entertainment space.”
Wandu hinted at plans to replicate the experience in other coastal towns such as Diani, Watamu, and Malindi to spread the tropical carnival fire to Kenya’s stunning beachfront.
From sunset until dawn, the music didn’t stop. The event was headlined by some of Kenya’s finest DJs, including DJ Tadge, DJ Kace, DJ Andie, and DJ TM, who kept the crowd moving with an irresistible blend of reggae, dancehall, soca, Afrobeat, amapiano, and Swahili coastal sounds.
The beach lit up with fire dancers, neon lights, and waves of color from glow sticks and LED accessories. Giant Caribbean flags flew beside Kenyan ones, and the crowd danced barefoot in the sand liberated, joyful, and connected.
In between dance sets, guests sipped tropical cocktails infused with coconut and pineapple, sampled jerk chicken and plantains, and cooled off with refreshing _madafu_ straight from the shell.
For many, it was more than a party—it was a cultural initiation and nostalgia.
Among the hundreds in attendants, was Brenda Njoroge, a passionate fan of Caribbean music who traveled from Nairobi to vibe and jive the carnival.
“I’ve been a lover of Caribbean music since I was a small girl,” she said with a wide smile.
“Events like this bring us together. They let us celebrate life, music, and culture in a beautiful space. I’ve never seen Mombasa like this, it’s magical.”
Brenda believes such events can foster unity among Kenya’s youth, offering them safe, creative spaces for celebration and cultural expression.
“It’s not just about entertainment. It’s about finding joy, connection, and identity in something global.”
Organisers expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hinted at expanding the festival into a multi-day event in the future, complete with workshops, beach games, and cultural showcases.
“We’re only getting started,” said Odhiambo. “Kenyans have shown us that they’re ready for this kind of experience. And we’re ready to grow it—bigger, brighter, and bolder.”
As dawn approached and the final track played beneath a sky full of stars, the energy of the night lingered.
The Caribbean Carnival had arrived in Mombasa, and its spirit had made a lasting impression.
For one unforgettable weekend, the coast became a canvas painted with rhythm, flavor, and freedom. And if the crowd’s reaction was any indication, this celebration is here to stay.
