The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IT STARTED out as a fun dance created to express Bahamian and Caribbean pride. It turned into a charitable project that benefitted two children’s homes in the Bahamas.

The Caribbean Slide, a song and dance created by Bahamian artist Julien Believe, was the basis of a flash mob held in Marina Village, Paradise Island on Saturday. Dozens of Bahamians volunteered to participate in the flash mob, joining the Philadelphia 76-ers pre-pro dance team, who also performed.

A flash mob is a group of people mobilised often by social media who assemble suddenly in a public place for a seemingly spontaneous performance and then quickly disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire or artistic expression.

The Saturday night performance was used to promote the Love that Child Benefit Concert, which raised money for local children’s homes.

“The event exceeded my expectations. I had no idea that so many people would come out and support the movement of the Caribbean Slide. The response from the Bahamian public moved me. What made me even happier was the number of people doing the Caribbean Slide,” said Julien Believe.

“I would like to thank everyone who donated their time and effort to make sure the life changing event took place. I have to thank the Caribbean Slide Team, The Philadelphia 76ers Pre Cheerleaders, Atlantis’ Entertainment Department and staff as well as Stan Burnside and the Junkanooers for their time and effort,” he said.

The crowds in Marina Village were taken by surprise when the Caribbean Slide Team broke out in dance. Julien staged a mock marriage proposal to his fellow dance partner to throw off the large crowd before they both kicked off the dance, which includes variations of traditional Bahamian moves like stomp de roach and the conch style.

After the mob disbursed, crowd members participated in a dance class led by Julien and witnessed a dance off.

The Caribbean Slide is Julien’s latest project, which was two years in the making. He first released the song in September.

The upbeat track is fused with Junkanoo music. It is a new sound for the artist, as fans most know him for his slow, inspirational song “Believe”. The Caribbean Slide was arranged and choreographed by Bahamian dance group Juice Unit.

Ever since the release, Julien has performed the song and dance at several local events.

Julien is also working on a music video in which he intends to show unity amongst Caribbean people.

“Fans can expect to hear a few more singles from me this year, collaborations and worldwide exposure. We are also putting together a spectacular show ranging from flash mobs to concerts. People can also expect to see projects from EpicforRealz, Bullet, Keara, Crissy, and the whole Caribbean Slide Team. This is a movement,” he said.