The creator of the female-led experiential series Goody Bar, Canadian-Jamaican Marleisse Stephens, hosted an intimate celebration last Friday, July 14th. Among the cosmopolitan guest list were L.A.-based DJ Maiya Norton, American fashion stylist and image strategist Mecca James Williams and notable fashion stylists, artists and designers. Troy Oraine Williams, Founder & CEO of Tribe Nine Studios, who partnered with Stephens, announced the opening of the Downtown Kingston boutique. In the F&B building, Oraine will host a launch on Thursday, July 27th.

Guests were immediately immersed in a world of fashion-forward statements, tantalising mixology, and a captivating soundscape inspired by rich diasporic rhythms. Powered by Red Bull Jamaica, the dynamic beats, ranging from Dancehall and Afro Beat to Amapiano, RnB, and Hip Hop, were masterfully curated by the resident selector of Goody Bar, the inimitable DJ Reiizzzrr. Joining the lineup was the incredibly talented guest DJ Maiya from the vibrant city of Los Angeles and the renowned DJ Stamma, accompanied by the rhythmic prowess of percussionist Robert “Malx” Malcolm.

The glamorous affair occurred at Selena DeLeon’s pilates studio CORE FIT Studios in Barbican as a fitting backdrop for Kingston’s crème de la crème of creative trailblazers.

Maiya “DJ Maiya” Norton“ expressed that Kingston’s energy is unmatched. The crowd at Goody Bar was vibrant, beautiful, and engaged all night. Being able to bring the musical flavours of the States and see the crowd light up, transition into Afrobeats and Amapiano, and blend it with Dancehall classics was a true convergence of cultures across the diaspora.”

The Goody Bar is a sweet and cheeky lifestyle concept inspired and curated through the lens of Jamaican women, started by Marleisse Stephens, a first-generation Jamaican Canadian creative director and brand strategist. Goody Bar is an innovative project and experiential series aimed at reimaging Jamaican beauty, lifestyle, and glamour through tastemaker experiences.