This Friday, September 2, Astra will host another After Hours event filled with live music, delicious tapas, great drinks and all-round good vibes. But this one is extra special – it is the first time that local band Bakanal and Anguillan band Synergy will join musical forces on a St. Maarten stage! The bands will provide sweet tunes from 10:00pm until 3:00am, with the help of DJ Main Stage. This is one Pre-Labor Day party you will not want to miss!
When asked why they decided to host this event, the bands said that they had a similar event during Anguilla carnival season, and it was a big hit. The band leaders from Synergy and Bakanal are actual brothers from the same musical family, so they are excited to play at the same event. The organizers reached out to the owners of Astra to shoot the idea for the event, and they were excited to have it at their lagoon-view venue.
Read all about the performing artists below:
Bakanal
Bakanal was formed in 2022 by long-time friends lead singer Randy “Chewawah” Martin and drummer Austin Helliger. The two forming members recruited some dynamic musicians with a vision to merge different sounds to create their own unique sound called Bakanal. The band plays a wide variety of music such as soca, boyoun, zouk, afro beats and they have mixed hip hop and R&B fused with soca beats.
Bakanal is currently working on a few singles that will be released before the end of the year to get you in the mood for upcoming carnivals. It’s the band and management goal to work in collaboration with other artists and bands create international hits.
The band has played a few times and has given stellar performances both times leaving the crowd wanting more. The band has a teaser single called “Anything That Can Wash Can Use Twice”; this song is so catchy that fans go frenzy when Chewawah sings it. Chewawah said that this will be an electrifying performance you don’t want to miss so make sure come Astra After Hours on Friday, September 2!
Synergy
Synergy was formed in 2017 after the dissolution of the popular band "De Movements." The band consists of five members. Marlon "Headzy" Martin- Band Leader and Vocalist,
Patrick "Pat2" Williams- Band Director, Vocalist, Keyboardist, "Box Man," and producer, Michael Christie- Bassist, Patrick "Patinc" John- Drummer and Kennie "Farmer G" Richardson- Keyboardist and Producer.
The name "Synergy" came about because of the diverse backgrounds of its members. Each member can tell a story of getting their start in different genres such as gospel, Soca, reggae, jazz, calypso and even string band music. Those strengths and experiences when combined created a unique sound, a powerful group that could only be described as Synergy.
Synergy placed second in the Anguilla Summer Festival's Band-O-Rama competition in their first year as a group. The following two years they would go ahead to capture the title.
The band can be found throughout Anguilla performing year-round! According to the Lead Singer and Band Leader Marlon "Headzy" Martin, "The love of music and culture, along with our loyal and new fans is what helps us KEEP THE DRIVE ON!"
Synergy has three albums, several singles and live recordings that can be found on most stream and download platforms.
DJ Main Event
Swendley Richardson aka DJ Main Event is one of St. Maarten’s biggest up and coming DJs versed with all music genres with about 18 years doing under his belt ranging from opening shows at carnival village to playing for corporate events.
DJ Main Event has played on some popular radio stations such as Laser 101 and My88 just to name a few. DJ Main Event is the riddim man for Bakanal as his love for music has crossover to running riddim as well backing up artists.
