Last Saturday, on February 8, 2025, the Aruba Soca Monarch festival came back to life with a packed venue. A total of 30 finalists competed, accompanied by 14 bands. From the first band, Groovemasters with “Blacky,” to the last performer of the night, “Queen Shine” with Nfuzion, the atmosphere was filled with energy, great music, and an incredible show from each artist.

The results of the night were as follows:

Aruba Soca Monarch 2025: Freddy Rasta with “Tsunami”
2nd finalist: Queen Shine with “Nfuzion”
3rd finalist: Galloway with “Tsunami”
4th finalist: T-Money with “Groove Masters”
5th finalist: Blacky with “Groove Masters”

At the break of dawn, just after 5 AM, Aruba welcomed its new Soca Monarch 2025—“Freddy Rasta” Malaghy Richardson with his song “1 for unity” With a powerful composition co-written by Malaghy Richardson “Freddy Rasta” and “Jeon” Jonathan Thiel, and backed by the dynamic sounds of Tsunami Band, Malaghy has secured the title this year. Additionally, Rygel Isabella was recognized as Best Arranger, further highlighting the outstanding musical talent that contributed to this unforgettable performance.

His electrifying performance and undeniable stage presence captivated both the judges and the crowd, solidifying his reign as Aruba’s Soca King.

Stay tuned for full coverage of the festival and more updates on Aruba’s thriving music scene!

Last night marked the final preparations for the highly anticipated closing night of the Tumba Festival Curaçao. Every logistical detail was meticulously coordinated to ensure a smooth and well-organized event, allowing both the live audience and those who purchased the PPV (Pay-Per-View) access to fully enjoy an unforgettable musical spectacle.

Tonight’s grand finale promises an electrifying showcase of talent, with some of Aruba’s, Bonaire’s and from Curacao top bands taking the stage in the following order:

1. Excellence
2. X-Scape Music
3. Quality Sound
4. ERA
5. Catipa
6. ICONS
7. Tempo Music
8. Gentz Tre’Chic
9. Highway Band
10. ONE Flavaz
11. Buleria

With a lineup featuring some of the most renowned and dynamic bands in the industry, this final night of Tumba Festival Curaçao promises to be a celebration of rhythm, culture, and musical excellence. Stay tuned for an unforgettable experience!

Last night marked the third night of the 2025 Tumba Festival in Curaçao. The evening began with a performance by a band from Aruba, accompanying singers from Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Early on, they managed to energize the audience with their infectious Tumba rhythms.

The night also featured performances by the Highway Band and Excellence, concluding with One Flavaz as the final act. Additionally, the evening was notable for the announcement of the singers who qualified for the 2025 Tumba Festival finals on Friday 7 Februari 2025.

For the list of finalists, please click the first photo below.

Last night, Festival Center Curaçao hosted the second night of the highly anticipated Tumba competition. The event continues to grow in excitement, with the venue filling up early as fans gathered to witness an unforgettable evening of music.

The night featured performances by some of the island’s top bands, including Zudup Hopi Forsa, The Time, Quality Sound, Descarga Corsueño shou, X-Scape Music, and closing the night, Icons. Among the standout performances, Amos Balentin emerged as a crowd favorite, captivating the audience with his energy and stage presence.

A key highlight of this year’s festival is the exceptional panel of judges, bringing expertise and deep knowledge of the Tumba genre to ensure a fair and high-level competition. Their presence adds prestige to the event, maintaining the festival’s reputation as a premier platform for musical excellence.

Tonight, the competition continues with the third round, leading up to the much-awaited Grand Finale on Friday night, where the top contenders will battle for the ultimate title. Stay tuned for the results and more updates as the excitement builds!

Last night, Balashi Gardens was filled with an incredible atmosphere from the very beginning of the evening, as Quincy Hasham kicked off the night with his Tumba, setting the audience in the perfect mood. The event featured top-tier performances from all participating bands and singers, creating an unforgettable night. After many years, the Tumba Festival once again had an electrifying ambiance, fantastic music, and pure enjoyment.

The night also included a special tribute to the legendary Tumbero Chicho Kock, who performed a medley of his greatest Tumba hits, arranged by John Francis Jacobs.

Here are the official results:

𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐀𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐚 𝟓𝟑: Jorienne Angela

• Song Title: Ban Cumi
• Composers: Quincy Hasham, Janiro Eisden & Rygel Isabella
• Arranger: Rygel Isabella
• Band: D’Licious

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐚 𝟓𝟑: Chendell Beaumont

• Song Title: Caya Pidi
• Composer: Chendell Beaumont
• Arranger: Dwight Leoneta
• Band: Buleria

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐚 𝟓𝟑: Zaïna Falconi

• Song Title: Yena cu Color
• Composer: Chendell Beaumont
• Arranger: Rygel Isabella
• Band: Buleria

𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥: Tyson Croes

• Song Title: Cuki Lerchi
• Composers: Rygel Isabella & Janiro Eisden
• Arrangers: Rygel Isabella & Janiro Eisden

𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐞: Veloushka Krozendijk

𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Jorienne Angela

𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭: Jorienne Angela

𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Ban Cumi – Jorienne Angela

• Composers: Quincy Hasham, Janiro Eisden & Rygel Isabella

𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Yena cu Color – Zaïna Falconi

• Arranger: Rygel Isabella

The night was a true celebration of Aruba’s Tumba tradition, showcasing incredible talent and energy that brought the festival to life once again!

Aruba’s most anticipated musical event, Festival di Tumba Aruba 2025, powered by ELMAR and organized by SMAC, is set to deliver an unforgettable night of rhythm and talent.

📍 Venue: Balashi Beer Garden
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM

This year’s festival will feature 9 dynamic bands accompanying 14 talented participants, all competing at the highest level of Tumba music.

Attendees can enjoy a premium experience with a fully stocked bar and diverse culinary offerings, ensuring a night of exceptional entertainment and hospitality.

Join us for an evening of vibrant music, culture, and celebration. Don’t miss this iconic event!

Yesterday evening, at the Balashi Gardens, the atmosphere was electric with the sounds of DLS music and live Tumba performances as the participants for the 53rd Festival di Tumba Aruba were officially introduced.

Lineup for Festival di Tumba Aruba 2025:

1. Zeta Band
2. Grupo di Amigo
3. Rincon Boyz Suona
4. Azucar
5. D’Licious
6. Bomboshi Band
7. New Sensation Band
8. Buleria
9. Shine Music

A total of 15 Tumba songs and 3 Tumba Loco performances will set the stage for this exciting event!

🎟️ Tickets are available for just AWG 25 at:

• Pay.AW
• Cura Cabai Gas Station
• Paradera Gas Station
• Local Store Aruba
• Hamaka Sidewalk Café
• Directly through the participants

Don’t miss out on this iconic celebration of music and culture! Secure your tickets today!

Yesterday evening, the Aruba Entertainment Center was the stage for the highly anticipated Festival di Tumberito and Festival di Caiso y Soca Infantil y Hubenil. The event started around 5:00 PM and continued well into the evening, offering a marathon of energy, joy, lively atmosphere, and exceptional performances from talented young artists.

From the first Tumba song to the final Soca tune, the performers captivated the audience with their enthusiasm and remarkable stage presence, delivering a truly memorable show.

In the Tumberito Infantil category, J-Vyon Besselink was crowned Rey di Tumba, while Melody Franken emerged as Reina di Tumba in the youth category.

After a brief intermission to reset the stage, the Caiso y Soca Festival began, featuring performances from a different band. In the Infantil category, Carl Rooseberg Jr. was named Caiso King, and Brayden Elisabeth claimed the title of Soca King. For the Hubenil category, Caylee Pietersz earned the title of Calypso Queen, and Shadiva Williams was crowned Soca Queen.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances. A special commendation goes to SMAC and its organizing committees for their exceptional efforts in delivering a successful and entertaining event. And also great job from both bands DLS and Noush and the band.

Last night, Plaza Betico came alive with a vibrant cultural evening in connection with the celebration of Dia di Betico. The event featured performances by various local artists and dance groups, offering an impressive showcase of talent for dignitaries from the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, as well as the general public. The evening concluded with a spectacular concert by Grupo di Betico, leaving attendees inspired and entertained.