CNSJ’s second night had Aruba, salsa and music legends

WILLEMSTAD — On Friday night, September 4, the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival continued with its second night, featuring a strong and varied line-up of jazz, salsa, pop, soul, rock and dancehall across three stages. The programme included Jeon, Monty Alexander Jamericana, Rubén Blades with the Roberto Delgado Big Band, PJ Morton, The Jacksons, Toto and, after midnight, Sean Paul.

Jeon, born and raised in Aruba, represented the Caribbean with his blend of Latin rhythms, pop and international influences. The Aruban artist gained worldwide fame with Machika, together with J Balvin and Anitta, while his hit Bluewave became an anthem associated with Curaçao’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jazz was strongly represented by Monty Alexander, the Jamaican pianist with more than 75 recordings to his name and a style that combines American jazz with reggae, calypso, gospel and blues. Rubén Blades, known as “the poet of salsa,” brought his Fotografías Tour with the Roberto Delgado Big Band, blending salsa with socially conscious lyrics and jazz influences.

PJ Morton contributed soul, gospel and R&B, while Marlon Jackson, the only member of The Jacksons to appear, brought the audience into a nostalgic atmosphere with classics from one of the most famous musical families in history. Unfortunately, the Celia stage proved too small for the turnout, with at least 1,000 people reportedly left outside and unable to enter, causing some frustration. Others also left after expressing disappointment that they had expected a group performance, while only one member of The Jacksons appeared. Still, those who managed to attend enjoyed seeing the musical legend perform.

Toto followed with international rock classics including Africa, Rosanna and Hold The Line.

The night continued well past midnight, when Sean Paul took the Sir Duke stage to close the programme with his signature dancehall sound and international hits such as Get Busy, Temperature and We Be Burnin’. His show was scheduled from 12:15 to 1:30 a.m.