Maspalomas Soul Festival Kicks Off with Tribute to Late Producer
The San Bartolomé de Tirajana Council has announced plans to posthumously honour Gran Canaria producer Dania Dévora as Adoptive Daughter of the municipality. This announcement came during the opening night of the tenth Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival at San Agustín beach, where thousands gathered to celebrate the event.
Held amidst a pleasant atmosphere, the festival confirmed its status as a major international and free music gathering, celebrating a decade of bringing soul music to Gran Canaria. Families, tourists, and loyal fans filled the beach, sharing in a night of music, dancing, and collective joy.
The evening began with Manel Ruiz, known as El Especialista, spinning a curated mix of soul, rhythm and blues, and funk classics. He set the tone before Koko-Jean & The Tonics took to the stage, energising the crowd with a lively performance that seamlessly blended soul, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and funk.
One of the night’s highlights was a video tribute to Dévora, showcasing her dedication to the festival and its community. The emotional moment was marked by the announcement from the council about her posthumous recognition, met with resounding applause from the audience.
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band, led by Kurt Clayton, followed with an impressive lineup. At 10:10 PM, Shunta Mosby, Dani McGhee, and Candy Fox captivated attendees with their powerful voices, embodying the spirit of Memphis soul.
Emerging artist Dot. Moore hit the stage at 10:50 PM, delivering a contemporary performance that merged classic soul with modern R&B, further delighting the audience. Bigg Robb closed the night’s programme, turning the beach into a vibrant dance floor with his mix of southern soul, funk, and blues, keeping the party alive into the early hours.
The night concluded with a much-anticipated finale, reuniting the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band and other artists for a collaborative performance of soul classics, encapsulating the festival’s spirit of celebration and artistic excellence.
The first night of this landmark anniversary reaffirmed the festival’s vital place in the cultural summer of the Canary Islands, standing as a heartfelt tribute to Dévora’s legacy and the unwavering support of its fans who flock to San Agustín as a special soul music home in Europe.
