Exclusive Interview: Lyrikal and Black Star Events Unveil Star-Studded ‘Happy Place’ with Lady Lava, GBM Nutron & More

For the fourth consecutive year, soca sensation Lyrikal is bringing his high-energy event Happy Place to the heart of Brooklyn. With vibes, visuals, and vibes again, Happy Place NYC: The Carnival Meeting is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most anticipated Caribbean events.

But before we get into the experience, we caught up with the man himself—Devon Martin, aka Lyrikal—to talk about the roots of the show, what it means to him, and where the movement is headed next.

Meet Lyrikal

Born in Trinidad & Tobago, Lyrikal got his start in music singing in his church choir at just 7 years old. By the time he was 13, he had moved to the United States, where his love for music kept pace with his passion for sports. At 16, his music career began taking shape—opening shows for Wu-Tang Clan and Sean Paul, and soaking in inspiration from legends like Crazy, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Bob Marley, and Super Cat.

Known for his electrifying performances and rich musical catalog, Lyrikal has become one of the most respected voices in contemporary soca. With Happy Place, he’s not just putting on a show—he’s creating a movement.

Lyrikal Talks Happy Place, Expansion Plans, and Uplifting the Next Generation

Q: What does Happy Place mean to you on a personal level, and what do you hope fans take away from the experience?
A: First off—yeah, I know “Happy Place” sounds like just a vibe or a location. But for me, it’s deeper. It can feel like a someone too. It’s anything or anyone that brings love, comfort, peace, and prosperity. It’s my personal sanctuary—and now I get to share that with my fans.
The show lets me perform tracks that don’t always get the spotlight, and more importantly, it lets people experience the full me—not just the hits, but the journey behind them.

Q: The event has been held in NYC, Bermuda, and Miami. Where’s next?
A: We’re expanding for sure! The dream is global, but we’re taking it step by step. God willing, we’ll be in Trinidad for 2026—that’s home base, so it’s only right. And Boston is already on the radar too. We’re just getting started.

Q: Any artists confirmed for this year’s Brooklyn show?
A: Alright, let me give you a little sneak peek. First up—Lady Lava, the Queen of the Freak. Then we’ve got GBM Nutron bringing that high energy. And back by popular demand, the legendary Edwin Yearwood! Of course, there’ll be a few surprise guests too… you’ll have to be there to see the rest.

Q: Last year, Happy Place featured a lot of young emerging soca talent. Will we see that again this year?
A: Without a doubt. That’s part of the mission—elevating the next generation. Soca can’t grow unless we create space for new voices. Every year I make it a point to share the stage with upcoming artists. It’s our responsibility to pass the torch while the flame’s still burning.

Inside Happy Place: More Than Just a Fete

In 2021, Lyrikal released “Happy Place” on the Backyard Jam Riddim. The single quickly became a Caribbean anthem celebrating life and togetherness. That same year, Happy Place—the event—was born in Trinidad & Tobago and quickly evolved into a movement, as fans resonated with its joyful energy.

By 2022, Happy Place had officially debuted in both New York and Miami, and it has since become a staple in Caribbean event culture. Since its inception, the event has expanded to New York, Miami, and Bermuda, with plans to launch in Boston soon— and return to Trinidad Carnival 2026.

This year’s New York edition, titled The Carnival Meeting, is happening at Restoration Plaza in Brooklyn. The event promises a mix of immersive décor, pulsating music, and curated vibes brought to life in partnership with Black Star Events.

Tickets start at $44 for general admission and go up to $215 for the VIP Meet & Greet experience (which includes early entry, drinks, a fan bag, and signed photo). Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite.

Behind the Vibes: Black Star Events Speaks on the Partnership

Black Star Events is known for high-quality Caribbean cultural events like Vibes with Voicey NYC and Momentum. With a reputation for fusing storytelling, premium vibes, and meticulous production, their team is a perfect match for the Happy Place brand.

Q: What made this partnership with Lyrikal feel like the right fit?
A: Lyrikal is family, and from the first conversation, we knew the vision was aligned. We’re all about culture-forward experiences and creating memories. The values matched—authenticity, creativity, and love for the culture. It made sense.

Q: What’s different about this year’s Happy Place?
A: It’s elevated. Think: curated layout, top-tier service, immersive design. We’re not just throwing a party—we’re building an experience. From start to finish, every guest will feel the magic.

Q: Who’s on the production and décor teams this year?
A: Lifestyle Events is taking the lead on décor. They’re brilliant. And the execution is handled by our Black Star team alongside Lyrikal and the core Happy Place crew. From logistics to vibes, everything is intentional.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or brand new to soca, Happy Place is more than just another summer event—it’s a love letter to Caribbean culture. With Lyrikal leading the charge and Black Star behind the scenes, Happy Place NYC is a full-circle experience you won’t want to miss.