Thousands of people enjoyed the first night of the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival with performances by Koko-Jean & The Tonics, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band, Shunta Mosby, Dani McGhee, Candy Fox, Dot. Moore and Bigg Robb.
The opening day was marked by a tribute to Dania Dévora, and the City Council announced the start of the process to name her an Adopted Daughter posthumously.
San Agustín Beach , located in the south of Gran Canaria , was transformed into the epicenter of European soul music this Friday with the start of the tenth edition of the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival . This event, which has established Gran Canaria as an international destination for lovers of Black music, brought together thousands of people from early afternoon, confirming its free, open, and multicultural nature.
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The opening day was marked by a festive and welcoming atmosphere, thanks to pleasant temperatures, the Atlantic breeze, and a spectacular sunset over San Agustín Bay. The crowd gradually filled both the sand and the area in front of the main stage. Families, foreign tourists, local residents, and loyal festivalgoers shared a unique experience filled with camaraderie, dancing, and celebration of the festival's tenth anniversary.
Musical opening: Manel Ruiz “El Especialista” opens the festival
The program began with a special session by Manel Ruiz “El Especialista ,” who offered a carefully curated vinyl selection of soul, rhythm & blues, funk, and essential classics. This opening set the perfect tone for the rest of the featured performances.
Koko-Jean & The Tonics: Energy on stage
Next up, Koko-Jean & The Tonics took the stage with a powerful live performance that thrilled the entire audience. The stage presence of Koko-Jean Davis and her band filled the beach with a repertoire that fused soul, rhythm & blues, rock and roll, and funk, further raising the energy of the event.
Tribute to Dania Dévora: Emotion and cultural recognition
One of the most moving moments was the audiovisual tribute dedicated to Dania Dévora , founder and driving force behind the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival. The video reviewed her history with the festival, showing historical footage alongside artists and audience members. The event culminated with the official announcement by the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council to begin the process of posthumously awarding her the title of Adopted Daughter of the municipality; news received with applause from the attendees.### Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band: The soul of Memphis in Gran Canaria
The emotion of the tribute gave way to the highly anticipated performance by the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band , led by Kurt Clayton . This group, a true ambassador of the legendary Memphis sound, offered an impeccable repertoire that served as the foundation for the addition, starting at 10:22 p.m., of three exceptional voices: Shunta Mosby , Dani McGhee , and Candy Fox . These artists alternated on stage, demonstrating why they represent the purest essence of Memphis soul and captivating the audience with their intensity and charisma.
Dot. Moore: Elegance and modernity in soul
At 22:50 p.m., it was Dot. Moore's turn , one of the most exciting emerging artists on the lineup. Her performance stood out for its elegant fusion of classic soul and contemporary R&B, captivating the audience with her unique voice and sophisticated stage presence. This moment underscored the musical diversity present at the festival and reaffirmed the event's commitment to promoting both established legends and new international talent.
Bigg Robb: Partying until dawn in San Agustín
The musical finale was provided by Bigg Robb , who took to the stage at 23:50 p.m. to transform San Agustín Beach into a veritable dance floor. With his unmistakable blend of southern soul, funk, blues, and rhythm & blues, he kept the party going well into the early hours, cementing the festive spirit that characterizes the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival.
Grand Finale: A choral finale for an unforgettable night
As the grand finale to the first day of the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival , the highly anticipated Grand Finale brought together the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band, Shunta Mosby, Dani McGhee, Candy Fox, Lenny Williams, Dot Moore, and Bigg Robb. Together, they performed several soul classics in a choral finale that symbolized the spirit of collaboration, celebration, and artistic excellence that defines this international festival in Gran Canaria.
The first night of the tenth anniversary confirmed the extraordinary moment this musical event is experiencing, now firmly established as an essential part of the Canary Islands' summer cultural calendar. It was a particularly moving edition, both for the enduring tribute to Dania Dévora and for the magnificent response from the audience, who once again demonstrated that soul music has found one of its most special European homes in San Agustín Beach.
The Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival continues to position itself as one of the most important musical events not only in the Canary Islands but also throughout Europe, attracting thousands of national and international visitors each year who are passionate about black music and soul culture.
