There’s a special kind of joy that comes with experiencing something for the first time — and
that’s exactly what I felt when I landed in Malta for the 2024 Ibiza Soca Festival.

This two-minute first-person piece follows my journey as I navigate Malta’s Mediterranean
backdrop through the lens of culture, connection, and celebration. Having first attended the
festival in Spain, I knew what kind of energy it would bring — but seeing that joy unfold in a
brand-new country was something else entirely.

From jouvert and boat rides to spontaneous laughter and late-night food runs, the experience
reminded me that Black joy travels well — and it doesn’t need permission to take up space.
This piece is more than a travel diary. It’s a reflection on how we show up, even in spaces where
we may not always be seen. And it’s proof that wherever we bring our culture, our community,
and our music — we bring the soul too.