Inside the Festival Interview Summary: Cordero Seymour of CO Entertainment
Date: 7: 30 PM June 6 2025 (Bahamas Carnival FETE Weekend )
Hosts: Dalia (Bahamas Carnival Guide) & Africa Allah (Mixtress)
Guest: Cordero Seymour, CEO of CO Entertainment
Introduction to CO Entertainment
Cordero Seymour is the owner and proprietor of CO Entertainment, a promotional company celebrating its 10th year in existence. CO Entertainment was born from an idea to bring entertainment primarily to a more mature, professional crowd while merging this with the younger professional demographic to create a vibrant and unique atmosphere. Over the past seven years, Cordero has successfully cultivated an environment that attracts both young professionals and mature audiences, merging them into one dynamic experience [[Page 1]].
Bahamas Carnival FETE Weekend Product: Hello Moving Cooler Cruise
One of CO Entertainment’s flagship events for Bahamas Carnival FETE Weekend is the Hello Moving Cooler Cruise, which will take place on June 6th, 2025 (Labor Day weekend Friday). This event has been a staple since 2016 and is known for its lively, festive atmosphere on the water.
- Event Details:
- Boarding starts at 7:30 pm
- Departure between 8:45 pmBahamas Carnival FETE Weekend and 9:00 pm
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours on the water [[Page 6]]
Evolution of the Event Name
Originally called the Hello Moving Cooler FETE, the event was renamed to Hello Moving Cooler Cruise due to misuse of the “FETE” branding by other promoters unfamiliar with Soca culture. Some of these events caused negative experiences due to incidents like fights, which sullied the “FETE” name. CO Entertainment chose to protect the brand by removing “FETE” from the title while maintaining the essence of the event [[Pages 1-2]].
Unique Features of the Cruise
- International hosts and DJs to maintain a high-energy vibe
- Option for attendees to bring their own coolers or purchase drinks at the cash bar
- Recently introduced an All-Inclusive Section offering unlimited top-shelf premium liquor, which sold out last year due to its popularity [[Pages 2-3]]
Supporting Bahamian Artists and Culture
Cordero addressed a recent incident where a Bahamian entertainer was met with silence during a performance. He attributed this to the genre mismatch, as the event was Soca-based and the artist’s music did not align with that. However, CO Entertainment actively includes Rake and Scrape, a traditional Bahamian genre, in their events, especially on the Moving Cooler Cruise, where it is well received [[Pages 3, 6]].
Incorporating Bahamian Culture into Carnival
- There is room for greater inclusion of Bahamian culture within Bahamas Carnival.
- Promoters should take responsibility to actively incorporate local music genres such as Rake and Scrape into their productions.
- DJs and marketing materials should feature Bahamian music to educate and engage both local and international audiences.
- The challenge lies in balancing the globalized carnival experience with authentic local culture [[Pages 7-8]].
Challenges in the Entertainment Industry
Negotiation and Pricing of International Artists
Cordero emphasizes the need for better negotiation between promoters and artists, especially those traveling to the Bahamas. The Bahamas has a smaller market compared to cities like New York or Miami, which impacts ticket sales and pricing structures.
- Mutual respect and understanding are essential to avoid overpricing and low attendance.
- Negotiations should reflect realistic expectations of audience size and market capacity.
- Unreasonable pricing often leads to financial losses and harms the reputation of both artists and promoters [[Pages 3-4]].
Importance of International Talent in Carnival
- CO Entertainment believes that Bahamas Carnival cannot thrive solely on local talent.
- International Soca artists and DJs are crucial because Carnival is strongly associated with nations like Trinidad, Barbados, and Grenada, which have established Carnival brands and large audiences.
- While local talent is vital, having recognized international acts attracts larger crowds and lends legitimacy to the festival [[Pages 4-5]].
Marketing and Global Exposure of Bahamian Music
There are significant challenges in promoting Bahamian music internationally, including:
- Limited migration of Bahamian people compared to other Caribbean nations, which affects cultural spread.
- Rake and Scrape music is not widely available on international music streaming platforms like Spotify, limiting global access.
- Younger generations in the Bahamas may not fully embrace traditional genres, making cultural preservation more difficult.
- Despite globalization and digital platforms, personal, community-based promotion remains the most effective means to grow Bahamian culture abroad [[Pages 8-11]].
Collective Efforts for Bahamas Carnival FETE Weekend
Cordero highlighted the collaborative nature of the Bahamas Carnival FETE Weekend Collective:
- Promoters work together rather than compete to enhance the overall guest experience.
- This collective approach has garnered positive feedback and continues to grow.
- It reflects a mindset of unity — rather than waiting for invitations, Bahamian promoters have created their own table at the carnival scene [[Page 6]].
Closing Notes
- Tickets for the Hello Moving Cooler Cruise are available exclusively on Eventbrite, with general ticket outlets opening May 1st, 2024.
- The cruise promises a high-energy, culturally rich experience blending international Soca vibes with authentic Bahamian flavor.
- Cordero expressed hope to participate again in future episodes and events, with a commitment to delivering exceptional carnival experiences [[Page 12]].
Final Thoughts
This interview offers a rich perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the Bahamas Carnival scene. CO Entertainment, led by Cordero Seymour, balances mature professionalism with vibrant carnival energy, international appeal with local cultural authenticity, and tradition with innovation. The Hello Moving Cooler Cruise encapsulates this vision, providing a unique, inclusive, and exciting event for both locals and visitors during the Bahamas Carnival FETE Weekend.
Source: Transcript from Inside the Festival with Dalia, Africa Allah, and Cordero Seymour of CO Entertainment