DJ Avalanche’s Soka Elements Set for Second Year With Caribbean Talent and Carnival Energy

The waterfront of Charlotte Amalie is set to ignite with energy, color, and music in the early hours of Thursday, May 1 as DJ Avalanche’s Soka Elements returns for its second year. Billed as “The Ultimate J’ouvert Warm-Up Experience,” the event promises a high-octane celebration of Caribbean culture, bridging the hours before the official start of Carnival’s J’ouvert morning. First launched in 2024 to critical acclaim, Soka Elements was conceived by internationally acclaimed DJ Avalanche as a cultural solution to local regulations requiring that J’ouvert begin after 6:00 a.m. due to safety considerations, according to a recently issued press release. In its debut year, the event brought hundreds to the St. Thomas waterfront, creating what organizers describe as a “neon-drenched playground of paint, powder, water, and pure vibes.” “We knew people were tired of sitting around waiting for the sun to rise. That’s not J’ouvert,” said DJ Avalanche, born Gregory Hodge. “We made Soka Element...