Wyclef Jean Embraces Spontaneity on Stage: Letting Energy Guide His Performances (Exclusive)

Wyclef Jean Doesnt Have a Setlist at His Shows

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Wyclef Jean was excited to return to the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival without any hesitation. The 54-year-old musician, who is originally from the Caribbean, feels right at home in the islands. He enjoys the water, the energy, the good vibes, and being around people. To him, the Bahamas feels like a second home. He looks up to music legends like Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett, who have a talent for making people feel good with their music.

Jean was in charge of keeping the crowd entertained at the annual Jerk Jam event. He went beyond his scheduled time for the second consecutive year, playing a mix of his own music, Fugees, Lauryn Hill, and other beloved artists.

He attributed his dynamic performance to his upbringing in the Black churches, where improvisation was key. Drawing inspiration from legends like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder, he never followed a set list. Instead, he fed off the energy of the moment.

According to Jean, attending a Wyclef show is not like karaoke. It's an experience where you will find yourself singing your heart out as if you were at the best concert of your life.

The rapper behind "Hips Don't Lie" shared that he was busy creating remixes in his room just hours before the show. He mentioned that the atmosphere was filled with happiness and fun vibes.

Jean's performance was attended by many chefs who were part of the five-day festival, such as Jerk Jam cohosts JJ Johnson and Robert Irvine.

"The conch salad here is so addictive. And let me tell you, I couldn't get enough of that rice. I'm not gonna lie, I OD'd on it," Jean shared with Us. "The jerk chicken was fantastic, but let me tell you, the conch here is truly the best in the world."

Wyclef Jean Doesnt Have a Setlist at His Shows

Wyclef and Chef Jose Andres were spotted at Atlantis for the festival, along with Bachelor season 25 stars Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell. They all explored the various stands at Jerk Jam, trying out delicious dishes like jerk shrimp corn dogs and piña colada rum cake. James even shared his excitement on Instagram, calling Jerk Jam "amazing."

The Jerk Jam is just one of the many events at the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival. In 2024, Martha Stewart joined the festival lineup, creating buzz at the Atlantis resort. When she took the stage and the food was served, she lived up to expectations.

Wyclef Jean Doesnt Have a Setlist at His Shows

Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Martha Stewart shared with the crowd her fond memories of visiting the beautiful location in 1961 for her honeymoon. She expressed her desire to spend more time there, maybe even a whole month in the future. Stewart emphasized the significance of the wine dinner she hosted, highlighting that wine takes precedence over food in the Wine & Food Festival.

During the weekend, chef Nobu Matsuhisa hosted a sushi lunch and warmly greeted all the attendees for photos. Nobu is well-known for catering to celebrities, and having him there made the menu even more special. One of the dishes served was the delicious King Crab Tempura Truffle Ma-Su.

Other talented chefs who also hosted events during the long weekend included Duff Goldman, lon Shaya, Michael White, Alex Guarnaschelli, Andrew Zimmern, and many more.

Next year’s Wine & Food Festival, which supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, is set already for March 12-16, 2025.

Editor's P/S:

Wyclef Jean's performance at the Jerk Jam event showcased his captivating stage presence and his ability to connect with the audience. His energetic performance, which included a mix of his own music and covers of beloved artists, kept the crowd entertained throughout the night. Jean's improvisational style, inspired by his upbringing in Black churches, allowed him to feed off the energy of the moment and create a unique and memorable experience for attendees.

The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival is a culinary extravaganza that attracts renowned chefs and food enthusiasts from around the world. The festival features a diverse range of events, including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and signature dinners. In 2024, Martha Stewart's appearance at the festival added to the star-studded lineup, showcasing her culinary expertise and her passion for the Bahamas. The festival is also committed to supporting local charities, with the 2025 event set to benefit the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation.