Not Feeling the Vibes
PAUL MCLAUGHLIN
Carib de L’Afrique, the Afro-Caribbean and African restaurant located in the heart of Hastings town centre, is a popular local dining spot. The restaurant was opened in 2018 by Bayo Olujobi and is known for its authentic, rich flavours and lively atmosphere.
As if to emphasise its cultural roots, the hypnotic rhythm of reggae and jazz music resonates across Wellington Place throughout the day, drawing in curious passersby and regular patrons alike with its warm, inviting energy. The steady beat sets a tone intended to capture the spirit of the Caribbean, transforming the surrounding area into a vibrant hub where the community comes together to enjoy not only the food, but a rich, shared cultural experience.
Not everyone is feeling the vibes, however, and the relentless musical onslaught has left some locals far from happy. There have been a number of complaints to Hastings Borough Council about the restaurant placing large speakers outside and, it is claimed, “blasting music for up to 10 hours a day.” The complainants, who do not wish to be named, report that the persistent noise is “harming people’s wellbeing, disturbing both homes and workplaces, and fuelling a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area.”
Some residents say they have had noise complaints open with the council going back more than three years with no resolution. Many of them say they have spoken with the owner and politely asked if he could reduce the volume or move the speaker indoors, but their requests have been ignored.
In a change of tack, they have launched an online petition calling on Hastings BC “to take meaningful action to address this ongoing noise pollution and restore a peaceful, respectful environment for all those who live and work in the town centre.” The petition has attracted over 70 verified signatures.
Many of those who signed the petition say they appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of town centre living and enjoy the constant activity of shoppers and the buzz generated by buskers and street performers. What they struggle to accept, however, “is the relentless noise pollution from the nearby restaurant, which places a large 15-inch speaker outside and blasts loud, repetitive music for 8 to 10 hours a day.” Some have even compared the experience to psychological warfare, drawing parallels to the tactics used by the CIA in 1989 to oust the Panamanian dictator, Manuel Noriega.
Bayo says it is “only a small number” who have complained, and he feels they are being “a bit unreasonable.” He thinks the volume is “well within acceptable limits” and that the complaints come from a “lack of appreciation for the lively culture that makes the town centre unique.” He is open to talking with anyone who has concerns and has offered to meet with residents “to try and work things out.” That said, he believes the jazz and reggae music “brings character to the area and creates a friendly, upbeat vibe that attracts customers and brings the street to life.”
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