In just a week, Nigel “Nigy Boy” Hector will make his way to the Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn to perform for the very first time at SOCAFEST during New York Carnival Week - a feat he never imaged possible.

"It was pure elation," he said with a smile. "I was never expecting that something this tremendous would be happening for me."

Then again, Nigel has come to expect the unexpected. From birth, Hector was found to be legally blind in both eyes and would face an upbringing in Montego Bay in Jamaica fraught with challenges.

"I grew up in an environment where injustice was very common and still is today," Hector said. "Receiving the opportunity to break away from that stigma has really shown me that I have the ability to be that light in the lives of peers who I have grown up with and the younger generation and beyond."

Following the motto "adversity builds character," Hector found himself facing life’s oppositions head on, and eventually went on to excel in his studies – most recently graduating from Stony Brook University with a bachelors in history, political science and law.

"My struggle has been what defines me, you know," Hector said. "My struggle is what has molded me into the man that I am today and it doesn't define me, but it's a part of who I am."

Another big part of what makes Hector who he is lies in his passion for music - an outlet he uses to connect with the world around him.

"It represents a language that I can use to speak to people of all different races, ethnicities," Hector said.

Those looking to attend Carnival Week on Thursday, Aug. 29 can look forward to connecting with Hector’s music and partaking in the range of other festivities the events bring. Bertrand Cius, a local resident in the Eastern Parkway neighborhood is already gearing up for the cultural celebration.

"It's always been very exciting to be here. [There will be] so many people and so many food [options], and I have to see Nigel and he's gonna come. I'm really excited," said Cius.

Those looking to attend Carnival Week can expect to enjoy performances, a variety of cuisine, shop trinkets and so much more from Thursday to Monday, Sept. 2.