The 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), held from October 24–26 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica, has been celebrated as one of the most successful iterations since its inception. Under the theme ‘Pulsating Rhythms,’ the festival showcased the island’s rich musical heritage while attracting a record-breaking crowd, including an estimated 1,000 Antiguans and Dominicans residing in Antigua and Barbuda. Organizers reported one of the largest turnouts in recent years, with a significant surge in visitors from Antigua, many of whom traveled specifically to witness the electrifying Friday night performance by Antigua and Barbuda’s iconic soca band, Burning Flames. Prime Minister Gaston Browne graced the opening night, joining thousands of enthusiastic festivalgoers. The evening also featured stellar performances by Masicka, Steel Pulse, Romain Virgo, Triple Kay International, and Midnight Groovers. Burning Flames’ dynamic set, blending timeless hits with fresh rhythms, ignited a wave of national pride among Antiguans in attendance. Saturday’s lineup maintained the high energy with powerhouse acts like Vybz Kartel, Spice, Kes, WCK, Joé Dwèt Filé, Asa Bantan, and Ophelia, delivering a seamless fusion of reggae, bouyon, and soca. The festival concluded on Sunday with a star-studded finale, headlined by Kehlani, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Tiwa Savage, and Kassav, alongside local favorites Signal Band and Michele Henderson. Patrons described the final night as ‘electric,’ cementing this year’s WCMF as the most memorable to date. Tour operators and ferry companies noted a significant uptick in travel from Antigua, with tickets selling out early and accommodations reaching full capacity. Festival officials attributed the record attendance and world-class performances to solidifying WCMF’s reputation as a premier Caribbean music festival and a symbol of Creole culture and regional unity.
Antiguans Flock to Dominica for Record-Breaking World Creole Music Festival
