The inaugural evening of the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival transformed Antigua’s Recreation Grounds into a vibrant tapestry of regional culture on Friday, with thousands of attendees creating an electric atmosphere. The event showcased a powerful display of Caribbean unity, evidenced by the sea of flags from Dominica and St. Lucia waving among the enthusiastic crowd.
The night’s most unexpected highlight emerged when Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne took the stage in his musical alter ego ‘Gassy Dread,’ delivering a memorable collaboration with Jamaican dancehall sensation Mr. Vegas. This unprecedented fusion of politics and performance generated significant buzz throughout the venue.
Jamaica’s musical dominance continued with compelling sets from dancehall powerhouse Masicka, the legendary fire-reggae performer Capleton, soulful crooner Christopher Martin, and the iconic Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage fame. The festival’s diverse musical palette expanded further with Dominica’s Signal Band, who delivered an infectious bouyon rhythm that energized the audience.
Local Antiguan talent received substantial representation through acclaimed performances by Tian Winter, soca artist Claudette Peters, and the legendary Burning Flames ensemble. The festival continues its momentum on Saturday evening from 5 p.m., transitioning to spiritual melodies with American gospel superstar Tasha Cobbs Leonard leading a program featuring both regional and local gospel artists, ensuring the event’s musical diversity remains a central theme.