After a one-year hiatus and a scaled-back 2024 edition, one of Saint Lucia’s most beloved community-focused cultural events, Fond d’Or Jazz, officially made its high-profile return on Sunday, May 3, stepping back into the spotlight as a cornerstone gathering during the annual Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival season.
Once known for hosting major international acts like the iconic Caribbean band Kassav, Fond d’Or Jazz took a low-key approach in 2024 before pausing entirely last year. For its 2026 comeback, organizing committee members rebuilt the event from the ground up to create an inclusive experience designed to engage attendees across every age group. Positioned as a family-friendly cultural celebration paired with world-class live entertainment, the festival was hosted at the scenic Fond d’Or Nature Heritage Park, located in the coastal Saint Lucian district of Dennery. The venue’s unpolished, natural rustic charm created an intimate, laid-back atmosphere that carried attendees from a late-afternoon kickoff deep into the night.
To cater to multi-generational groups, the event grounds featured a range of attractions beyond live music, including themed photo marquees for memorable keepsakes, bouncy castles, a dedicated kids’ zone, and dozens of local food and beverage vendors serving a variety of regional and casual fare. Opening celebrations kicked off with welcoming performances from the Dennery North and Dennery South Steel Orchestras, while main sponsor 1st National Bank outfitted a premium VIP experience for ticketholders seeking elevated amenities.
As the sun began to dip below the Caribbean horizon, the official performance slate got underway with guitarist Carl Gustave, the first act to take the stage. His dynamic set, which wove together elements of jazz, blues, and classic rock, evoked the nostalgic spirit of traditional jazz gatherings, where audiences come to experience both beloved staples and fresh, authentic original music that deviates from mainstream trends.
Throughout the evening, the full lineup of headliners was complemented by a rotating cast of supporting acts, including a DJ and MC keeping energy high between sets, special guest appearances from contestants of the Mabouya Valley Queen Pageant, and high-energy dance routines from the local Moves 4 Dayes dance troupe.
Following Gustave’s opening set, fan-favorite Ronald “Boo” Hinkson took the stage alongside his collective of collaborators, engaging the crowd with beloved Tru Tones hits including *Foreign Journalist* and traditional folk numbers like *Estephan*. Vocal performances from TC Brown, Semi Francis, and Christa Bailey rounded out the set, turning it into one of the night’s most memorable offerings. Next, celebrated performer Teddyson John delivered a high-energy, crowd-pleasing set featuring his chart-topping tracks including *Allez* and *New Day*. Local genre stalwart Surbance followed, leaning into the iconic Dennery segment sound to honor the style’s local roots and reinforce his reputation as one of the genre’s leading contemporary artists. Before the night’s headliner took the stage, celebrated Saint Lucian solo artist Deighton Charlemagne delivered a stirring solo set, including his widely popular track *A natty dread is who I am*.
When the MC called the night’s headliner, Jamaican reggae star Duane Stephenson, to the stage, thrilled fans rushed to the front of the stage to greet him. Stephenson made his entrance shortly after 10 p.m., recalling that his last performance at the very same venue had taken place 15 years prior, alongside fellow reggae artist Taurus Riley. “I hope you don’t take so long to invite me back,” he joked to roaring applause.
Throughout his set, Stephenson appeared visibly moved by the crowd’s reaction, at one point pausing as the audience’s loud, united singing overpowered his own vocals. His performances of iconic tracks including *Think Twice*, *Ghetto Pain*, *Cottage in Negril*, *Fool for You*, and *Forever Yours* held the crowd captive from start to finish. During his performance of *August Town*, one audience member was invited on stage for a spontaneous “money pull-up” moment, highlighting the deeply personal connection fans felt to Stephenson’s lyrics. The night closed with an encore performance of Gregory Isaac’s classic *Cool Running*, capping off a standout reggae set that left attendees buzzing. Stephenson’s backing band, led by Danyl Daniel and made up almost entirely of local Saint Lucian musicians, delivered tight, expert support that elevated the entire performance.
Stephenson’s headline set underscored a enduring truth: audiences across Saint Lucia retain a deep, passionate appreciation for roots reggae and high-quality, authentic live music.
In a post-event statement, Cornelius Edmund, Chairperson of the Fond d’Or Jazz Committee, expressed sincere gratitude for the large turnout and ongoing community enthusiasm for the event and its unique venue. “There are a few things that we would like to do better next year, but overall we were pleased with the turnout and the performances,” he shared, signaling the event’s full return for future festival seasons.