Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Ten set to compete for national calypso crown

    Ten set to compete for national calypso crown

    The road to the prestigious Calypso Monarch title has narrowed, after a panel of expert judges selected nine competing finalists during a packed semifinal event held Sunday evening at the National Cultural Centre on Barnards’ Hill, Castries. The defending 2025 titleholder, Dezral, will automatically retain his spot in the final round, bringing the total number of competitors vying for the crown to 10 when the grand final kicks off on July 11 at the Sab in Vigie.

    Eighteen talented calypsonians took the stage for the two-song semifinal competition, turning the National Cultural Centre into a hub of electric energy. The venue was filled to capacity inside, while hundreds more gathered outside to soak in the lively festival atmosphere, viewing all performances on a large outdoor screen.

    Fan enthusiasm ran particularly high for Gumtion, who delivered a standout pair of performances with his first-round track *Black Man* and second-round number *Creole Therapy*. Making his impressive local debut, current U.S. Virgin Islands Calypso Monarch John Gotti also earned widespread acclaim for his renditions of *My Proposal* and *Champion or Trumpion*. Across the competition, six female calypsonians – Nacheal, Menell, Devine, Ready, Lushanne and Mica – delivered powerful, soulful vocal performances, with three of the group advancing through to the final round.

    The final lineup boasts impressive depth of experience, with five former Calypso Monarchs claiming spots: TC Brown, Educator, Menell, Herb Black and Walleigh. Rounding out the nine selected finalists are former National Carnival Queen Lushanne, Gumption, Ready, and Gotti. Ahead of the final, defending champion Dezral offered excited fans an early preview of his upcoming performance, staging a playful “mock trial” segment centered on the Joy case to showcase one of his new tracks.

    The July 11 final is already building anticipation among calypso fans across the region, who are preparing to see which artist will claim one of Caribbean music’s most celebrated competitive titles.

  • Small business support drive draws strong interest in Micoud

    Small business support drive draws strong interest in Micoud

    Against a backdrop of rising demand for entrepreneurial support across the Caribbean island nation, Saint Lucia’s Department of Commerce has amplified its efforts to connect aspiring and existing small business owners with critical financial and developmental resources, marking World MSME Day with a hands-on outreach gathering in the country’s southern region.

    Last Saturday, dozens of small and micro enterprise operators from across southern Saint Lucia gathered at the Micoud Community Centre for a day of information sharing, collaborative outreach, and one-on-one guidance, organized by the department’s Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU). The event was designed to bridge the information gap that often isolates rural entrepreneurs from the support available to them, bringing partner agencies under one roof to deliver tailored help directly to community members.

    In addition to hosting a on-site business registration drive to simplify the process of formalizing new ventures, the event brought together institutional partners from across Saint Lucia’s entrepreneurial support ecosystem. Representatives from the Youth Economy Agency, BELfund, the Community Tourism Agency, and the Bank of Saint Lucia joined SEDU staff to answer questions and walk attendees through available offerings.

    Whether participants were early-stage planners exploring the feasibility of a new business or established owners looking to scale their existing operations, they left with customized guidance gained through informational presentations and dedicated one-on-one consultations. The event covered a full spectrum of support options, from breaking down eligibility requirements, application processes, and required documentation for grant funding programs, to outlining loan financing structures tailored to entrepreneurs at every step of their journey. Additional resources shared included help with business plan development, information on regulatory concessions for small businesses, financing pathways for the underemployed seeking self-employment, and actionable strategies for accessing all available resources.

    Roycelyn St. Hill Howell, director of SEDU, told local outlet St. Lucia Times that the island’s grant and business support programs have drawn unprecedented public interest, signaling a strong and growing appetite for self-employment opportunities across Saint Lucia. “We are seeing an overwhelming response. So, we are encouraged by the demand,” she said. “It’s also telling us that there is great need for … our agency to come together with our partner agencies so we can provide that relevant support.”

    For many attendees, the event uncovered resources they had no prior knowledge of, even for those already running active small businesses. Sabina Tertullien, a teacher and owner of local micro enterprise Terts’ School Supplies, described the gathering as eye-opening, noting that she had been unaware of the wide range of programs and training opportunities available through multiple government and non-government organizations.

    Kerian Thomas, a chef with 24 years of industry experience who is currently expanding her agro-processing and sustainable farming operation focused on healthy alkaline eating, saw coverage of the event in local media and chose to attend. Echoing Tertullien’s experience, she said she had not realized how many institutional support services existed for new and growing entrepreneurs, and emphasized the unique value of the outreach for young people just starting their business journeys. “I think it is really, really important that a lot of young people take part in what has been discussed here today,” she said. “I, for one, did not know that there were so many branches offering so much service to young people that want to start up a business and stuff, so it was very, very informative today.”

    The Micoud event is part of a broader, ongoing push by Saint Lucia’s Department of Commerce to bring business support services closer to rural and southern communities that have historically had less access to central government resources. In February 2025, the SEDU’s parent Small Business Development Centre launched its southern regional division on the third floor of the Uptown Business Centre in Vieux Fort. Since that opening, SBDC officers have conducted outreach visits to communities across the southern coast, including Soufrière, Laborie and Vieux Fort, and have hosted smaller community gatherings and business registration drives in the Choiseul region. The department has reiterated its long-term commitment to continuing this decentralized, community-focused outreach to ensure all Saint Lucians, regardless of location, can leverage available support to build successful small businesses.

  • Family, friends celebrate centenarian Ruby Nicholas

    Family, friends celebrate centenarian Ruby Nicholas

    Over the last weekend of June 2026, the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia gathered to honor one of its newest centenarians, Ruby Nicholas, who marked her 100th birthday on June 26 with two days of joyful celebrations surrounded by loved ones and community leaders.

    Born in the rural community of Choiseul to parents Flo and George Nicholas, Ruby grew up helping work her family’s farm while attending Riviere Doree Combined School. One of 12 siblings, she raised nine children of her own: three born in her hometown Choiseul, with the remaining six arriving after her move to the capital city of Castries, where she spent most of her adult life. Two of her children, Alma Mathurin, Keith Nicholas and Randy Nicholas, have predeceased her.

    After relocating to Castries, Ruby began her working life as a domestic helper before building a reputation as a skilled seamstress across neighborhoods including Bishop’s Gap, Marchand and Water Works. Her final formal position was with the James family at La Toc. To supplement her income and support her large family, she also ran a small side business selling frozen treats and soft drinks to local customers. Beyond raising her own children, Ruby frequently opened her home and her heart to care for other children in the community, often offering her time for free out of pure generosity.

    A lifelong devout member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ruby’s centenary celebrations kicked off with a special service at the church on her actual birthday. Archdeacon Christian Glasgow centered his remarks on Ruby’s unwavering faith, drawing from the Gospel verse Matthew 6:33, which calls believers to seek God’s kingdom first. He noted that Ruby has lived this principle throughout her life, and the blessing of reaching 100 years is a reflection of that commitment. Officials from Saint Lucia’s Department of Equity and Elderly Affairs also attended the service, presenting Ruby with a commemorative plaque and a bouquet of flowers to honor her milestone.

    The following day, a larger public celebration was held at the St Joseph’s Convent auditorium, drawing guests from across Saint Lucia and abroad, including Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who grew up in Water Works and has known Ruby since childhood.

    Speaking on behalf of the family at the celebration, Ruby’s son Tony Nicholas shared insights into his mother’s character and long life. He highlighted her constant generosity, deep kindness, and consistent habit of putting faith first. Even in her 90s, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby walked to Castries Market every Saturday and attended church services every Sunday without fail. She raised her children to prioritize prayer, avoid envy, and practice love for both neighbors and themselves, while intentionally never forcing her views on religion or politics onto any of her children.

    Tony also shared small, beloved details of his mother’s life: she remains an avid reader of both books and her Bible, listens to radio daily, loves local Saint Lucian dishes including sweet potatoes, macambo, pigeon peas, pork and saltfish, and enjoys a small capful of Stone’s Ginger wine each night before bed – a routine many guests joked could be her secret to healthy aging.

    When asked by a reporter from Radio 100 how she felt marking her 100th birthday, Ruby expressed pure joy at being surrounded by so many loved ones, including some she had not seen in many years. She shared her simple, timeless advice for a long and fulfilling life: choose early to live well, work hard, hold fast to your faith, and make time to enjoy life. Recalling her own youth, she noted that even as a working teenager, she made time to go to community dances and embrace joy.

    Prime Minister Pierre offered his warm congratulations to the centenarian, joking that he was eager to learn her “recipe” for good health so he could match her vitality when he reaches 100. He wished Ruby many more happy, healthy years ahead. The Saturday celebration featured joyful Gospel performances from local artists including Brandon and Cindy from Streams of Power Ministry, Sally Elwin, TC Brown and the Silver Shadow Dancers.

    In the days following the celebration, Ruby has continued to receive dozens of congratulatory messages from across the island, and has extended her thanks to everyone who took part in marking her milestone, from event organizers to attending guests and those who called or sent well wishes from afar.

  • How Saint Lucia can qualify in cricket for the 2028 Olympics

    How Saint Lucia can qualify in cricket for the 2028 Olympics

    After 128 years away from the world’s biggest sporting stage, cricket is officially set to make its long-awaited comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games — a milestone that has sparked both celebration and a unique logistical puzzle for Caribbean cricket competitors.

    Cricket last featured at the Olympics back in 1900, when the Games were also hosted in Paris. Now, more than a century later, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) have finalized the official qualification pathway for all teams aiming to compete in the LA 2028 tournament, laying out clear rules for nations around the globe. But for the iconic West Indies cricket side, a beloved composite team that unites players from a dozen small Caribbean nations under one ICC membership, the path to the Olympics is anything but straightforward.

    Unlike most ICC member teams, the West Indies side is not recognized as an official National Olympic Committee (NOC) by the IOC. That means the unified regional team cannot compete as a single unit at the Olympics, nor can it claim a collective quota spot for the 2028 Games. To resolve this unusual situation, governing bodies have designed a special regional qualification process exclusively for Caribbean cricket.

    Under the new rules, if the unified West Indies men’s team (the Men in Maroon) and women’s team (the Maroon Warriors) rank among the top eight unqualified ICC teams by the December 31, 2026 deadline, the ICC will organize a dedicated Caribbean Qualifier tournament. This event will determine which individual Caribbean nation’s NOC will earn the right to advance to the global ICC Olympics Qualifier in 2027, and ultimately represent the entire region at LA 2028. Only one Caribbean nation will get the opportunity to field a cricket team at the Games.

    Small Caribbean nations are already positioning themselves for this rare chance to compete on Olympic soil outside of traditional track and field events. For example, Saint Lucia is already identified as a potential candidate if the West Indies side advances to the regional qualifier, with local top players including Ackeem Auguste, Kimani Melius, and McKenny Clarke tipped to potentially represent the island nation if it secures the spot.

    For the global tournament, the qualification structure is already set for all other teams. Five quota spots in both the men’s and women’s Olympic competitions will be awarded based on results from existing ICC events and official T20I world rankings as of the 2026 deadline. The sixth and final spot in each draw will be decided through the new global ICC Olympics Qualifier tournament scheduled for 2027. As the host nation of the 2028 Games, the United States has already secured an automatic qualification spot for both its men’s and women’s teams.

    ICC Chairman Jay Shah called cricket’s return to the Olympic program a transformative milestone for the sport in an official statement. “Cricket’s return to the Olympic Games is a landmark moment for our sport and a powerful opportunity to showcase the very best of cricket to the world,” Shah said. “The confirmation of this qualification pathway is an important step towards Los Angeles 2028 and gives Members across the world a clear and exciting route to the Olympic stage.”

  • Man shot dead in Marchand hours before birthday

    Man shot dead in Marchand hours before birthday

    A devastating act of violence has shaken the small community of Marchand, Saint Lucia, after a 29-year-old man was gunned down Sunday night, mere hours before he was set to celebrate his birthday. The incident unfolded just after 10 p.m. in the vicinity of Mindoo Phillip Park’s main entrance, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement.

    Officers assigned to the Marchand Police Station were dispatched to the scene immediately after receiving an emergency report of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the victim, identified as Jordon Lansiquot, a resident of Millet, Anse La Raye, lying supine on the ground with multiple penetrating gunshot wounds to the head, abdomen and thigh. Emergency medical personnel transported the injured man quickly to the Owen King EU Hospital for urgent care, but medical staff were unable to save him, and he was officially pronounced dead at 10:24 p.m.

    The timing of the senseless killing has amplified the grief of Lansiquot’s loved ones, who had been preparing to mark his birthday just a few hours after the shooting. What was meant to be a joyous celebration has instead turned into an unforeseen tragedy, leaving family members and close friends reeling from the sudden, heartbreaking loss.

    At present, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has launched a full investigation into the events that led to the shooting. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators have not yet released details about potential suspects or what may have precipitated the confrontation. Law enforcement is actively appealing to members of the public who may have information related to the incident to come forward to assist with the inquiry. Any person with relevant details can contact the Marchand Police Station directly at 456-3885. For those who wish to share information without revealing their identity, anonymous tips can be submitted via the national Crime Hotline at 555 or through the official Crime Hotline mobile application.

  • Soca semis deliver, stage set for finals

    Soca semis deliver, stage set for finals

    The race to claim the 2026 Groovy and Power Soca Monarch titles heated up dramatically last Friday, when 40 competing artists took the stage at Saint Lucia’s National Cultural Centre to fight for one of the coveted spots in the July 10 grand final. What unfolded was a high-energy, unforgettable night of Caribbean musical celebration, as every performer pulled out all the stops to win over both the panel of official judges and the packed audience in attendance.

    The evening opened with the highly anticipated Groovy Soca segment, which delivered no shortage of standout showings. Several acts earned roaring cheers from the crowd, including Kisha K’s rendition of *Done*, Ricky T’s *Not Kissing A$$*, Arthur Allain’s *Work on Pause (#WOP)*, and Shemmy J’s *Everything*. The electric atmosphere built through the intermission, carrying straight into the high-octane Power Soca segment, where fan engagement hit new heights. Standout sets in this round included Ezra D’Funmachine’s *Salute*, Shemmy J’s *Even If She Crying*, the collaborative *Mad People* from Bronx, Dhirv 2 Frunny & Mata, Sirlancealot’s *Jusso*, *Bring Your Cooler* by Sedale, Hollywood & Deevon, and Team Tension’s *Actimo*.

    By the end of the night, the audience’s reaction proved to be a remarkably reliable predictor of which acts would move forward: almost every performer that earned the loudest applause and biggest cheers secured a spot in the upcoming final. Five competitors have a rare shot at double glory: Ezra D’Funmachine, Kisha K, Ricky T, Shemmy J, and Sly all qualified for both the Groovy and Power categories, giving them two separate opportunities to take home a 2026 title.

    All eyes now turn to the SAB venue in Vigie, where the 2026 final will be held. Defending Groovy Monarch Nerdy and current Power Monarchs Dezral & Jardel will take the stage to defend their crowns against the newly qualified contenders. For fans hoping to catch the historic final, advance tickets are priced at EC$60, available for purchase online via 4circlestickets.com, at all The Cell outlets across the island, and at Steve’s Barbershop in central Castries. Tickets purchased at the gate on the day of the event will be priced at EC$80.

  • Blazers are back as KFC basketball champions

    Blazers are back as KFC basketball champions

    On Saturday night at Beausejour Gymnasium, the Bonne Terre Blazers delivered a masterclass in defensive intensity and long-range shooting to secure a 17-point comeback victory over two-time defending champions Soufrière Kings, claiming the Ricky “Skecky” Estwick Trophy 49-32 in the decisive third game of the 2026 KFC National Basketball League finals. This marked the Blazers’ second league title in four years, with standout forward Andre Louison leading his squad to a historic win after a tightly contested series.

    For the first time since the league’s revival in 2023, the championship series was pushed to a winner-takes-all final match, a testament to the two teams’ exceptional parity. After the first two games, the combined point difference between the squads stood at just six points, setting the stage for a dramatic deciding matchup. Reeling from a underwhelming performance in Game 2, the Blazers restructured their game plan heading into the decisive contest: they slowed the tempo to build a more structured offensive scheme and drastically ramped up their defensive pressure compared to their previous outing.

    Despite the Blazers’ adjustments, the defending champions got off to a fast start, taking control of the game early. Center Jayzee Saltibus dominated the interior rebounding, while guards Linzell Alcee and Kimani Charles ran efficient fast breaks that pushed the Kings to an 8-point lead, 20-12, early in the second quarter. What followed was a pivotal turnaround that shifted the entire momentum of the game.

    Midway through the second quarter, Andre Louison knocked down four consecutive free throws to spark an 11-0 Blazers run, which Kyanni Elwyn capped off with a key basket that put Bonne Terre up 21-20. Though Sidney Didier tied the game at 21 with a single free throw, Andre and his brother Troy Louison each connected on late-second-quarter scores to push the Blazers’ lead to four heading into halftime, with Bonne Terre holding a 31-27 advantage at the break.

    From halftime onward, the Blazers never surrendered their lead, locking in on defense to stifle the defending champions’ offense. Bonne Terre notched 28 second-half points while holding the Kings to just 15 total points after the break. In the fourth quarter, the Blazers sealed the win with red-hot three-point shooting: the squad finished the game with eight total three-pointers, two of which came from Andre Louison in the final frame, while the Kings managed only two long-range baskets across the entire 40 minutes of play.

    Andre Louison earned well-deserved Player of the Game honors after posting a near-triple-double: he finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three steals, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s top players. His brother Troy turned in an impressive all-around performance of his own, contributing 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and six steals to the championship win.

    For the defeated Soufrière Kings, Kimani Charles led the squad with 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and six steals, but was undone by a game-high nine turnovers that proved costly in the tight contest. Saltibus once again anchored the Kings’ interior, putting up 10 points and 14 rebounds, while Didier and Clayton William carried the team’s offensive production in the early going.

    Parity defined the entire series, and the decisive third game was no exception. For the third consecutive matchup, the two teams finished with identical rebounding totals, 36 apiece, though Bonne Terre held a clear advantage on the offensive glass that generated extra scoring opportunities.

    Three key statistical differences separated the winner from the loser on Saturday night. After a sloppy opening, the Blazers cleaned up their ball handling, finishing with 20 turnovers compared to the Kings’ 26 unforced errors. At the free throw line, both teams finished with nine made shots, but the Blazers converted 9 of 13 attempts (a 69% success rate) while the Kings only managed 9 makes from 16 trips to the line. Most impactful of all was the Blazers’ three-point shooting, which outpaced the Kings’ long-range production by a four-to-one margin.

    This championship series went down as one of the most competitive in the past four years, producing a deserving champion in the Bonne Terre Blazers. For the Soufrière Kings, the defeat ends their bid for a third consecutive title, and the squad will almost certainly be gunning for revenge when the next season tips off. For the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation, three consecutive close, high-stakes, exciting games provided the perfect opportunity to grow the popularity of basketball across the island and draw new fans to the sport.

  • Grand finale delivers unforgettable moments at St. Kitts Music Festival

    Grand finale delivers unforgettable moments at St. Kitts Music Festival

    After three straight nights of electrifying performances spanning genres, generations, and global talent, the 28th annual St. Kitts Music Festival concluded in spectacular fashion on Saturday night, capping an event that organizers and attendees alike are calling one of the strongest editions in the festival’s decades-long history. The closing night’s lineup blended A-list international stars, beloved regional favorites, and standout local acts, turning the final evening into a memorable celebration that left crowds buzzing long after the last note rang out.

    Headline performer Fantasia, a celebrated Grammy Award-winning R&B vocalist, kicked off the night’s high-profile sets with a powerhouse performance that held thousands of attendees spellbound. She wove together decades of fan-favorite hits, from soulful staples like *When I See You* to the raw, emotional *Lose to Win*, before surprising the crowd with a moving cover of Whitney Houston’s iconic I Wanna Dance with Somebody that had the entire venue on its feet. The evening took an even more joyous turn when the festival surprised Fantasia mid-set with an on-stage birthday celebration. As sparkling fireworks lit up the St. Kitts skyline and a custom cake was brought out, thousands of fans sang out birthday wishes in unison, creating the most talked-about heartfelt moment of the entire three-night event.

    Following Fantasia’s unforgettable set, legendary reggae trailblazer Beres Hammond took the stage to a roaring welcome, leading the crowd on a nostalgic musical trip through his decades-spanning catalogue of timeless hits. Fans of all ages sang every lyric back to Hammond from start to finish, a clear testament to the enduring cross-generational appeal of his work that has made him a staple of Caribbean and global reggae culture for decades.

    Next up, iconic R&B vocal group Boyz II Men brought their signature smooth harmonies and choreographed dance moves to the stage, earning roars of approval from the crowd. The trio also paid homage to the legends that paved their way, delivering soulful renditions of classic Michael Jackson tracks and New Edition’s beloved ballad *Can You Stand the Rain* that had the audience singing along in unison.

    As the night stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning, acclaimed reggae star Tarrus Riley stepped into the closing spot, keeping the energy high for the thousands of enthusiastic fans who stayed on-site to witness the festival’s final moments. Alongside the night’s big-name acts, a host of other talented artists delivered solid sets that resonated deeply with their followers: local standout Zu, rising reggae performer D’yani, iconic reggae artist Luciano, and fan-favorite act Gharlic all earned warm receptions from the crowd.

    Early projections from festival organizers indicate that the 28th edition of the event drew the largest total attendance since the festival first launched, solidifying its standing as one of the premier must-attend music gatherings across the Caribbean. For attendees and artists alike, the 2024 (note: original text refers to upcoming 2026, the 28th is the current concluded edition) festival delivered exactly what makes the event special: a diverse, joyful celebration of music that brings together artists and fans from across the globe against the iconic backdrop of St. Kitts.

  • Roach creates history in huge West Indies test win

    Roach creates history in huge West Indies test win

    West Indies secured a comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka, wrapping up a convincing innings-and-217-run win in the opening Test match at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach delivering a career-defining performance. Roach finished with four wickets for just 51 runs, headlined by his milestone 300th Test wicket – a historic achievement that places him among an elite group of West Indian bowling legends.

    Roach is now only the fifth West Indian bowler in cricket history to cross the 300-wicket threshold in Test match cricket. He follows all-time greats Courtney Walsh, who holds the regional record with 519 career Test wickets, Curtley Ambrose (405), Malcolm Marshall (376) and Lance Gibbs (309), who is the only other West Indian bowler to have recently held the 300-wicket benchmark above Roach.

    The historic win also carries extra significance for the West Indies side: it marks their first Test victory in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle, and the first international win for new skipper Roston Chase at the helm of the national team, along with head coach Andre ‘Sammy’ Adams.

    Going into the final day of the match, Sri Lanka resumed their second innings at 15 for one wicket, tasked with chasing an improbable target after West Indies had declared their mammoth first innings at 626 for nine. The visiting batting line-up collapsed consistently against West Indies’ hostile pace attack, and were bowled out for just 101 runs before lunch on day four.

    Roach was not the only standout bowler for the home side: young fast bowler Jayden Seales picked up three wickets for only 14 runs, while Shamar Joseph claimed two wickets for 19 runs and Alazarri Joseph chipped in with one wicket for 11 runs to complete the rout. Sri Lanka’s captain Dinesh Chandimal finished as the visitors’ top scorer with 42 runs, the only batsman on the side to reach double figures in the collapse.

    In post-match interviews, Roach emphasized that the team result took priority over his personal milestone, saying the win was what mattered most to him. “So well done to the team, Roston Chase with his first win as captain, Sammy for his first win as coach. I would not be here without all these guys and everyone supporting me,” Roach shared after the game.

    He extended his gratitude to his loved ones and local fans, adding: “To my family, I know my mom is watching, to my kids, all my friends at home I know everyone is watching, I also want to thank all the Antiguan fans for coming out and supporting the team.”

    When asked about whether he would consider retiring from international cricket after hitting the 300-wicket milestone, Roach declined to share any firm future plans, saying he would focus on celebrating the win first. “Check me in the morning, check me in the morning. Right now, I just want to celebrate this win and then discussions will be had,” he said.

  • Dancehall acts deliver high-energy night two at St. Kitts Music Festival

    Dancehall acts deliver high-energy night two at St. Kitts Music Festival

    The 28th annual St. Kitts Music Festival kept its momentum roaring through its second night, drawing another enormous audience that packed the venue for an unforgettable evening of electric performances from top regional and international musical acts.

    Opening the night’s show was Steel Pulse, the iconic, Grammy-winning reggae group that kicked off the event with a nonstop high-energy set that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The curated lineup for night two showcased a diverse range of musical talent spanning reggae, dancehall, R&B, and local sounds, with popular acts including dancehall heavyweights Mavado, Aidonia, Masicka and Valiant, R&B global star Kehlani, reggae-dancehall artist Kranium, Jamaican songstress Shaneil Muir, and Rodney Tattat, the only homegrown performer representing host nation St. Kitts and Nevis.

    The night saw particularly electric chemistry between the audience and the lineup’s top dancehall acts. Mavado commanded the stage from start to finish, leading the entire crowd in sing-alongs to his decades of hit tracks including *Special*, *Give It All to Me* and *School Party*, never letting the venue’s energy dip throughout his set. Masicka similarly earned a rapturous response from fans, thrilling the audience with beloved cuts including his fan-favorite *Moments*. Kranium kept the crowd locked into the performance with his global hit *Nobody Has to Know*, a track that has remained a staple of festival setlists since its release.

    Offering a smooth, soulful counterpoint to the upbeat dancehall energy, international R&B standout Kehlani brought a unique vibe to the night, captivating the audience with stripped-back and powerful performances of her tracks *Folded* and her recent charted single *Cruise Control*.

    Leading up to the final night, festival leadership has shared promising data about this year’s turnout. During a recent press briefing, Clement O’Garro, Director of the St. Kitts & Nevis National Carnival Committee, confirmed that the festival’s opening night drew the largest single-night crowd in the 28-year history of the event. Early projections now point to 2024 marking the highest overall attendance for the festival since its founding.

    With two successful sold-out-style nights in the books, anticipation is already building among festival-goers for the third and final night of the celebration. The closing lineup is set to feature an equally star-studded slate of acts including Grammy-winning R&B singer Fantasia, reggae legends Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Luciano, iconic saxophonist Dean Fraser, and rising artists Zu, Gharlic, and D’yani.