A Regional Cultural Synergy in Full Effect
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA – July 17, 2025
The cultural heartbeat of the Caribbean pulsed louder this week as the Commonwealth of Dominica took to Rodney Bay Saint Lucia to officially launch the 25th Edition of its World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), celebrating a quarter-century of musical excellence, unity, and cultural pride.
The press event, hosted in collaboration with Export Saint Lucia, Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), and the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, underscored a deepening partnership between the sister isles and set the stage for an unforgettable celebration from October 24th–26th, 2025 in Roseau, Dominica.
Exporting Caribbean Talent: A St. Lucian Creative Invasion
Speaking at the event, Ms. Sunita Daniel, CEO of Export Saint Lucia, emphasized the island’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Saint Lucian artistry beyond its shores:
“Dominica is our closest sister island, and we are pleased to continue exporting Saint Lucian creative excellence to its global stage.”
She praised the collaborative initiatives that have taken Saint Lucian acts from local shores to stages in Dubai and Japan. Through this partnership, three Saint Lucian artists—Ezra ‘The Fun Machine’, Arthur Allain, and DJ Hollywood HP—were officially named as part of the 2025 WCMF lineup.
In a show of regional pride, Ezra reflected on his musical journey, recalling his transition from a passionate festival-goer to a featured performer:
“This year’s 25th-anniversary stage is not just a performance—it’s a celebration of dreams realized and the strength of Caribbean unity through music.”
A Festival Reaching New Heights
Ms. Monelle Alexis, PR & Communications Specialist at Discover Dominica Authority, presented the full festival vision and lineup with infectious pride.
“This is not just a concert—it’s a movement. From Burning Flames to Vybz Kartel, Tiwa Savage to TK International, WCMF 2025 celebrates our shared legacy of rhythm, resilience, and Creole pride.”
Themed “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic and Memories”, this year’s festival promises a cultural explosion with:
- Night One – October 24: A tribute to pioneers with performances by Burning Flames, Steel Pulse, Romain Virgo, Oswald, TK International, Midnight Groovers, and Hallibut.
- Night Two – October 25: A Creole Carnival of stars including WCK, Gordon Henderson, Ophelia Marie, Buyo All-Stars, Spice, Vybz Kartel, and Kassav.
- Night Three – October 26: The Grand Finale, headlined by Tiwa Savage, Bunji Garlin, Michel Henderson, DJ HP, Ezra, Signal Band, and Ecstasy.
Fringe activities include culinary expos, boat rides, street parades, village fêtes, and cultural showcases across the island, expanding the WCMF into a two-week celebration of Dominican and Caribbean identity.
Travel and Access Made Easy
With new Caribbean Airlines flights from San Juan and expanded ferry services from Martinique and Saint Lucia via Val Ferry and RFS Express, travel to Dominica has never been more accessible.
Festival passes are already available online at www.dominicafestivals.com, with physical tickets to be sold in Saint Lucia soon. Prize giveaways and free ticket promotions are tied to events such as Call Me Red Brunch, Indulgence Breakfast Fete, and Bacchanal Friday.
Ministerial Endorsement and Cultural Diplomacy
In closing, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, lauded the inter-island relationship:
“The Creole Music Festival is more than an event—it’s a living embodiment of our shared history, our shared language, and our shared rhythm.”
He encouraged Saint Lucians to once again travel en masse to Dominica, recalling past years where “the traffic from Castries to Portsmouth was backed up with vehicles bearing SL plates.”
Dr. Hilaire also highlighted the mutual benefits of cultural exchange, with Dominica also participating in Saint Lucia’s Carnival and jazz celebrations.
ABOUT THE WORLD CREOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL (WCMF):
First launched in 1997, Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival has grown to become the region’s premier celebration of Creole culture and music, with an unmatched mix of genres including Bouyon, Zouk, Afrobeat, Kompa, Reggae, Soca, and Dancehall. Now celebrating 25 years, WCMF stands as a testament to Caribbean excellence in artistry, tourism, and cultural resilience.
