20th Anniversary St. Kitts Music Festival Sets New Heights

Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 28, 2016) – The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is delighted to announce that the twentieth anniversary of the St. Kitts Music Festival has been a stand-out hit, as crowds have come out in record numbers to see the stellar line-up that was created for the historic occasion.

“In the past two decades that we have been producing the St. Kitts Music Festival, never has here been an attendance level like we have seen this year,” said the Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry & Commerce. “This event has always brought genres of music and generations of fans together in a Music Festival that is distinctive in the Caribbean. This year has exceeded our expectations; rising local talents were showcased brilliantly alongside international stars for three consecutive nights of exhilarating performances. While exact attendance numbers have yet to be confirmed, it was clearly an event to remember.”

For the first time in recent years, artists appearing on the first night of the St. Kitts Music Festival played to a full house at Warner Park. Dubbed the ultimate Caribbean Party, that night saw legendary performances from the original members of the Burning Flames and the WCK band, with KES The Band thrilling the audience with an explosive performance.

Still energized from the previous night’s show, Warner Park was again filled to capacity on the second night. An epic night of reggae music featured performances from living legends Marcia Griffiths and Leroy Sibble and emerging dancehall artiste Dexta Daps. Morgan Heritage once again proved why they are the “The First Family of Reggae Music.” The evening’s final performance by Damien Jr. Gong Marley closed out the night’s star-studded lineup and left the crowd begging for more.

The third and final night of the St. Kitts Music Festival saw the energy level rise! Performers including up-and-coming Deanna, reggae icon Tarrus Riley, the legendary O’Jays, as well as relative newcomers yet rising stars such as R. City, gave commanding performances that fully engaged the fans. International superstar 50 Cent was the last act of the historic 20^th Anniversary Music Festival. From his first few notes, he ignited the crowd’s passions with his energy as he performed a wide-range of his chart-topping hits and brought the Festival to a sizzling conclusion.

Celebrating its 20th year, the St. Kitts Music Festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that has grown naturally out of the island’s deep-rooted cultural and musical traditions.  The Festival combines music, West Indian cuisine and elements of the island’s culture in a family friendly event that is a “must do” summer experience.

In the warm, lively atmosphere of a block party, the Festival features a wide range of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, Lionel Richie, Jason Derulo, Trey Songz, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Shaggy, Kelly Rowland, Tessanne Chin, Toni Braxton, Beenie Man, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Roberta Flack, Biggie Irie, Bunny Wailer and Lord Nelson.