Musical icon Gordon Henderson has paid tribute to Jeffrey Brisbane, a former Executive Director of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), who passed away on Saturday July 5, 2025, just one day after the festival’s 25th anniversary celebrations, a poignant reminder of the important role he played in shaping one of the region’s more popular music festivals.
Brisbane took up the mantle of Executive Director following the passing of another festival stalwart, Eddie Toulon. Under his leadership, the WCMF expanded its cultural reach, reinforcing its reputation as a unifying celebration of Creole heritage across music, language, cuisine, and tradition.
“Jeffrey understood the profound importance of bringing the global Creole community together, not just through music, but through shared language, cuisine, and cultural attire,” fellow Dominican and musical ambassador. Gordon Henderson, wrote in a Facebook post. “His efforts helped strengthen bonds across Creole islands and nations, enriching our collective heritage.”
Henderson shared memories of working closely with Brisbane during his time with the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC). Although Henderson had stepped away from the organization during Brisbane’s tenure, their paths crossed frequently in efforts to promote the festival abroad. He recalled memorable travels to Martinique and Guadeloupe, where Brisbane successfully lobbied regional officials to support the participation of Creole artists, most notably securing sponsorship for “the exceptional Martiniquan singer Kali” from the Regional Council of Martinique amid tight budget constraints.
“Jeffrey understood that the World Creole Music Festival was more than just music; it was a vessel for connection, identity, and pride,” Henderson shared. “Through his tireless work, he strengthened bonds among Creole-speaking nations and brought global attention to our shared heritage.”
Outside of his official duties, Brisbane was remembered as a warm and welcoming host who often brought colleagues into his home and life. Friends describe him as generous, visionary, and deeply committed to cultural unity.
At the time of his passing, Brisbane was residing in Florida, U.S.A. In March of this year, he returned to Dominica to pay tribute to his longtime friend, the late Jeffrey Fadelle, delivering a moving eulogy at the funeral service—an occasion that further underscored his enduring ties to the Dominican community and the depth of his personal bonds.
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