The Golden Drum Awards Ceremony, Dominica’s most prestigious celebration of cultural achievement, is set to headline this year’s Emancipation Season, promising an evening of pride, recognition, and cultural brilliance.
In a statement to officially launch the Emancipation Season, Minister for Culture Gretta Roberts described the period as “an important journey of reflection, pride, and cultural awareness,” rooted in remembrance of ancestral struggles and triumphs. Emphasizing the resilience and strength of enslaved Africans who fought for their freedom, Roberts underscored the season’s role in affirming Dominica’s African identity through heritage, spirituality, and creativity.
The Emancipation Season, observed annually in the lead-up to Emancipation Day, will feature a rich program of events aimed at celebrating and preserving Dominica’s cultural traditions.
“This year, the Emancipation Season will once again be marked by a variety of events that celebrate our rich cultural heritage. These include drumming sessions that echo the heartbeat of our ancestors, Belle performances that connect us to our history through movement and sound, and a Jingping training session presented in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Global Campus to ensure our musical traditions are passed on to the next generation,” Roberts stated.
She added that the highlights will also include “the reveal of the Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants, as we celebrate the beauty, pride, and poise of our national dress, as well as the prestigious Golden Drum Awards Ceremony—the highest national honor in arts and culture—presented by the National Cultural Council and the Cultural Division.”
The Golden Drum Awards, to be held on Thursday, July 25th at the Statehouse Conference Centre, will spotlight cultural pioneers and rising stars who continue to shape and enrich Dominica’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Roberts extended an invitation to all, urging citizens and the diaspora alike to take part in this national reflection. “Reflect on the past, celebrate our identity, pass the knowledge on,” she said. “Happy Emancipation Season to all.”
This sounds like a wonderful event! I’m particularly interested in seeing how the Golden Drum Awards will highlight and celebrate the cultural achievements within Dominica, especially as it relates to the Emancipation Season. It’s so important to honor the heritage and contributions of the community.
A profound and inspiring celebration! The Golden Drum Awards not only recognizes outstanding individuals in the arts and culture, but is also a sacred occasion for Dominica to come together to remember, be proud of and affirm its national identity from its ancestral roots.