St Lucia’s Subance and UMPA hope to be back on Dominican stage soon

Visiting Dominica for the first time and performing on the main stage for the 24^th Edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) has been described as an “awesome experience” for St Lucian artist Brendon ‘UMPA’ Charlery.

He performed alongside Gervan ‘Subance’ Janvier at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on night two, (Saturday, October 26).

“We were a bit skeptical since we were the first performers and looking at the crowd it wasn’t that crowded yet, but the minute we got on stage everybody came together and the response was awesome,” UMPA told Dominica News Online (DNO) during an interview shortly after his performance.

He continued, “It’s my first time in Dominica and also my first time performing at the World Creole Music Festival and I loved the experience. I definitely will be coming back.”

He added, “It was a great experience, an awesome experience. Big up Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival.”

Being one of the pioneers of the infectious sounds of Dennery Segment, Umpa has been presented with over 17 awards locally including Dennery Segment Artist Of The Year and Outstanding Youth In Volunteerism  2021. To date, Umpa’s “One Drop”, “Siren”, “Chatou”, “Zafeh Moun” “Baguy”, and now “Plat” singles have a combined viewership of the longest trending Dennery Segment songs.

Regionally and internationally Umpa has been enhancing and perfecting his craft with stellar performances in Africa, the US, Canada, France, Haiti, and among other Caribbean islands.

Meanwhile, Subance told DNO he has been to Dominica on three different occasions to perform for Carnival, however, his first experience performing at the WCMF.

“That’s my third time in Dominica. I performed in 2017, 2018, and 2022 for the Carnival,” he explained.

He too was satisfied with the crowd response during their performance.

Subance, born and raised in the community of Grande Ravine in the Mabouya Valley, Dennery, is nothing short of dynamic. Some would argue, his stage presence and warm demeanor allow him to capture anyone’s attention.

The performer has displayed tremendous potential within the entertainment industry.

Hit after hit, Subance has grown in popularity with tunes such as “Bad In Bum Bum” and “Bay Pat”.

He has traveled internationally for his craft, performing and captivating fans all over, and expressed hopes that both he and UMPA return to Dominica to perform.