Jamaican reggae superstar Sizzla Kalonji believes that Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) has the potential to be a much larger event, which can attract visitors from not only the Caribbean but across the world.
Sizzla’s comments came following his performance on the big stage last week, where he hinted that Dominica should collaborate with other countries to enhance the three-night event.
“We the people in Jamaica and the Caribbean at large and the world, we have been pushing towards freedom, independence, and liberation of black people worldwide. This festival can do a lot more–for not only Dominica–because as you can see it is a mixed crowd with a lot of other persons and with their banners from different countries,” he said. ,
“So this festival should be hosting presidents of Africa and all other world state governments, concerning their duties and responsibilities. The welfare, the well-being of the people, this festival should be the basic ingredient for having the world coming to Dominica, sharing in the rich culture,” the artist added.
According to the Jamaican native, citizens from across the world look to Caribbean countries such as Jamaica and Dominica for a rich cultural experience, therefore when events such as these are hosted, they should be a true representation of all things Caribbean.
“This festival represents us, it represents our people and culture and it represents we the people being taken away from Africa and now are being conscientious of ourselves knowing that their roots and culture have the ancestry of [Africa] those who have long curated and have been [architects] of this great world and civilization,” the reggae icon said.
“We as a people must make it our responsibility to continue in the pathways,” he continued. “One person may not be able to do all things but having the people giving their ideas towards this event which is an indigenous event, is an example of us as Caribbean people stepping away from the colonial rulership of Black people, following the path that all the freedom fighters have set in place for us.”
He went on to label his performance as a success, noting that this was his first time performing and travelling out of Jamaica after the COVID-19 pandemic.
totally agree with his commentary. it can have more performers and start earlier and bring in people form all over the world. Dominicans do need to make some money. it is a lovely Island. so many mountains and so many beautiful waterfalls and rivers. Dominica is the place to be during independence. WCMF 2022 was a success.
Can you imagine a festival made up of authentic music from across the Caribbean basin. We speak all the major languages around the basin and then extending to other continents. Maaannnn… Think big
Honest, inspirational vybz.
Blessings and love to Sizzla Kalonji. A true Caribbean Stalwart. His comments are much appreciated. We must build our Caribbean civilization together. Love, peace and harmony to all Caribbean people and by extension the World in these trying times.
Well said king an great performance I really enjoyed it
Beautiful commentary and idea. I believe so too.