Dominica\u2019s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) on Thursday, Jul. 10, officially launched the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), unveiling a dynamic artist lineup and commemorative theme for the highly anticipated cultural showcase.<\/p>\n
The festival, scheduled for Oct. 24 to 26, 2025, will be held at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, the Dominican capital. Its theme is \u201cGlobal Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe silver anniversary edition celebrates a powerful blend of music and cultural pride, featuring the voices of regional icons, local legends, and global stars across three nights of performances,\u201d said the Ministry of Tourism and DDA in a joint statement. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWith a strong focus on Creole identity and Caribbean musical excellence, the 2025 festival reinforces Dominica\u2019s role as a leader in cultural tourism,\u201d they added. <\/span><\/p>\n Marva Williams, DDA CEO and director of tourism, said the World Creole Music Festival is \u201ca cultural flagship that has elevated Dominica\u2019s visibility and amplified the voices of Creole people everywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAs we commemorate 25 years, we are proud to present a lineup that reflects the evolution of our sound, culture, and Caribbean identity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Night One: Fire & Foundation. Friday, Oct. 24, features \u201ca tribute to the pioneers and powerhouses who helped shape Caribbean music.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n They include: Burning Flames (Antigua); Midnight Groovers (Dominica); Halibut (Dominica); Gilles Fontaine (Dominica); Nu Look (Haiti\/USA); Romain Virgo (Jamaica); Oswald (St. Maarten); TK International (Dominica); and Steel Pulse (UK\/Jamaica). <\/span><\/p>\n Night Two: Creole Carnival, Saturday, Oct. 25, highlights \u201ca pulsating showcase of Creole expression and cross-Caribbean energy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n They include: Asa Bantan (Dominica); WCK (Dominica); The Bouyon Assembly (Dominica: Rohie, Ridge, Pudaz, Kenny G, Quan, DJ MJ, Little Boy, Faithi \u201cBouyon Barbie,\u201d and Ebony Empress; Guadeloupe: Jixels and Shanika); First Serenade Band (Dominica); Gordon Henderson (Dominica); Ophelia Marie (Dominica); Lynford John (Dominica); Jo\u00e9 Dw\u00e9t Fil\u00e9 (Haiti\/France); Kes The Band (Trinidad & Tobago); Spice (Jamaica); and Vybez Kartel (Jamaica). <\/span><\/p>\n Night Three: The Grand Finale, Sunday, Oct. 26, spotlights \u201ca world-class close featuring regional icons and international chart-toppers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n They comprise: Tiwa Savage (Nigeria); Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons (Trinidad & Tobago); Extasy Band (Dominica); Ezra \u201cDa Fun Machine\u201d (St. Lucia); Kassav (Guadeloupe & Martinique); Michele Henderson (Dominica); Elisha Benoit (Dominica); Trilla G (Dominica); Nice (Dominica); Reo (Dominica); and Shelly & Signal Band (Dominica). <\/span><\/p>\n DDA said the World Creole Music Festival, first held in 1997, has become one of the Caribbean\u2019s leading cultural events. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt celebrates Creole music in all its forms \u2014 zouk, bouyon, kompa, reggae, dancehall, soca, afrobeat, and more \u2014 while promoting regional unity and artistic innovation,\u201d it said. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFans, visitors and culture enthusiasts are encouraged to plan an extended stay\u2014whether for a few days or a full two weeks\u2014to soak in the festival atmosphere, enjoy fringe events before and after the main stage performances, explore Dominica\u2019s breathtaking attractions and experience its warm island hospitality,\u201d DDA added. <\/span><\/p>\n