Organizers of the annual St. Kitts Music Festival have announced some of the artists who will grace the stage for the 19th staging of the event from June 25-27.
Artists such as Kerwin Du Bois, Benjai, Ricardo Drue and Patrice Roberts will perform on the opening night of the festival, which is dubbed ‘the Jump Up Night’, while the following night will see Reggae stars Christopher Martin and Bounty Killer.
Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, St. Kitts Music Festival Production Manager Adrian Lam, while announcing some of the artists, indicated that the St. Kitts Music Festival has become a leading event in the Caribbean.
“The St. Kitts Music Festival has become one of the signature events not only in St. Kitts but the Caribbean in general. It is one of the longest running festivals in the Eastern Caribbean and of the top five in the Caribbean. It also remains one of the most affordable festivals in the region.”
He stated that despite financial constraint the festival continues to put together a very good list of fine artists.
“We still have some important contractual work with a few artistes although they have committed, so we will be announcing those who we have contracted as of today.”
Lam disclosed that a social media campaign was embarked upon to ascertain which artiste the public would like to see perform at the festival.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Lindsay Grant stated that despite external challenges the festival continues to attract large followings.
“The Music Festival comes amidst the challenges of external forces such as increase in travel fares and high production and performance fees. Fortunately, the results and economic impact over the past two years have shown that the festival continues to attract followings from within the region and also from the continents.”
He gave the Government’s commitment to further improve the festival.
“We take immense pride in being the organizers of a world-class musical product that satisfies the musical tastes of all patrons. Our goal going forward is to continue to set higher standards of excellence and attract even larger followings celebrating an exuberant festival.”
Grant also highlighted the significance of the Music Festival.
“True to its vision, the St. Kitts Music Festival has become a magnet in our tourism industry. It attracts visitors and returning nationals in the slow period. And now in its 19th year has become an integral component of our tourism product impacting positively on commercial activity and generating income which serves to stimulate the economy.”
Music Festival Chairman Faron Lawrence promised that improvements would be made to this year’s event.
“We will continue in the trend by making this year an improvement from last year. I am quite confident that, based on what we have in store, Music Festival will go to a next level.
“I must admit we have had some challenges this year; but I must hasten to say those are challenges we’ve had in the past…we have been just as late.”
