Dominica unveils 1st wave of artists for World Creole Music Festival 2023

The Dominica Festivals Committee has unveiled the first wave of artists for the World Creole Music Festival 2023, slated to be held from October 27 to 29, 2023. The DFC said this year’s festival promises an extravaganza bigger than ever.

The three-day festival will let visitors immerse themselves in vibrant rhythms that will make their heart pound, spirit soar and mind excited. 

The first lineup of artists for WCMF 2023 is as follows:

1. Popcaan
2. Beres Hammond
3. Machel Montano 
4. Gordon Henderson
5. Tabou Combo 
6. JoeBoy
7. TK International 
8. Michele Henderson
9. Patrice Roberts 
10. Midnight Groovers 
11. Vayb
12. Asa Bantan
13. Joelle Ursull 
14. Njie 
15. Medhy Custos 
16. Jean Luc Guanel 
17. Exstasy 

While inviting the citizens to be part of these amazing nights, the Dominica Festival Committee said, “Revel in the power of music, electrifying energy, and a celebration of legacy. Don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime.”

Also, interested people can get their tickets now through the link https://fal.cn/3AhVf and added, “scroll past the artists and select your ticket for purchase to begin”. 

The DFC added that PVIP, VVIP tickets and the second wave of WCMF artists will be announced soon. The first wave of artists was announced at the launch of the World Creole Music Festival on July 28, 2023. 

“Get ready to lose yourself in the rhythm of the World Creole Music Festival! As we gear up for three heart-thumping nights of music, we want to ensure your journey to Dominica is as smooth as our beats,” added the DFC. 

The Festival Committee said they would help the visitors with accommodations, flights, or ferry access and added, “Our dedicated tourism concierge team is here to assist you every step of the way, so all you need to focus on is enjoying the pulsating rhythms. Time is of the essence – secure your seamless festival experience today. Contact us at 767 2757293 or 767 275 7298 or email us at daconcierge1@dominica.gov.com or info@bookingdominica.com.”

Exstasy – Their unique blend of Caribbean fusion, seasoned with Creole culture and sprinkled with elements of bouyon, cadence, Haitian compas, reggae, soca, and Latin American music, is guaranteed to set listeners’ souls on fire. This is not just a performance. It’s a celebration of Dominica’s diverse and vibrant musical heritage.

Gordon Henderson – With a music career stretching over five decades, he has not only played the keyboards on one of the best-selling records by Exile One but also pioneered Cadence-Lypso – the Caribbean’s first fusion music genre. Get ready for a riveting performance that bridges past and present, celebrating the vibrant, irresistible beat of Cadence-Lypso. 

Michele Henderson – Dominica’s homegrown songbird, is a singer, songwriter, and composer of the cherished CARICOM Anthem, ‘Celebrating Caricom’. She is an ambassador of our Creole culture. With a rich repertoire that beautifully weaves Creole music into an international tapestry, her performances celebrate heritage and unity.

Midnight Groovers – Hailing from South City, Grand Bay, Dominica, this iconic band has been the soulful voice of the community for over three decades. This year, the visitors will celebrate Dominica’s past, embrace its present, and look forward to the future with the Midnight Groovers. Their raw, undiluted sound resonates with all – from the countryside to the city, from the young to the old. 

Njie – Having begun her career in various orchestras and piano bars, NJIE now embodies the diverse essence of the Caribbean in her music, straddling genres from Zouk to Bachata and Reggaeton. NJIE is a cultural ambassador, more than just a singer, her multilingual repertoire giving voice to many experiences and emotions. Her music transcends borders and resonates with audiences from the sandy shores of Guadeloupe to global metropolises, entrancing listeners of all ages.

Medhy Custos – Hailing from Guadeloupe, Medhy has etched his name in the world of music with his diverse range, from traditional Gwoka to his famous “Lova girl.” 

Joëlle Ursull – Launching her solo career in 1988, Ursull’s star has only shone brighter over time. Known for her Eurovision 1990 hit “White and Black Blues,” she brings a unique blend of French and Caribbean influences to the stage. After years dedicated to motherhood and numerous musical collaborations, her return to the music scene is eagerly awaited.

Jean Luc Guanel – Launching his career in 1985 with “Foss Not’”, he’s since built a name for himself in the industry, working in various radio stations, collaborating with acclaimed artists like Kassav’ and Malavoi, and performing at significant events like the 10th anniversary of Kassav’. After the disbandment of Taxi Kreol in 1991, he co-founded the “Groupe du Morne”, which later gave birth to Kwak. Now a professional musician contributing to over 800 albums and founder of several musical groups, Jean Luc’s presence on stage promises a mesmerizing performance.

Tabou Combo – This iconic band, hailing from Haiti, has been the heartbeat of the Dominican community for over five decades. Their music is the nature isle’s history – a testament to the country’s resilience and a rallying cry against adversity.

Beres Hammond – This Jamaican maestro, a pivotal figure in the Lovers Rock genre, has been echoing the beats of our hearts for over five decades. His soulful tunes have not just been music but a chronicle of our resilience, a clarion call against adversity.

Popcaan – This Jamaican sensation, a household name in the dancehall genre for the past decade, skyrocketed to global stardom with his debut album ‘Where We Come From’.

Patrice Roberts – Emerged in 2005, this Trinidadian sensation’s talent became the talk of the town. Her association with the renowned Bunji Garlin and later with the international Soca Band, Xtatik, propelled her into the limelight. Roberts, the youngest female Road March winner, has become a formidable force in the Caribbean music scene. Don’t miss her captivating performance.

Machel Montano – Since his debut at age seven, Montano has been a trailblazer for Soca music, delivering hits that resonate globally. The only artist to have won the Power Soca Monarch title four times in a row, Montano’s captivating performances have left audiences spellbound.

TK International – With their masterful fusion of Bouyon, Zouk, Compass, Reggae, Cadence, and Dancehall, TK International promises a performance that radiates Caribbean vibes. Revered as “Band of the Year” multiple times, their tracks like “Nous Konnet Vive”, “Lock de Gate”, and “Nice Time” have become anthems in their homeland and beyond.

Joeboy – With his creative blend of Afro-pop, Trap, and R&B resonating with the rich African spirit, Joeboy promises a performance that will mesmerise everyone. Starting his career at a young age, he now stands as one of Nigeria’s rapidly rising musicians with popular hits like “Baby Baby” and “Beginning”.

Asa Bantan, Dominica’s “King of Bouyon” and ‘Wet Fete King’ – Famous for electrifying performances and a 20-year career that’s taken him from the Caribbean to Europe and the U.S, Asa’s music is set to light up the stage.