Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) on Thursday, July 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.
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 “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories.”
“The 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,” said the Ministry of Tourism and DDA in a joint statement.
“With a strong focus on Creole identity and Caribbean musical excellence, the 2025 festival reinforces Dominica’s role as a leader in cultural tourism,” they added.
Marva Williams, DDA CEO and director of tourism, said the World Creole Music Festival is “a cultural flagship that has elevated Dominica’s visibility and amplified the voices of Creole people everywhere.
“As we commemorate 25 years, we are proud to present a lineup that reflects the evolution of our sound, culture, and Caribbean identity.”
Night One: Fire & Foundation. Friday, Oct. 24, features “a tribute to the pioneers and powerhouses who helped shape Caribbean music.”
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).
Night Two: Creole Carnival, Saturday, Oct. 25, highlights “a pulsating showcase of Creole expression and cross-Caribbean energy.”
They include: Asa Bantan (Dominica); WCK (Dominica); The Bouyon Assembly (Dominica: Rohie, Ridge, Pudaz, Kenny G, Quan, DJ MJ, Little Boy, Faithi “Bouyon Barbie,” and Ebony Empress; Guadeloupe: Jixels and Shanika); First Serenade Band (Dominica); Gordon Henderson (Dominica); Ophelia Marie (Dominica); Lynford John (Dominica); Joé Dwét Filé (Haiti/France); Kes The Band (Trinidad & Tobago); Spice (Jamaica); and Vybez Kartel (Jamaica).
Night Three: The Grand Finale, Sunday, Oct. 26, spotlights “a world-class close featuring regional icons and international chart-toppers.”
They comprise: Tiwa Savage (Nigeria); Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons (Trinidad & Tobago); Extasy Band (Dominica); Ezra “Da Fun Machine” (St. Lucia); Kassav (Guadeloupe & Martinique); Michele Henderson (Dominica); Elisha Benoit (Dominica); Trilla G (Dominica); Nice (Dominica); Reo (Dominica); and Shelly & Signal Band (Dominica).
DDA said the World Creole Music Festival, first held in 1997, has become one of the Caribbean’s leading cultural events.
“It celebrates Creole music in all its forms — zouk, bouyon, kompa, reggae, dancehall, soca, afrobeat, and more — while promoting regional unity and artistic innovation,” it said.
“Fans, visitors and culture enthusiasts are encouraged to plan an extended stay—whether for a few days or a full two weeks—to soak in the festival atmosphere, enjoy fringe events before and after the main stage performances, explore Dominica’s breathtaking attractions and experience its warm island hospitality,” DDA added.
For more information, visit www.dominicafestivals.com.
