The Dominica Festivals committee has officially launched the 19th edition of the World Creole Music Festival.
Described as one of the most exciting line ups in the 19 years of the festival, patrons can this year, expect to be immersed in the Creole genre.
Night One, Friday October 30th, opens with Dominica’s very own Devine Songz, followed by Kompas band, Kreyol-la of Haiti. Timaya of Nigeria and Chronixx of Jamaica will also grace the stage. Night One ends with Dominica Bouyon stars, Triple K Global.
Night Two has been dubbed ‘Le Grand Mechant Zouk.’
Dede St. Prix of Martinique and Dominica’s Lady of Song, Ophelia Marie are slated for Night Two.
A mix of Zouk artistes mainly from world renowned, Kassav will form the Zouk segment of that night. George Decimus and Katherine Thelemon, Jocelyn Beroard, Jacob Desvariux And Jean Philippe Martheley are part of the mix.
The night continues with E-Sy Kennega, Jean-marc Ferdinand, Pascal Vallot Frederic Caracas, the legendary Zouk Machine, Luc Leandry, Grammy award winner, Lady Saw , Swinging Stars and local calypsonians.
Bouyon lyricist, Asa Banton will is the final act of Night Two.
And on the final night, Sunday November 1st, local band, Xtasy will open the show, followed by Ti Mickey of Haiti. The Original Bouyon Pioneers will also be part of the lineup.
The festival will end with a Soca mix of Blaxx, Olatunji, Benjai of Trinidad and Fadda Fox of Barbados.
The Hon. Minister for Tourism, Senator Robert Tonge fully endorses the lineup.
In his feature address at the official launching on Thursday, the Tourism Minister highlighted the festival as critical to the tourism sector.
He says Dominica records the second highest number of visitors in the month of October.
“The World Creole Music Festival generates significant economic activity in all sectors by attracting visitors to our shores who spend their money,” he said.
Government continues to be the largest contributor to the festival spending over one million dollars to ensure its success.
The Tourism Minister expressed Government’s continued support. He gave advice to patrons, local artistes and organizers.
“We all must respect the work of our creative people. We need to support them,” he said.
He says Dominicans must view the festival as a national endeavour and every Dominican should work towards its success by patronizing the event and the local artistes.
Digicel is in its 10th year as headline sponsor of the event. Acting Country Manager of Digicel Dominica, Vivek Sharma says the company is looking into new ways to expose the festival like Digicel Sportsmax and sister companies in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
The festival will be launched in Guadeloupe and Martinique later this month and tickets will be on sale before the end of August.