A THREE-DAY FESTIVAL WITH A TRUE REPRESENTATION OF ITS TRADITIONAL ECLECTIC NATURE.
After much consternation due to the predicted path of Tropical Storm Bret, organisers of the St. Kitts Music Festival (SKMF) breathed a sigh of relief as the 25th staging of the event was enjoyed by patrons and artists alike.
The three-day festival was a true representation of its traditional, eclectic nature, with more than 29 acts representing several different genres gracing the festival stage – 14 of them on the first night, alone.
NIGHT ONE
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS 25-YEAR HISTORY, THE ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL OFFERED A CANNABIS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT TO ATTENDEES.
During a press conference before the first night of the festival, Minister of Tourism, Labour, Civil Aviation and Urban Development Honourable Marsha T. Henderson explained that this is just another step towards ensuring that the SKMF continues to trail-blaze, break barriers and set new standards in the live music industry.
Nicknamed ‘jump-up’ night, the festival’s first night saw soca and dancehall acts from across the region work their magic on stage. SKMF brought together a host of soca artists, some local – in the form of Mr. Bagnall, Nicha B, Stadics, Akaiiusweet, Koolission Band, Small Axe Band, Grand Masters band and Nu Vybes – and others from across the region. Visiting artists included Kes The Band, Nailah Blackman, Skinny Fabulous, Patrice Roberts, Ricardo Drue and Preedy, and Dexta Daps sprinkling dancehall vibes.
The first to take to the stage was Stadics, De Cowbell man and reigning Soca Monarch. Stadic told Soca News after his performance to look out for new music in September /October this year as he prepares to defend his title. He was followed on stage by Mr Bagnall, Nicha B and Preedy who made his first appearance at the festival.
NIGHT TWO
OF THE SEVEN ACTS TO HIT THE STAGE ON NIGHT TWO, ST. KITTS AND NEVIS’ OWN BYRON MESSIA WAS ARGUABLY THE MOST ANTICIPATED.
There was an almost palpable sense of pride amongst festivalgoers when the globally-trending artist graced the stage. The crowd matched his energy and moved along with him, word for word, beat for beat.
During an interview with Soca News, Messia said that he remains resolute in his
determination to continue doing St. Kitts and Nevis proud. “It’s a wonderful feeling, we just have to give God thanks because there’s nothing without God too, you know. I could finally say at least now I make my city proud, because home is where it all started – in this small, little lovely island of ours, St. Kitts, and not forgetting sister island Nevis.
Messia was one of two homegrown acts to perform on the second night of the event, the other being the 313 family. They left an indelible mark on the audience with their high-energy performance. The other five acts on Friday night all hailed from Jamaica: Govana, Skillibeng, Chronixx, Koffee and Anthony B.
During a press conference earlier on Friday, Govana said, “St. Kitts Nevis Festival I think is the premier festival of the Caribbean. A Jamaican telling you this, you know we have Reggae Sumfest, we have Sting. St. Kitts Music Festival is the premier festival of the Caribbean.” Anthony B, who was lauded for his strong vocals and unique footwork on the Friday night, , also hailed the St. Kitts Music Festival as the foremost event of its kind in the region.
NIGHT THREE
FOR MANY, THE FINAL NIGHT WAS THE BEST – NOT JUST OF THIS YEAR’S STAGING OF THE EVENT, BUT OF THE ENTIRE 25-YEAR HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL.
The line-up included Romain Virgo, Erica Edwards, Valiant, Teejay, Gramps Morgan, Burna Boy and Air Supply. Erica Edwards made her music festival debut, kicking off the evening’s proceedings with her soulful crooning. Her set was superbly planned and executed, a perfect blend of well-known ballads and her early offerings.
Edwards set the mood for the second act to hit the stage that night: international, award-winning band, Air Supply. The band delivered a near-perfect set, which included some of their global hits such as All Out Of Love, Here I Am, Having You Near Me, Two Less Lonely People and Every Woman In The World.
Their performance evoked a wide range of emotions for everyone within hearing distance. Fans clamoured for coveted spots at the front of the stage hours before the band was scheduled to appear. One woman told Soca News, “You have no idea what this means to me. Air Supply got me through some really dark times in my life. “Seeing them perform, it’s like the perfect celebration after a harsh battle. In my mind, having them here is the music festival’s gift to me,” she said, with tears in her eyes.
Whilst Gramps Morgan is no stranger to St. Kitts, or their festival stage, for many attendees it was the first time seeing him perform as a solo artist. He promised the true Gramps Morgan experience, and boy, did he deliver! The legendary act shared the stage with two of his sons, each with their own unique vocal ability, further thrilling a captivated audience. During a brief chat after his performance, the elder Morgan spoke to Soca News of the importance of building a family legacy, which he has done while allowing each of his children space to forge ahead on their chosen path. Referencing his son, who surprised him by opting to pursue a career in RnB, he said it’s important for each of his children to follow their dreams, and that they’ll continue to have his unwavering support as they do just that.
Romain Virgo rocked the crowd as only he could, delivering his songs with the support of the exuberant crowd, who sang along with every word. Valiant and TeeJay proved yet again why they’re ranked amongst the favourites of younger members of the audience. Afrobeats giant Burna Boy, delivered a spectacular show during his energetic set.
It’s safe to conclude, that the team responsible for this year’s staging of the St. Kitts Music Festival can take a deep bow, having scored another major win. So, mark your calendars, all roads lead to St. Kitts in June 2024 for the 26th St. Kitts Music Festival. You don’t want to miss it.
The 26th edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival is scheduled to be held from the 27-29 June 2024, for more information and updates visit socanews.com/st-kitts.
