A Celebration of Culture: Highlights from the 2024 Dominica Creole Festival
The 2024 Dominica Creole Festival has just wrapped up, and what a festival it was! For three exhilarating days, Dominica pulsed with the sounds of zouk, bouyon, reggae, and soca, while thousands of festival-goers, from locals to international visitors, gathered to celebrate Caribbean music, food, and heritage. This year’s festival, held in the heart of Roseau, Dominica’s capital, has been one for the books—offering not only amazing musical performances but also rich cultural experiences and breathtaking natural scenery.
Here are a few moments from this year’s Creole Festival.
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Pictures: Top: Kassav, Rotimi, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley. Bottom: WizKid, Asa Bantan, Nadia Batson, Luciano
Kassav
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Rotimi
According to Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the 2024 World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) showcased impressive growth, as in past years. Held from Friday, October 25, to Sunday, October 27, at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, the event brought together Dominicans and visitors for three exhilarating nights of music and culture.
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Reflecting on the festival’s success in an interview with State-Owned Radio DBS, Williams remarked, “The team did an excellent job, and that’s clear from the positive feedback we received from the public and the media. The festival continues to grow, and with that growth come evolving needs and expectations. We committed fully to making this year’s World Creole Music Festival a standout, enhancing Dominica’s reputation and cementing our place as the Caribbean’s top music festival.”
Williams also noted that an important takeaway this year was the need for an early and detailed lineup. “We observed how essential it was to provide patrons with the full lineup,” she said, adding that people were eager to know each night’s genres and performers. Another key element for festival-goers was the Creole influence. “Many reminded us that Creole music is the festival’s foundation, and they want it represented,” she continued. “Cadence, Compa, and other Creole genres are vital.”
View of stadium
Williams highlighted the diverse experiences the festival offers, recognizing that visual appeal and immersive experiences resonate especially with younger attendees.
“People enjoy elements they can photograph, while others simply want to enjoy the atmosphere.”
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The festival featured a rich mix of performances across the three nights. Friday’s lineup included local band Extasy, Dancehall artist Valiant, Rotimi, Nadia Batson, T-Vice, and Triple K International, who closed the night with an unforgettable set. Saturday saw UMPA, Kassav, Ridge & Pudaz, Wizkid, and Asa Bantan, who made a grand entrance in an ambulance. Sunday’s performers included Kai, Midnight Groovers, Fanny J, Gramps Morgan and Friends, Signal Band, Tian Winter, Skinny Fabulous, and The Voice, delivering a powerful close to a memorable festival.