With hands lifted high and hearts wide open, Kingdom Night ignited the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival on Wednesday with a thunderous outpouring of praise, worship, and spiritual intensity. Thousands of patrons gathered under the stars at Pigeon Island for an evening that fused the island’s best gospel talent with international icons — and left many in tears, awe, and reverence.
Local ministers Cleopatra Jules, Shreffler Maxwell, Vincent Pierre, and JCK Worship stirred the atmosphere early, delivering passionate sets that brought the crowd to its feet and set the tone for the night’s headliners. Their performances were not just warm-up acts, but standout moments in their own right. “Cleopatra was phenomenal,” said Carlton Brown, one of many visibly moved by the homegrown worship leaders. “The anointing was rich in the place.”
The spiritual crescendo reached its peak with the arrival of gospel heavyweights Maverick City Music and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose commanding presence and heartfelt testimonies brought many in the audience to tears. For some, the performances went beyond musical excellence — they became moments of personal transformation. “Tasha made me cry more,” said Keitha Pascal. “It really moved me. If I miss the rest of Jazz, I’m okay. Kingdom Night did it all for me.”
But while the night soared on stage, the journey to the venue proved frustrating for many. Reports of long traffic delays, insufficient shuttle service, and unclear signage led to bottlenecks along the Gros Islet Highway and surrounding roads. One attendee shared their disappointment: “It took me two hours just to get from Castries to Pigeon Island. By the time I got through the traffic and finally parked, most of the show had already passed me by. It was heartbreaking — I was really looking forward to seeing Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine.”
For patrons who arrived late, the lack of crowd control and limited entry points compounded the problem, with some expressing frustration over missed performances despite purchasing premium tickets. “There needs to be a serious review of transportation and venue access for future events,” the attendee added. “An unforgettable night like this shouldn’t be remembered for gridlock.”
Despite these challenges, many still found the event spiritually rewarding. “It was still a vibrant celebration,” the same fan noted. “Here’s to hoping for a smoother experience at Kingdom Night 2026.”
Minister for Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, praised the evening’s success and its significance in setting the tone for the festival. “Opening Night for the Mainstage began with a powerful praise and worship session called Kingdom Night. Our Saint Lucian performers were exceptional, sharing the stage with renowned acts Maverick City and Tasha Cobbs.”
Festival Chairman Thaddeus Antoine echoed that sentiment. “As one of the most heavily attended Kingdom Nights in recent memory, the night was more than a concert; it was a revival — a testament to the power of music, ministry, and unity.”
Even as logistical frustrations cast a brief shadow, Kingdom Night achieved what it was meant to: unite, uplift, and ignite. As the 2025 festival unfolds, many will carry Wednesday’s spirit with them.
