The 25th edition of the Dominica World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) moves into its grand finale tonight, Sunday, October 26, after two electrifying nights of world-class performances that have reaffirmed its status as the Caribbean’s foremost celebration of Creole music and culture.
Festival organizers reported record-breaking attendance, with close to 15,000 patrons packing the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on Saturday night, to witness a dynamic and diverse artiste lineup. The show featured unforgettable sets from First Serenade, Ophelia, Kes the Band, Gordon Henderson, Spice, Vybez Kartel, and Dominica’s own Asa Banton to name a few, who brought the house down with his signature bouyon rhythms and high-energy performance that carried the massive crowd well into the morning of Sunday, October 26.
The Friday Opening night was equally thrilling, with performances by regional and international icons like Midnight Groovers, Steel Pulse, Burning Flames, and Romain Virgo delivering an exciting blend of reggae, cadence, and soca to kick off the festivities. Yet, it was the small Saint Lucian contingent, led by Ezra “D’FunMachine”, that gave the evening its distinctive Saint Lucian pulse. Joined by a powerful team of Dennery Segment artistes like Emran Nerdy, Arthur Allain, Hollywood HP, and Invasion Band, Ezra and company closed the opening night in explosive fashion, captivating fans with Saint Lucia’s infectious, high-tempo rhythms.
Speaking exclusively to Grey Card Media, Ezra described his return to the WCMF stage as a deeply fulfilling experience. “It was truly an honor to be part of the festival’s opening night again after my appearance in 2023,” he said. “This year was even more special because I was able to include other Saint Lucian talents like Arthur and Nerdy in my set. What really moved me was seeing the hundreds of Saint Lucians who travel here every year stay until the very end, long after midnight and well into the daybreak to support and celebrate their own. That kind of love is what makes performing here so special. I will never forget that.”
The crowd’s response to the Saint Lucian showcase was nothing short of euphoric, as the Dennery Segment’s signature fusion of soca, afrobeat, and local cadence filled the stadium, reinforcing its growing dominance across the region.
Among the many in attendance was Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, who joined festival goers in celebrating the cultural richness and unity that define the event. His presence underscored the WCMF’s regional significance and its continued draw as a cultural magnet for Caribbean leaders, artistes, and fans alike.
As the festival enters its final night, anticipation remains high for another evening of musical excellence and Caribbean togetherness. The World Creole Music Festival continues to stand as a beacon of Creole pride and cultural expression, bridging islands, genres, and generations through the unifying power of music.
