CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA – Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ruger delivered a dynamic and heartfelt performance at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2025, leaving fans not only energized by his music but deeply moved by his reflections on culture, faith, and unity.
Performing in Saint Lucia for the first time, Ruger described his experience as a powerful reunion with his roots, highlighting the deep cultural connection between Africa and the Caribbean. “The energy is the same. The vibe, the music, the smiles — even the spicy food. That’s how we like it in Nigeria too,” he said. “Being here feels like I’m surrounded by my brothers, sisters, my mom and dad, my uncles. Everything started from Africa.”
The Afrobeats star, celebrated globally for hits like Asiwaju and Bounce, also shared a personal encounter with a fan from his journey to the island. “On my way here from Miami, I saw her at the airport and she promised me she’d be front row. When I saw her again at the show, I had to give her something — I gave her my belt. That’s an amazing feeling for me.”
Ruger, whose growing international recognition continues to put Afrobeats music on the global map, credited his momentum to faith. “God is very important. When you have God, you can keep your head straight. You feel me?”
Earlier in the evening, the festival stage came alive with the vibrant sounds of Saint Lucian performers Barbara Cadet, Sly, and Shaz, who captivated early patrons with homegrown talent. Their performances set the tone for the night, leading up to the arrival of the iconic Haitian band Tabou Combo. Despite rain pouring steadily throughout the evening, the crowd remained undeterred, singing and dancing in the rain, embodying the joyful resilience of Caribbean music culture.
The event was a standout moment in the 2025 edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, blending local artistry with international flair and reinforcing the rich musical and cultural ties between Saint Lucia, Haiti, and Africa.
