Ezra D’Fun Machine, Imrand Nerdy, and Arthur Allain, Saint Lucia’s best in groovy and power soca, will be featured at the 25th anniversary of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) in Dominica this October.
“We’ve brought our pride, and we’ve come with gratitude, joy, and an invitation. Because Saint Lucia has shown up for Dominica time and time again. Just yesterday, a gentleman shared with me that he and a group of Saint Lucians have attended WCMF every year since 2011. We’ve seen it, year after year, your flags flying, your voices ringing out, your presence lighting up the stadium. And earlier this year, during our Carnival, Saint Lucia helped drive a 34 percent increase in visitor arrivals. That kind of loyalty does not go unnoticed. And today, I say sincerely: thank you,” remarked Monelle Alexis, PR and Communications Specialist at Discover Dominica Authority.
This year marks Ezra’s third time performing at the festival.
“I’m honored to hit the WCMF stage again. Every time I perform in Dominica, it feels like coming home. Saint Lucia and Dominica share so much, our rhythms, our language, our culture, even our spirit. So, when I’m on that stage, I’m representing not just Saint Lucia, but the deep connection between our islands,” said Ezra ‘D’Fun Machine’.
This year’s theme, Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories, pays tribute to a movement that began in 1997, rooted in rhythm and built on identity, resilience, and connection.
“The lineup this year tells the story of that journey,” said Alexander.
Reflecting on the collaboration between Export Saint Lucia and Discover Dominica Authority, Sunita Daniel, CEO of Export Saint Lucia, emphasized its significance: “Music is one of Saint Lucia’s most vibrant exports. This partnership with Dominica allows our artists to showcase their talents on a truly regional stage, while strengthening cultural and economic ties between our countries. For us, it’s not just about performance, it’s about creating new opportunities for Saint Lucia’s music industry to thrive.”
Night One – Fire & Foundation (Friday, October 24)
A tribute to the pioneers who shaped Caribbean sound:
Burning Flames (Antigua), Steel Pulse (UK/Jamaica), Nu Look (Haiti/USA), Romain Virgo (Jamaica), Oswald (St. Maarten), TK International, Midnight Groovers, Gilles Fontaine, and Halibut (Dominica).
Night Two – Creole Carnival (Saturday, October 25)
A high-energy explosion of Creole music and culture featuring Asa Bantan, WCK, First Serenade, Gordon Henderson, Ophelia Marie, Lynford John, the Bouyon Assembly (Dominica and Guadeloupe), Joé Dwèt Filé (Haiti/France), Kes the Band (Trinidad & Tobago), Spice, and Vybez Kartel (Jamaica).
Night Three – The Grand Finale (Sunday, October 26)
A star-studded conclusion with Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons (Trinidad & Tobago), Kassav (Guadeloupe & Martinique), Michele Henderson and others from Dominica, alongside Saint Lucia’s Ezra “Da Fun Machine,” Arthur Allain, and Emrand Nerdy.
“Saint Lucia, your music will be on our stage. Your flag will be in our crowd. Your energy will help ignite this historic celebration,” Alexander affirmed.
But the WCMF is more than three nights under the stars. As Alexander highlighted, “From village fêtes, boat rides, and breakfast parties to cultural showcases, culinary expos, and art markets, there’s something for every kind of traveler. And every day brings something new.”
Saint Lucia’s Minister for Culture and Creative Industries, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, welcomed the deepening ties between the two nations.
“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to continue participating and lending support to the Creole Music Festival. And, of course, it’s equally important for Dominica to be part of our Carnival. This kind of cross-collaboration speaks to the closeness of our people and our cultures.”
“So, Saint Lucia, this is your invitation. Be part of this milestone. Come in your numbers. Let’s feel your presence once more, from the stage, from the crowd, from the heart of the Nature Island. Because this is not just about music. This is 25 years of shared legacy, of Caribbean creativity, of unity through culture,” Alexander concluded.
