World Creole Music Festival

History

Launched to promote the Dominican tourism product, and create a world class platform for indigenous Dominican music, the World Creole Music Festival has become a renowned staple on the regional music gala calendar.

Over a trinity of enthralling evenings beginning on the final Friday in October each year, patrons are treated to a cavalcade of star power, emanating from the Caribbean, French Antilles, Africa and North America, arranged to thrill the seasoned festival goer and novice alike.

The first edition kicked off in 1997 during International Creole Month October to bolster lagging tourist arrivals during the island's Independence celebrations which culminate on November 3rd. Dubbed "The Festival That Never Sleeps" because of its evening kickoffs which last into the wee hours of the morning, The World Creole Musical Festival is part of a three week block that has quickly become a staple in the Caribbean, also featuring the Cadence-Lypso Competition and Creole In The Park.

The festival has given special focus to musical genres with roots in various forms of musical fusion from various countries of the Creole-speaking world.

To date, musical forms that have gained exposure at the festival include Cadence-lypso, Kompa, Zouk, Soukous, Bouyon, Zydeco (from the US state of Louisiana).

The festival is managed by the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) formerly headed by Executive Directors Claudine Springer (2016), Natalie Clarke (2012-2014) and Val "Young Bull" Cuffy, who enjoyed a decade long tenure and currently serves as a consultant to the DFC.

Popularity

Recognized as Dominica’s signature event, Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival consistently attracts extensive regional and international media coverage, and a discerning market demographic.

The festival is lauded for building regional cooperation and network capabilities in tourism, culture, and entertainment while catering to over 10,000 patrons, 100 international and regional media partners and upwards of 20 cultural and musical acts each year.

2016 World Creole Music Festival

The World Creole Music Festival returned in 2016 following a one year hiatus in the wake of devastation levied by Tropical Storm Erika.

Under the guidance of then Executive Director Claudine Springer, for the first time in its history, the festival launched live on television across the Caribbean, in the US and via the web portals of the Discover Dominica Authority. Blending Caribbean culture, renowned talent and a symphony of musical styles, the star packed lineup garnered high regional praise.

Innovation in the reintroduction of the festival set the tone for its triumphant return to the regional entertainment calendar, while sporting a freshly modern aesthtetic and a paired down and refocused campaign, designed to attract a broader cross section of the Caribbean market.

Conducted without an Executive Director following the resignation of Springer, the festival nonetheless returned with a fresh perspective, and an overhaul to the venue, Thr former ED's distinctive style easily recognizable in the shows.

Timaya, Midnite Groovers, Kreyol La, Original Bouyon Pioneers, La Grand Mechant Zouk, Popcaan, Triple Kay International, Ophelia, Extasy, Dédé St. Prix, Morgan Heritage, Kes The Band & Mr. Killa, Wyclef Jean, WCK, Breve, T-Micky, Gentleman, Michele Henderson, Asa Bantan and Akon comprised the official lineup of the 19th edition of the World Creole Music Festival, widely lauded as the best hosted to date in Dominica.

Past Performers

The World Creole Music Festival has played host to some of the most revered creole superstars. Musical greats Kassav', Tabou Combo, Exile One, Gramacks/New Generation, WCK, Triple Kay Global, T-Vice, First Serenade, Zouk Machine, Magnum Band, Zin, Taxi Creole, Carimi Ophelia Marie, Michele Henderson, Tanya St. Val, Sakis, and Francky Vincent have thrilled festival audiences over the years.