Castries, May 16, 2023 –The captivating Caribbean island of Saint Lucia recently welcomed back the renowned Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. After a triumphant six-year hiatus, this highly anticipated event returned with a bang, captivating global audiences with an unforgettable experience. Set against a picturesque backdrop, the festival showcased a diverse program, featuring world-renowned musicians, artists, and performers. From Grammy winners to rising stars, the stage came alive with an eclectic mix of genres, leaving the crowd spellbound and craving more.
The festival went beyond music, embracing “Art and the City” featuring stunning visual art installations and thought-provoking literary events. It was also a tribute to Luther Francois, the revered “Godfather of Saint Lucia Jazz,” whose influential role elevated the festival to international acclaim. His lasting impact resonates, reminding us of the transformative power of music and his enduring artistic contributions.
“The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is a transformative force, driving growth and empowerment. Anchored in the preservation of culture, community, and creative development, the festival stands as a remarkable platform for the elevation of local talent, mesmerizing audiences from across the globe,” expressed Thaddeus M. Antoine, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. “This year’s edition surpassed all expectations, showcasing the pinnacle of music, art, and culture throughout the entire island. From pulsating jazz rhythms to awe-inspiring visual spectacles, the festival crafted an immersive journey that brought joy to thousands of residents and over eight thousand visitors, transcending age and background.”
Throughout the festival, over 30 Saint Lucian Artistes were given the opportunity to showcase their exceptional talents within the organic Dennery Segment, Soca, Calypso, Groovy, and Reggae genres for which the island is renowned. This showcase of local talent further solidified the festival’s commitment to nurturing and promoting the rich artistic heritage of Saint Lucia.
“We made an intentional policy decision to restore the festival to its former splendor, infusing it with a lively ambiance and presenting exceptional performances that elevate the global standing of this prestigious event. The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival remains an influential mechanism for economic prosperity, revitalizing the tourism sector and nurturing the development of local businesses and talent,” Remarked Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information.
The Ultimate Celebration ended with awe-inspiring performances by 17-time Grammy Award Winner, Sting, and multi-Grammy Award-winning dancehall/reggae icon, Shaggy, leaving the audience uplifted and amazed. Amid visitors to Saint Lucia, the festival received major support from the French West Indies and was aided by the crucial transportation component of L’Express des Iles and Capo Rosso.
This year’s esteemed sponsors: Digicel, and King Ocean Services, Lucelec, Bank of Saint Lucia, Courts, Antigua Festivals Commission, Barbay Limited, Heineken Saint Lucia Ltd., KFC, 1st National Bank, SOL EC Limited, St. Lucia Workers Credit Union Limited, and Cabot Saint Lucia, have generously contributed their support and resources to make this event a resounding success.
The collective efforts of event organizers, travel partners, local and visiting media, volunteers, and the community have solidified the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival as a must-visit event. Plans are already underway for the next staging from April 30 to May 12, 2024, promising an even more remarkable and inspiring experience.
