Dominica is set to host its most significant cultural event, the 25th anniversary of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), from October 24-26, 2025. The festival, held at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, will feature a diverse lineup of international, regional, and local artists, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Creole music and culture. This milestone edition, themed “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,” underscores Dominica’s commitment to promoting its unique heritage and positioning itself as a premier tourism destination.
A Quarter-Century of Creole Rhythms
The World Creole Music Festival was established in 1997 with the dual objectives of developing Dominica’s arts, music, and entertainment industries and enhancing its tourism product. Held annually on the last weekend of October, it coincides with Dominica’s Independence celebrations and International Creole Day, marking the culmination of Creole Month, a period dedicated to showcasing the island’s rich cultural traditions, cuisine, and music. Over its 25-year history, the WCMF has become a signature event in the Caribbean, renowned for its sustained visitor arrivals, extensive media coverage, and sterling reputation among artists. It serves as a vital platform for indigenous Dominican music genres such as Bouyon and Cadence-lypso, while also embracing a wide spectrum of Creole music forms including Zouk, Konpa, Reggae, Soca, Afrobeat, and more.
Star-Studded Lineup Promises Unforgettable Nights
The 2025 festival boasts an electrifying lineup spread across three nights, featuring a dynamic mix of global and regional powerhouses.
* Friday, October 24 (Fire & Foundation): The opening night will feature headliners Burning Flames, alongside performances by Midnight Groovers, Steel Pulse, Romain Virgo, Nu Look, Oswald, Halibut, Gilles Fontaine, and TK International.
* Saturday, October 25 (Creole Carnival): This high-energy night showcases Vybz Kartel as a headliner, with performances from Asa Bantan, Spice, KES The Band, WCK, The Bouyon Assembly (featuring Rohie, Ridge, Pudaz, Kenny G, Quan, DJ MJ, Little Boy, Faithii, Ebony Empress, Jixels, and Shanika), Gordon Henderson, Ophelia Marie, Lynford John, and Joé Dwét Filé.
* Sunday, October 26 (The Grand Finale): The festival concludes with headliners Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, and performances by Tiwa Savage, Kassav, Michele Henderson, Extasy Band, Ezra “Da Fun Machine,” Shelly & Signal Band, Elisha Benoit, Trilla G, and Nice.
Beyond the Music: A Full Creole Experience
The World Creole Music Festival is more than just a concert; it is the centerpiece of Dominica’s Creole Month celebrations. Throughout October, the island comes alive with a host of fringe events, including Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day), Creole in the Park, pageants, village feasts, and pop-up concerts. This immersive cultural experience allows visitors to delve into Dominica’s rich heritage, enjoy authentic cuisine, and connect with the warmth of its people, embodying the spirit of Caribbean lifestyle.
Economic Powerhouse and Tourism Driver
The 25th edition of the WCMF has been hailed as a resounding success, significantly boosting Dominica’s tourism sector and economy. The festival drew over 42,000 patrons across its three nights, a substantial increase from the previous year, and saw a remarkable 48% rise in visitor arrivals in the nine days leading up to the event, marking the highest pre-festival performance ever recorded. This surge translated into full or near-full hotel occupancy, extended operating hours for restaurants and nightlife venues, and record bookings for tour operators. The economic multiplier effect is felt across various sectors, from transportation and hospitality to small businesses and local artisans, with an investment of over 13 million dollars projected to yield a nine-fold return. Dominica’s Minister for Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, stated that the festival’s success reflects the passion and resilience of its people and highlights how culture drives growth.
Planning Your Festival Experience
Tickets for the World Creole Music Festival 2025 are available, with season tickets priced at EC $600, offering access to all three nights. Nightly tickets and various VIP packages, including PVIP, VVIP (all-inclusive food and drinks), and Ultra VIP, are also on offer. Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations early, as lodging options tend to sell out quickly during the festival period. The festival, a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural calendar, not only provides world-class entertainment but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty, often referred to as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”.
The World Creole Music Festival continues to solidify Dominica’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub and a top-tier tourism destination in the Caribbean. This silver jubilee edition promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Creole world.