Roseau, Dominica – The Caribbean is set to resonate with the vibrant sounds of the 25th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), as Dominica officially launches its landmark celebration of Creole culture and music. Scheduled to take place from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, the festival promises three unforgettable nights of electrifying performances under the theme, “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories.”
A Milestone Anniversary
The 25th edition of the WCMF marks a significant milestone for Dominica and the wider Caribbean region. Since its inception in 1997, the festival has evolved into a premier cultural event, dedicated to promoting Dominican tourism, showcasing indigenous music, and fostering the development of the country’s arts, music, and entertainment industries. The festival’s timing, coinciding with International Creole Day and Dominica’s Independence celebrations, amplifies its cultural impact, transforming October into a vibrant Creole Month across the island. This year’s theme underscores the festival’s enduring legacy and its role in connecting global Creole heritage with the unique identity of Dominica, the Nature Island.
A Stellar Lineup Across Three Nights
This year’s WCMF boasts an exceptionally diverse and star-studded lineup, curated to represent the rich tapestry of Creole music. The festival is divided into three distinct nights, each offering a unique musical journey:
Night One: Fire & Foundation (Friday, October 24) will pay tribute to the pioneers and powerhouses who have shaped Caribbean music. Headliners include Antigua’s Burning Flames, Jamaica’s Romain Virgo, and the iconic UK-based reggae band Steel Pulse. They will be joined by a host of regional and local talent such as Dominica’s Midnight Groovers, Halibut, Gilles Fontaine, and TK International, alongside Haiti/USA’s Nu Look and St. Maarten’s Oswald.
Night Two: Creole Carnival (Saturday, October 25) promises a high-energy celebration of Creole rhythm and cross-Caribbean connection. The night features Jamaican dancehall sensations Spice and Vybez Kartel, Trinidad & Tobago’s Kes The Band, and Haiti/France’s Joé Dwét Filé. Dominica’s own stars, including Asa Bantan, WCK, The Bouyon Assembly, First Serenade, Gordon Henderson, Ophelia Marie, and Lynford John, will also take the stage.
Night Three: The Grand Finale (Sunday, October 26) will close the festival with a world-class lineup designed for an epic conclusion. Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Tiwa Savage, and Trinidad & Tobago’s dynamic duo Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, are set to headline. The night will also feature Guadeloupe & Martinique’s legendary Kassav, St. Lucia’s Ezra “Da Fun Machine,” and a strong contingent of Dominican artists including Extasy Band, Michele Henderson, Elisha Benoit, Trilla G, Nice, Reo, Shelly & Signal Band.
Cultural and Economic Powerhouse
The World Creole Music Festival is more than just an entertainment event; it is a significant economic driver and a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural tourism strategy. The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), which organizes the festival, has emphasized its role in elevating Dominica’s international visibility and amplifying the voices of Creole people everywhere. Marva Williams, CEO of the DDA and Director of Tourism, stated, “The World Creole Music Festival is a cultural flagship that has elevated Dominica’s visibility and amplified the voices of Creole people everywhere. As we commemorate 25 years, we are proud to present a lineup that reflects the evolution of our sound, culture and Caribbean identity.”
The festival consistently draws substantial crowds, with reports indicating over 42,000 patrons attending the 25th edition, a notable increase from previous years. Visitor arrivals have seen significant surges, leading to high occupancy rates across the island and a profound ripple effect on small businesses, transportation, hospitality, and the creative sector. This economic boost demonstrates how cultural events can directly contribute to national growth and development. The festival’s success underscores the loyalty of regional patrons and their deep connection to Dominica’s Creole music, reinforcing the island’s position as a leading Caribbean destination for music and culture.
A Beacon of Caribbean Entertainment
As Dominica prepares to host this landmark event, the excitement is palpable. The WCMF continues to attract regional and international media coverage, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend festival on the Caribbean entertainment calendar. By showcasing a diverse array of genres—from zouk and bouyon to reggae, dancehall, soca, and afrobeat—the festival celebrates the rich, interconnected heritage of Creole-speaking peoples worldwide, while proudly highlighting Dominica’s unique cultural identity and natural beauty. Preparations are already underway for future editions, ensuring the festival remains a vibrant platform for music, culture, and tourism for years to come.