Dominica is gearing up for its most spectacular celebration yet as it marks the 25th anniversary of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). Scheduled to electrify the island from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, this milestone event promises a vibrant fusion of Creole culture, diverse musical genres, and a significant boost to the nation’s tourism and economy.
The festival, a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural calendar and a highlight of its Independence season, is themed “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories.” This theme encapsulates the event’s journey since its inception in 1997, aiming to promote Dominican tourism and provide a global platform for indigenous Creole music.
A Star-Studded Lineup Across Three Nights
The 2025 WCMF boasts an extensive and eclectic lineup featuring regional powerhouses, international icons, and beloved local legends. The festival is meticulously organized into three themed nights, each offering a distinct musical experience that reflects the rich tapestry of Caribbean sounds.
Night One: Fire & Foundation (Friday, October 24) will pay tribute to the pioneers and influential figures who have shaped Caribbean music. The evening’s roster includes:
* Burning Flames (Antigua)
* Midnight Groovers, Halibut, Gilles Fontaine, TK International (Dominica)
* Nu Look (Haiti/USA)
* Romain Virgo (Jamaica)
* Oswald (St. Maarten)
* Steel Pulse (UK/Jamaica)
Night Two: Creole Carnival (Saturday, October 25) promises a high-energy celebration of Creole expression and cross-Caribbean connection with:
* Asa Bantan, WCK, The Bouyon Assembly, First Serenade Band, Gordon Henderson, Ophelia Marie, Lynford John (Dominica)
* Joé Dwét Filé (Haiti/France)
* Kes The Band (Trinidad & Tobago)
* Spice, Vybz Kartel (Jamaica)
Night Three: The Grand Finale (Sunday, October 26) will close the festival with a world-class lineup, featuring:
* Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
* Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons (Trinidad & Tobago)
* Extasy Band, Michele Henderson, Elisha Benoit, Trilla G, Nice, Reo, Shelly & Signal Band (Dominica)
* Ezra “Da Fun Machine” (St. Lucia)
* Kassav (Guadeloupe & Martinique)
This diverse array of artists showcases the festival’s commitment to celebrating Creole music in all its forms, including zouk, bouyon, kompa, reggae, dancehall, soca, and afrobeat.
A Catalyst for Tourism and Economic Growth
The World Creole Music Festival has evolved into one of the Caribbean’s premier cultural events and a significant driver of tourism for Dominica. The 25th edition shattered previous records, drawing over 42,000 patrons across its three nights—a notable increase from the 2024 attendance. Visitor arrivals saw a remarkable 48% surge in the nine days leading up to the festival, marking the highest pre-festival figure ever recorded. This influx of visitors translated into a substantial boost for the island’s economy, energizing small businesses, hotels, restaurants, and local artisans.
Dominica’s Minister for Tourism, Denise Charles-Pemberton, highlighted the economic multiplier effect, stating, “The success of our 25th anniversary festival reflects not just great planning but the passion, creativity and resilience of our people. The multiplier effect from this single weekend is being felt across every corner of the economy”. Hotels reported full or near-full occupancy, while restaurants and tour operators experienced unprecedented demand from visitors across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe.
Enhancing the Festival Experience
Organizers are encouraging visitors to extend their stay to fully immerse themselves in Dominica’s culture and natural beauty. Beyond the main stage performances, the festival is complemented by fringe events, island tours, and local culinary experiences, providing a comprehensive taste of Creole heritage.
For attendees seeking comfortable and convenient stays, the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is offering special packages. These include curated cultural and wellness experiences, complimentary shuttle services to the venue, and discounts on spa treatments, aiming to provide a serene yet immersive experience that complements the festival’s vibrancy. Additionally, various travel agencies are offering tailored packages to simplify planning and enhance the festival experience.
The World Creole Music Festival not only celebrates music but also serves as a testament to Dominica’s cultural pride, regional unity, and its standing as a leading cultural tourism destination in the Caribbean. The success of this silver jubilee edition reinforces the festival’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in showcasing the rich, diverse culture of the Nature Island to the world.