Dominica’s Nature Island has once again proven its title as the rhythmic heart of the Caribbean, as the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) concluded, marking an unprecedented success in attendance, tourism, and cultural showcase. The three-day event, held from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, not only celebrated a quarter-century of Creole music but also shattered previous records, drawing over 42,000 patrons and significantly boosting the island’s economy.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Tourism Surge
The WCMF 2025 has been widely hailed as the biggest in the festival’s history. Organizers reported a remarkable leap in attendance, with over 42,000 patrons filling the festival grounds across the three electrifying nights, a substantial increase from the 30,217 attendees in 2024. This surge in popularity translated directly into a significant tourism boom, with visitor arrivals reaching 10,540 in the nine days leading up to the festival. This figure represents a 48 percent increase compared to the previous year and marks the highest pre-festival visitor count ever recorded, underscoring the event’s growing international appeal.
Economic Ripple Effect Across the Island
The influx of visitors generated a vibrant economic ripple effect throughout Dominica. Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton highlighted the profound impact, stating that the festival “energized small businesses, hotels, restaurants and local artisans across the island.” Hotels across Dominica reported full or near-full occupancy, while restaurants, nightlife spots, and tour operators extended their hours and saw record bookings. The economic benefits were widely distributed, from taxi operators and vendors to accommodation providers and the creative sector. Minister Charles-Pemberton emphasized the “multiplier effect from this single weekend is being felt across every corner of the economy,” and noted, “This is how culture drives growth.”
A Star-Studded Lineup and Musical Diversity
This milestone 25th edition featured an electrifying and diverse lineup, living up to its theme, “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories.” The festival showcased a compelling mix of local legends, regional powerhouses, and international stars, spanning a wide array of Creole music genres including soca, reggae, dancehall, bouyon, kompa, R&B, Afrobeat, and Zouk.
Night one, themed ‘Fire & Foundation,’ honored musical pioneers with performances from Antiguan soca veterans Burning Flames, Grammy-winning reggae band Steel Pulse, Jamaican crooner Romain Virgo, and Haitian group Nu Look, among others.
Night two, ‘Creole Carnival,’ delivered high-energy sets from dancehall icons Vybz Kartel and Spice, Trinidad’s Kes The Band, and Dominican artists Asa Bantan and WCK. The night also featured performances by Joé Dwét Filé and Ezra “Da Fun Machine,” keeping the massive crowd enthralled until the early morning hours.
The grand finale on Sunday night featured a spectacular closing performance by Trinidadian soca duo Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage, and Guadeloupean legends Kassav. Local acts like Extasy Band, Shelly & Signal Band, and Michele Henderson also delivered memorable performances, rounding off a weekend of non-stop musical excellence.
Celebrating Creole Identity and Regional Unity
Established in 1997, the World Creole Music Festival was founded with the dual objectives of promoting Dominican tourism and providing a vital platform for indigenous Dominican music, such as Bouyon and Cadence-lypso. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the Caribbean’s most iconic and anticipated cultural events, celebrated for its role in preserving and promoting Creole heritage.
The festival also served as a powerful symbol of regional unity. The presence of Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda highlighted the shared appreciation for Caribbean heritage and culture. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was also in attendance, seen mingling with fellow leaders and international artists, further underscoring the festival’s significance on the regional stage.
A Resounding Success and a Glimpse into the Future
Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority, expressed satisfaction with the event’s success, noting that based on public reviews and monitoring, the 25th edition was a triumph. The significant investment in the festival, reported to be over 13 million dollars, is expected to yield a substantial economic return, benefiting numerous local entrepreneurs and service providers.
As the echoes of the music fade, Dominica looks ahead to WCMF 2026, aiming to build upon this year’s monumental success. The World Creole Music Festival continues to be more than just a musical event; it is a vibrant celebration of identity, a driver of economic growth, and a testament to the enduring spirit and rich cultural tapestry of the Caribbean. The news from this year confirms its status as a premier destination for music, culture, and tourism.