Basseterre, St. Kitts – Staying true to the island’s deep-rooted musical heritage that remains a key component of its culture today, St. Kitts continues to grow as a premier destination for music events in the Caribbean.
Most recently, St. Kitts served as the host destination for the 6th Annual International Soca Awards, marking only the second time this emerging event has been held in the Caribbean. Emceed by St. Kitts’ own popular radio personality, Sinclair “G-Cue” Liburd of WINN-FM, the island boasted a strong local presence at the Awards with National calypso veteran Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero receiving the Hall of Fame Award and four additional soca artists from the Federation receiving nominations in various categories. The Awards drew some of the genre’s top performing artists to the island and was streamed live over the Internet to countless soca music fans around the globe.
The success of this Music Awards event follows on the heels of the 12th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, a three-night, multi-genre music celebration which featured top acts including John Legend, Mario and Billy Ocean this year alone. Throughout the history of the Festival, it has purposefully included a mix of musical styles including calypso, R&B, pop, reggae, soca, jazz and country, with performances from renowned artists in each genre electrifying the audience over the years. Held each year at the last weekend of June, the Festival attracts a large number of visitors along with many returning nationals to the island.
“Music is an important part of our culture,” commented Senator Ricky Skerritt, St. Kitts Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture. “Hosting music industry events allows us to support local, Caribbean and international artists who have achieved excellence while simultaneously drawing tourists to the island who have a strong desire to experience the music as part of a vacation experience that connects them to our people and culture.”
Later this year, St. Kitts will celebrate the Christmas holiday immediately followed by its National Carnival which starts on Boxing Day, Dec 26th. St Kitts’ Carnival is a lively celebration of the destination’s rich culture and heritage that is firmly anchored in its musical traditions. Exciting Calypso and Soca tunes and rhythms are played throughout nearly every activity during Carnival, from street jams to calypso competitions, as well as the uniquely local folklore which is mixed with the costumed parades that are typically associated with a Caribbean Carnival.
In fact, the sounds of various types of music can be heard at any time of year on St. Kitts. Whether listening to the choir singing traditional folkloric tunes aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, “liming” at one of the island’s many authentic beach bars playing music in the background, enjoying the atmosphere of the annual St. Kitts Music Festival or even participating in an impromptu “jump-up” street party, visitors can connect with the destination and the spirit of the Kittitian people by sharing a heartfelt musical experience.
