THE 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival lineup has been unveiled. From our very own soca and jazz artistes like Ronald ‘Boo” Hinkson, DYP, Barbara Cadet, Semi Francis and more, to the multi-genre Earth, Wind & Fire, to award-winning singer and songwriter John Legend, to gospel singer Tasha Cobbs, dancehall heavyweights Bounty Killer, Sizzla and Beenie Man to Afrobeats artiste Ruger and country artiste Gretchen Wilson, the event is shaping up to be the ultimate showstopper. This is according to Events Saint Lucia.
This year’s event will mark for the first time a country music section.
At Thursday night’s launch, at the Pavillion in Rodney Bay, Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire said the jazz extravaganza was the most exciting jazz event staged on the island since 1992. He underscored its significance as a major economic driver that attracts visitors globally.
Dr. Hilaire emphasised the necessity to “nurture and promote this invaluable cultural treasure.” He stated, “For 33 years, this festival has been an anchor for cultural expression, community development, and a celebration of our global connections. From its modest beginnings in 1992, it has evolved into an internationally recognized cultural event that has profoundly affected countless artists, patrons, and communities.”
He added that the impact of the festival “extends far beyond enriching our cultural landscape; it has become a vital economic force for our island, boosting the tourism sector and drawing visitors from all over the world.”
Last year, he noted, ticket sales came from 46 countries, which serves as a testament to the festival’s global appeal. “For 2025, we are determined to surpass that milestone and further establish Saint Lucia as a premier cultural destination.”
The Minister announced that more communities will participate in the jazz experience, including Micoud, enhancing the diverse cultural fabric of the destination.
Dr Hilaire asserted that the festival epitomizes “a spirit of unity, creativity, and hospitality that makes Saint Lucia a truly special place.”
Raymona Henry-Wynne, Executive Director at the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), said the festival celebrates the essence of Saint Lucia’s arts and culture, showcased through live performances that enhance the overall experience.
She declared that the event is more than just a festival; “It’s a movement, a celebration of everything that makes Saint Lucia extraordinary.”
The CDF official confirmed that the Arts in the City project will continue to be highlighted among other events displayed in the city centre, transforming spaces into dynamic works of art and creating environments where artists and audiences converge, allowing inspiration to flow freely and creativity to flourish.
The full lineup for the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is as follows:
Opening Night, Wednesday 30th April (Mindoo Phillip Park)
Gretchen Wilson, Sizzla, Lady Lava, Trilla G, Nice, Pudaz, DYP and a Saint Lucian All-Star Cast.
Pure Jazz, Elements of the Arts, Tuesday 6th May
Matteo Mancuso, Etienne Charles and Manasa Edwards (Pan Jazz).
Kingdom Night, Wed 7th May
Tasha Cobbs, Maverick City (Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine and More), Jck Worship, Cleopatra Jules, Schreffler Maxwell, Vincent Pierre and Anshel.
Pure Jazz, Ladies in Concert, Thursday 8th May
Jazzmeia Horn, Olympia Vitalis and Zamani Folade.
Caribbean Fusion, Friday 9th May
Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, Patrice Roberts, Yung Bredda and Ricky T: The Story.
World Beats, Saturday 10th May
Summer Walker, Ruger, Joe Dwèt Filé, Tabou Combo, Barbara Cadet, Semi Francis, Sly and Friends.
The Ultimate Celebration, Sunday 11th May
John Legend Earth, Wind and Fire, Richard Payne, Ronald Boo Hinkson: Show The World, The Lao Tizer Band featuring Elliott Yamin, Eric Marienthal, Karen Briggs and Chieli Minucci.
