World Creole Music Festival 2024: A Three-Night Spectacle of Culture, Music, and Growth
by Semaj Bernard
Photos credit: Adrien Francis
The World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) returned for its 24th edition with a special theme: the Gold Edition—a tribute to Dominican pride in Thea Lafond’s gold medal win at the 2024 Olympics. Held from October 25 to 27, this year's festival lit up the Windsor Park Sports Stadium with electrifying performances, dazzling stage setups, and unforgettable moments that embodied both Creole culture and the triumph of Dominica on the world stage.
Friday: Setting the Stage with Unmatched Energy
The festival's opening night on Friday saw Dominica's own Extasy Band set a smooth, welcoming tone, while TK International continued the vibe with their infectious beats. The iconic Haitian band T-Vice brought a wave of nostalgia and joy to the audience, leaving a lasting impression with their vibrant Kompa rhythms.
Nigerian-American singer Rotimi captivated the crowd with his R&B-infused hits, performing fan favourites like “In My Bed”, complete with a shirtless display and a charming serenade for two lucky women from the audience. Soca powerhouse Nadia Batson from Trinidad brought the "whole Market" vibe (a nod to her hit song Market) to life, amping up the energy with her commanding stage presence. Batson’s performance was one of the night's top highlights, with the crowd singing along and moving to every beat.
Following Batson was Valiant from Jamaica, who energized the crowd with his dancehall beats before Dominica’s own Triple K International closed out the night. Celebrating their anniversary, Triple K performed nostalgic hits that resonated with the crowd, giving Dominicans and visitors alike a sense of pride in the nation's music.
Saturday: Legendary Performances and Unpredictable Surprises
Saturday night kicked off with Dennery Segment with artists UMPA and Subance, setting a lively pace. Then came the legendary Kassav from Martinique and Guadeloupe, who thrilled the audience with a non-stop performance filled with powerful vocals and energetic dance moves. Their set epitomized the spirit of Creole music, keeping the crowd moving from start to finish.
Bouyon artists Mr. Ridge and Pudaz then took the stage, giving fans a dose of 'Nasty Business' bouyon vibes that made the night unforgettable. Nigerian megastar Wizkid raised the excitement further with a dynamic performance that included pyrotechnics, giving fans a fiery experience. To end the night with a bang, Dominica’s beloved Asa Bantan rode onto the stage on an ambulance, setting the crowd alight with anticipation. Known for his unpredictable stage antics, Asa’s finale embodied the high-energy, spontaneous spirit that has made the festival a cultural cornerstone.
Sunday: Closing with Caribbean Legends and Unforgettable Collabs
The final night of the festival brought a fresh wave of talented artists, starting with Haiti’s Kai, followed by Dominica’s own Midnight Groovers. French Guianan singer Fanny J, performing in Dominica for the first time, won over the crowd with her mesmerizing vocals.
Jamaican reggae star Gramps Morgan, along with special guests including his sons, Luciano, and Duane Stephenson, gave a heartfelt and memorable performance that had the audience swaying to reggae classics. Dominica’s Signal Band followed, bringing electric energy with their bouyon beats and surprise appearances from Bouyon Queen Carlyn XP, Nice, and Trilla G. Soca stars Tian Winter, Skinny Fabulous, and Trinidadian singer Voice rounded off the night, leaving the crowd on a high with their soca anthems and lively energy.
Chief Executive Officer of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), Marva Williams, expressed her pride in the festival’s growth and success this year, noting that the event continued to draw larger audiences and spread awareness of Dominica as a top music destination. “The festival is growing and the festival has shown growth again in 2024,” she shared, pointing to the positive feedback from festival-goers as a measure of success.
Williams highlighted the importance of curating an effective lineup, a key demand from attendees who appreciated the variety of genres offered each night. Additionally, she noted the desire for more Creole music, as many festival-goers emphasized that the roots of the event—compas, cadence, and Creole sounds—should remain foundational to the experience.
The WCMF team also focused on creating a visually appealing experience for both younger and older attendees. With each night providing a variety of photo-worthy moments and immersive stage setups, festival organizers worked to ensure that attendees left with cherished memories.
The 2024 World Creole Music Festival succeeded in its mission to celebrate and preserve the Creole culture through music, bringing together Caribbean and international fans for a shared love of rhythmic diversity. As it wrapped up another successful year, the WCMF continues to stand as a proud cultural beacon, showcasing Dominica as a vibrant, unifying force in Caribbean music and culture.
