4. St. Kitts Music Festival (Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; June 27-29)
Photo: ZROD FM
The St. Kitts Music Festival always brings out big names from both the pop/R&B and Caribbean music worlds but this year the emphasis is firmly on the islands. While Lionel Richie is perhaps the biggest draw, trailing right behind him are reggae/dancehall legends Beres Hammond and Shaggy, and Jamaica’s artist-of-the-moment Konshens. Coming from Trinidad, meanwhile, are Bunji Garlin, his wife Fay-Ann Lyons and her father, newly-back-in-action soca legend Superblue; as well as Trini jazzman Etienne Charles. The fest this year has also devoted a large chunk of roster space to St. Kitts and Nevis-based acts, including rapper Dagah, up-and-coming singer Dejour and soca/calypso kings Nu-Vybes Band, ensuring that the fest will bring a boost to the local music industry, not just tourism.