Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival: A vibrant celebration of culture and music

By Fernella Wedderburn

The World Creole Music Festival is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable experience, blending the pulsating rhythms of Creole music with a vibrant celebration of Dominica’s culture. 

With a rich lineup of events leading up to the main festival, organisers at the Discover Dominica Authority are eagerly preparing for over 30 000 festival enthusiasts to descend on the picturesque Nature Isle next month.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Festival and Events Manager at the Dominica Festivals Committee, Nathalie Walsh highlighted the festival’s unique significance which this year coincides with the 45th anniversary of the island’s Independence celebrations.

“This year, we are actually celebrating the 23rd Edition of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival, with a significant emphasis on patriotism and culture, as the event coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Independence celebrations of Dominica,” Walsh said.

Nathalie Walsh
(Photo: Discover Dominica Authority)

This year’s theme, Legacy, pays tribute to iconic artists celebrating their 50th anniversaries, including the Cadasse groups, Gordon Henderson, Exile One and Michele Henderson, among others.

However, the festival isn’t just about music; it’s about embracing the essence of Dominica. Walsh emphasised that patrons would have the opportunity to savour the island’s culture, cuisine, and Creole music, not only from the local scene but also from other Caribbean islands like the French West Indies and those in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Some of the action at a previous WCMF event.
(Photo: Discover Dominica Authority)

“Dominica’s festival is very unique, meaning that it is not just a festival like any other festival. It is a Creole music festival. It is very rich in Creole music, where you come to enjoy not just the event but the experience. It is experiencing the destination – Dominica,” Walsh explained. 

“Persons come to the World Creole Music Festival but they also get the opportunity to get a taste of our culture, a taste of our arts, [experience] our cultural wear, taste the Creole food, and… to just meet the friendly people in Dominica.”

The Nature Isle’s breathtaking landscapes offer opportunities for hiking and river exploration. “We have 365 rivers,” Walsh proudly mentioned. 

After the festival, visitors can enjoy a refreshing river bath, explore local bars and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Dominica, she suggested.

The three-night festival, taking place at the Windsor Park Stadium from Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, will feature vendors offering local bush rums, cocktails as well as a diverse range of cuisine to satisfy every palate. 

The crowd at a previously held WCMF.
(Photo: Discover Dominica Authority)

Cultural groups will showcase their talents while the festival stage will host renowned artists from the international, regional and local music scenes, including Popcaan, Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Asa Banton, Tabou Combo, Joeboy, TK International and Zouk All Stars.

fernellawedderburn@barbadostoday.bb