St Kitts Music Festival 2025 Set to Feature Eleven Homegrown Stars on Main Stage

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The 27th edition of the highly anticipated St Kitts Music Festival, scheduled to take place from June 26 to June 28, 2025, at the iconic Warner Park Stadium in Basseterre, has announced a significant focus on local talent. Eleven homegrown musical acts have been confirmed to perform on the main stage, underscoring the festival’s enduring commitment to showcasing the rich artistic landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis.

This strategic inclusion of local performers is integral to the festival’s multifaceted objectives, which include increasing visitor arrivals, improving hotel occupancy rates, stimulating economic activity across the islands, generating international destination awareness for St. Kitts and Nevis, and, critically, providing a prominent platform to showcase the nation’s diverse and dynamic local talent.

Kicking Off with Local Power and Tradition

The festival is set to commence on Thursday, June 26, with an exciting lineup that blends contemporary energy with cultural heritage. The opening night will feature the reigning Power Soca Monarch champions, Akaiiusweet and Tobap, who are scheduled to deliver their much-anticipated “Wicked” show, promising a high-octane performance.

A notable and historic addition to the 2025 lineup is the Honey Bees String Band from Nevis. Their performance marks the first time a string band will grace the main stage of the St Kitts Music Festival, introducing traditional sounds to the diverse audience. Also confirmed for the opening night is the popular Kollision Band, known for their infectious energy and their Road March-winning hit, “Keys to the City.”

Mid-Festival Rhythms and Genre Diversity

Friday, June 27, will continue the celebration of local artistry with a diverse array of performances. The stage will welcome cultural ambassador DJ Tero, alongside esteemed artists Collin Wyatt and Ideli Napi, each bringing their unique styles to the festival.

Adding further excitement to Friday’s program, artist Dejour is slated to perform following his recent international tour, highlighting the global reach of Kittitian talent. A significant cultural highlight of the evening will be the performance by the St Kitts Steel Orchestra (SKSO). This ensemble, notably created in March 2025, will present a special set that is expected to traverse various Caribbean genres, including reggae, dancehall, calypso, and soca, showcasing the versatility and vibrancy of steelpan music.

Concluding Nights with Varied Local Voices

The 27th St Kitts Music Festival will culminate on Saturday, June 28, featuring performances that reflect the breadth of local accomplishment. The final night’s lineup includes Olympian and former national sprint queen, Virgil Hodge. Transitioning from athletic prowess to musical expression, Hodge will perform her latest hit, “Can’t Bring Me Down,” demonstrating talent that extends beyond the track.

Making her debut appearance at the festival is Nevis-born, U.S.-based singer-songwriter Abena Amory. As the daughter of the late Honourable Vance Amory, a revered national figure, Abena Amory’s performance adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the closing night, connecting contemporary music with the island’s heritage.

Broader Impact and Festival Significance

The deliberate focus on featuring eleven homegrown acts on the main stage reinforces the St Kitts Music Festival’s role not merely as an entertainment event but as a key driver for national development. By placing local artists side-by-side with yet-to-be-announced international performers, the festival elevates the profile of Kittitian and Nevisian musicians, providing invaluable exposure and professional opportunities.

Furthermore, the festival serves as a critical economic engine, drawing tourists and diaspora members, thereby boosting local businesses, from accommodations and restaurants to transportation and artisan crafts. The international visibility generated by the event contributes significantly to the marketing of St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier Caribbean destination.

As the 27th St Kitts Music Festival approaches, the confirmation of these eleven talented homegrown acts sets a strong foundation for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and national pride, all while actively pursuing vital economic and tourism objectives for the federation.