Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival taps Monica and Brandy as 2026 headliners

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival has confirmed Monica and Brandy as headliners for its 2026 edition, following their sold-out The Boy Is Mine Tour. 

The artists join a lineup that also includes Ella Mai, TEMS, and jazz vocalist Esperanza Spalding.

The festival runs April 30 to May 11, with arts programming continuing through May 12, and will once again stage major open-air performances at Pigeon Island National Park.

“Monica and Brandy’s inclusion add significant star power to an already dynamic and carefully curated lineup, elevating anticipation among music lovers, cultural tastemakers, and international travellers alike. Their performances promise to blend nostalgia with contemporary flair, aligning seamlessly with the festival’s tradition of showcasing world-class talent across genres while celebrating Caribbean culture, artistry, and creativity,” said festival chairman, Thaddeus M. Antoine. 

Key dates and performers

Organizers say more announcements are forthcoming, but the current lineup includes:

• April 30 (Opening Night): Capleton, Valiant, Asa Bantan, D’YANI, Shervon Sealy, LM Stone, and American country artist Amber Digby.
• May 5–7 (Pure Jazz & Kingdom Night / Elements of the Arts): Esperanza Spalding, Chantal Esdelle & Moyenne, Camille Charlemagne, Leandra Modeste; Kingdom Night performers Tye Tribbett, Ada Ehi, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers, Nigela St. Clair-Daniel and Saint Lucian gospel acts; plus Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jesse Billy, and an arts production by the Cultural Development Foundation.
• Friday, May 8 (Caribbean Fusion): Kes the Band, The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Skip Marley, Dexta Daps, and the Saint Lucian Mélange led by Groovy Soca King Imran Nerdy.
• Saturday, May 9 (World Beats): TEMS and Ella Mai, along with X-Man, Lu City, Princess Lover, Les Aiglons de Guadeloupe, and October 4.
• Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day finale): Monica and Brandy, with Kyle Ernest, Beverley Knight alongside Mervin Wilkinson and Friends, and Billy Ocean.

Early bird tickets are now on sale.

For Canadian travellers, direct flights from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) are available on Air Canada and WestJet.

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