St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival hits high notes with Sting, Shaggy, others

Saint Lucia welcomed back its renowned Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival from May 5 - 14, showcasing the talents of Grammy Award winners Sting and Shaggy, along with a diverse line-up of other world-renowned musicians, artists, and performers.

Retuning after a three-year hiatus, the festival was set against the picturesque backdrop of Pigeon Island, a 44-acre islet and national park located in Gros Islet in the northern region of Saint Lucia.

Initial figures reveal that more than 10,000 festival goers attended each day with approximately 9,000 international visitors purchasing tickets to the events over the duration, according to a press release.

Genres included Afro beats, pure jazz, pop, Kingdom gospel, Soca, reggae, Zouk, Caribbean fusion and world beats.

“The 2023 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is a transformative force, driving growth for the island while showcasing global headliners along with local talent. Anchored in the preservation of culture, community, and creative development, the festival also stands as a remarkable platform for the elevation of local talent, mesmerizing audiences from across the globe,” said Thaddeus M. Antoine, chairman of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.

“This year's edition surpassed all expectations, showcasing the pinnacle of music, art, and culture throughout the entire island. From pulsating jazz rhythms to awe-inspiring visual spectacles, the festival was an immersive journey that brought joy to thousands of residents and some nine thousand visitors, transcending age and background."

Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, added: "We made an intentional policy decision to restore the festival to its former splendor, infusing it with a lively ambiance and presenting exceptional performances that elevate the global standing of this prestigious event.”

“The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival remains an influential mechanism for economic prosperity, revitalizing the tourism sector and nurturing the development of local businesses and talent.”

Plans are already underway for the next staging from April 30 to May 12, 2024.

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