After an eight-year absence, the legendary Sizzla Kalonji returned to Saint Lucia, delivering a powerful performance that reminded fans why he remains one of reggae’s most enduring voices.
His appearance at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival opening night wasn’t just another concert – it was a reaffirmation of his mission: to uplift, educate and unite through music.
For over 25 years, Sizzla has been a relentless force in reggae, spreading the teachings of Rastafari and championing African and Caribbean unity. At 49, his passion burns as fiercely as ever.
“I’ve been singing for the people… I’ve done more than enough on the scene and I’m still going and I think I can do a lot more for the people and the people need the righteousness, they need the music, they need to be edified, they need to be educated about the culture, the roots and where they’re coming from,” he said.
In an era dominated by fleeting trends and digital distractions, Sizzla, real name Miguel Collins, remains unwavering in his purpose. “I know this is a cybernetic age where you’ve got (the) Internet, Tik Tok, Instagram, social media all at the fingertips for the people. So they can just delve in … do a little research.”
He said he wants to keep educating people so they will not plunge into darkness. “So I just can’t stop.”
His message extends beyond music. Reflecting on the struggles of the African diaspora, he called for Caribbean unity: “We the people just need to wake up… we just need to stand firm, let’s unite and just get our facts together, get a good plan and move forward.”
He invoked the legacies of Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr, emphasising that the time for collective empowerment is now.
Sizzla‘s previous performance in Saint Lucia was in 2017 in Soufriere, where he also celebrated his birthday. This time, he took the stage before a crowd of over 10 000, delivering hit after hit with the same fiery conviction that has defined his career.
Asked about his experience, Sizzla described it as “really terrific.”
“It is a very beautiful festival, and I’m very honoured to be a part of it…. It was just a vivid experience,” he said, praising the energy of the audience. “The fans were there singing out, and I want to say much respect to the promoters and persons who have put this together.”
He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received upon arrival, highlighting the country’s hospitality.
To aspiring artists and youths, Sizzla advised authenticity: Be the best version of yourself and make sure it is truly what you want.
“Learn to monetise your hobby and what you learnt you got to apply it as you go through life and bring it to some practical means…,” he said. “Not everybody is going to be a singer, not everybody’s going to be a pilot. I know you can do something and be supportive and conducive to your nation.”
As the night ended, one thing was certain – Sizzla remains unshaken, a rock in reggae’s ever-changing landscape, still fighting for righteousness.
Thank for offer to have news come in from ST.LUCIA , .And I like how Mr.Nichols say about sizzla , saying still a fight for rightoueness
We are a lost people…
We have Indigenous talent. However, embrace foreign crap. Cuntry & Western; Trini Soca; Jammo music; and Afrobeat.
Let us accentuate Creole, Zouk, Zouk Love, Cadasse and Merengue
Real Rastaman! The man has high values and views much more than those who scorn Rastafari.
@ Jamarah– do you only eat local food, local snacks? Do you only drink local juices, local beers, local fluid? Do you only wear clothes made out of local cotton, and woven out of local hands? Choops tun