Color Me Red (CMR), one of the biggest fetes for Lucian Carnival, is back for its 20th year.
The annual event is set to light up the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Friday, July 18, with the theme The Greatest Love.
According to the organisers, CMR will explore the many shades of love through music, culminating in an explosive finale from one of soca’s most electrifying acts, Kes the Band.
CMR, a recognisable brand, is always an unforgettable experience on Carnival Friday, and this year promises to be no different.
The event will feature several performers from Saint Lucia, including the 2024 Power Soca and Road March king Ricky T, the energised Ezra D’Fun Machine, Imran Nerdy, Umpa, Sly, Sedale, Carlton Roberts, Arthur Allain, Dezral and Keisha, along with Invasion Band and DYP.
Some of the most popular soca acts from across the region will also grace the stage. They include Problem Child from St Vincent & the Grenadines, who just won the country’s Road March, the 2025 International Soca Monarch Blaka Dan from Grenada with Blessings, Dominica’s Mr Ridge and Lady Lava out of Trinidad.
This year marks a significant milestone for both cultural giants, Kes and Red Carnival, producers of CMR, as they each commemorate 20 years of delivering unforgettable, high-quality entertainment.
Speaking ahead of the show, Robert Robbie Styles Persaud, the band’s long-standing hype man, reflected on their journey and deep bond with Saint Lucian audiences.
“It’s the love,” Styles said. “Love for the music, for the craft, and for each other. He praised Saint Lucians for their unique ear and deep appreciation of musicality: “There’s a different kind of energy here,” he said. “People love the party, but they also listen. They hear the layers in the music. There’s a deeper appreciation for the sound, the fusion, the jazz influences. That makes performing here even more special.”
CMR has evolved from a high-energy fete into a cultural institution, consistently raising the bar for event production in Saint Lucia. Known for immaculate staging, elite lineups, and seamless execution, the event is the local marquee pre-Carnival event.
Kevyn Arnold, event organiser of Red Carnival, reflected on what it means to reach this 20-year milestone.
“Longevity in entertainment isn’t luck, it’s a commitment to excellence,” Arnold said. “Color Me Red was never just about throwing a party; it was about creating a world-class experience. That means investing in top-tier talent, flawless production, and giving our local artists the same platform as regional icons.”
He also spoke to Red Carnival’s broader contribution to Saint Lucia Carnival.
“Red Carnival has always been about enhancing the Carnival experience in Saint Lucia. While we’ve taken a pause on the road for now, our energy has been fully focused on delivering two of the season’s most iconic events, Color Me Red on Carnival Friday and Red Brunch on Carnival Sunday. These events are about celebrating culture, music and premium experiences. And our commitment to Saint Lucia Carnival remains as strong as ever.”
“To have Kes headline in their 20th year, as we celebrate ours, is nothing short of poetic,” Arnold added. “It’s a full-circle moment that honours the evolution of both brands and the loyal audiences who’ve kept us going.”
And as the adrenaline of Color Me Red settles, the festivities continue into Carnival Sunday with the Red Brunch, an intimate and upscale event where revellers indulge in exquisite cuisine, flowing cocktails, and smooth soca beats ahead of Carnival Monday. “Red Brunch is the ultimate prelude to the road, offering a chic, elevated way to celebrate Saint Lucia’s vibrant culture,” Arnold said.
