British Soul singer, songwriter, actress Beverley Knight and Temilade Openiyi the Nigerian singer, songwriter better known as Tems will be part of the lineup for the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.
Knight, who is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest soul singers, rose to popularity in the 90’s and is known for hits such as Shoulda Woulda Coulda, Get Up and Greatest Day.
For her part Tems has risen to become one of the most highly respected female singers out of Nigeria ever since her guest spot on Wizkid’s Essence. She has since delivered numerous hits on her own including Free Mind and Me & U and has co-songwriting credits on Lift Me Up sung by Rihanna.
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival was a major highlight at the 2025 World Travel Market in London where mention of the two artists was made by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority on November 6.
Present during this special Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival preview was more than 40 media representatives, influencers, trade partners, members of the Saint Lucian diaspora, and festival enthusiasts.
Earlier this year while in London Chairman of the SLTA Thaddeus Antoine spoke to the importance of welcoming more UK visitors to Saint Lucia as well as attracting British based performers for the festival.
“The London preview represents part of the SLTA’s reimagined strategy to expand global reach, deepen industry partnerships, and inspire travel through culture,” said Thaddeus M Antoine. Antoine also serves as the Chairman of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival Committee. “Through this preview, we aim to build anticipation among our international audiences, deepen travel and trade partnerships across key markets, and showcase the vibrancy of our people, music, and creative spirit. We invite the world to experience the rhythm, the warmth, and the magic that make our festival and our island truly unforgettable.”
While in London for WTM this week, CEO of the SLTA spoke of the importance of building partnerships to keep Saint Lucia top of mind and to capitalise on Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival as a platform for driving visitors to Saint Lucia as well as the numerous other benefits.
The full lineup for the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, which will run April 30 to May 10, will be unveiled in Saint Lucia in January at which time tickets will also go on sale.
