The much anticipated media launch of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival was held on Thursday, January 22 at the Sandals Grande where the plans, format and line-up for the festival was unveiled.
The event, which will be held from April 30 to May 10, will once again feature a mix of Caribbean Rhythms, Gospel, Afrobeats, Pop, and R&B over several days and venues across the island.
Speaking at the launch, the CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) Louis Lewis reminded the audience that the festival has been around for 34 years.
“This is a strong and bold statement. A remarkable milestone that speaks to the enduring legacy, its global relevance and the powerful cultural impact that it has had,” Lewis stated.
According to the CEO, the festival has evolved into one of the Caribbean’s most iconic cultural experiences, firmly positioned on the international stage.
He noted that the event is more than just entertainment and that it was a strategic national asset, which drives visitation, extends the length of stay of the visitors and showcases the country as a world-class cultural lifestyle destination.
“We are blending music, art, culture, and lifestyle into a cohesive and compelling global narrative, one that reflects who we are as a destination, and how we want to be experienced.
“As we unveil the 2026 festival, we invite the world to attend and to truly experience Saint Lucia through the rhythm, artistry, and storytelling.”
During his brief address, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries Dr Ernest Hilaire described the festival as “one of the nation’s most iconic and cherished cultural celebrations.
“For more than three decades, this festival has been more than a series of performances. It has been a powerful expression of our identity, a showcase of our creativity and a platform through which Saint Lucia shares its soul with the world,” Hilaire stated.
“It brings together culture, tourism, and economic opportunity, supporting musicians, artists, designers, technicians, vendors, and communities, while generating employment, simulating business activity, and strengthening our position as a destination of depth and authenticity,” he added.
The minister went on to underscore that the festival remains a cornerstone of our national strategy to grow the creative industries, diversify tourism products and expand opportunities particularly for young creatives and young entrepreneurs.
“The 2026 edition builds on this legacy with a bold, modern vision, blending International excellence with homegrown talent in a way that reflects both our cultural richness and our global connections.”
Before introducing this year’s performers, Chairman of the SLTA Thaddeus Antione stated that the journey to this year’s lineup began a year ago.
He says the team has been carefully curating, negotiating and shaping a festival that had to feel authentic, intentional, and unmistakably Saint Lucian.
“We were not simply building a lineup for the sake of popularity. We are building a lineup that reflects the soul of our destination, one that blends seamlessly with the undeniable persona of Saint Lucia — our creativity, our rhythm, our elegance, and our depth of our culture,” Antoine said.
“We wanted a festival that spoke to who we are while resonating with the world and I am proud to say that we achieved that balance.”
Antoine went on to say that while the main artiste, (the headliner for the Sunday finale), would not be named yet, that this year’s lineup was an attractive one.
The festival kicks off on opening night on April 30 at the Mindoo Phillip Park, with Capleton of Jamaica and Asa Banton of Dominica. The event will also feature D’Yani, Valiant, Amber Digby, and Saint Lucia’s Country singers LM Stone and Shervon Sealy.
The event will again feature two nights of pure jazz with Esperanza Spalding headlining on May 5 and Branford Marsalis on May 7 at the Pavillion in Rodney Bay.
May 6 is Kingdom Night at Pigeon Island, with Tye Tribbett and Ada Ehi. The event will also feature two of Saint Lucia’s award winning Gospel artistes Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers and Nigela St. Clair-Daniel.
Caribbean Fusion on Friday May 8 at Pigeon Island will bring together the Original Wailers with Skip Marley the grandson of Bob Marley. The event will also feature Kes the Band, Dexta Daps, and a Saint Lucian Melange’.
Nigerian superstar Tems and R&B singer songwriter Ella Mai will take the stage on Saturday, May 9 as part of the World Beats experience. Princess Lover and Les Aiglons as well as Saint Lucia’s Lu City and October 4 will also be performing.
“The Ultimate Celebration” on Sunday May 10, Mother’s Day, which brings the curtains down on the festival will feature Billy Ocean, Beverley Knight, Mervin Wilkinson and Friends and a yet to be named main act.
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will also feature Arts & the City organised by the Cultural Development Foundation as well as community events in Soufrière, Micoud, and others. The lineup for these events will be announced in the coming weeks.
Thursday’s launch, hosted by Adrian Augier and Jade Brown, featured performances by TC Brown, Camille Charlemagne with Shomari Maxwell, Kenson Hippolyte, and Teddyson John.
The event also saw the attendance of Trinidadian social media influencer Certified Samson and Timeka Marshall of Guyana.
Tickets for the festival go on sale on February 1.
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