Judging by the social media self-reports of people buying Beyonce concert tickets in Europe, enjoying Las Vegas residencies (Usher, New Edition), or sailing the high seas on music cruises, a new trend seems to be forming. Like a cousin of destination weddings in exotic locations, building vacations around the tours, performances, and festivals of your favorite performers is becoming trendy. Summer has just begun, but some people are already planning their vacations around Lenny Kravitz playing in Las Vegas in October, or a jam-rock reggae cruise to Jamaica in December. If you’re thinking of jumping on the bandwagon, the St. Kitts Music Festival might be the place to experience it.
With over 25 years of history, the St. Kitts Music Festival attracts thousands of soca, reggae, hip hop, dancehall, R&B and reggaeton fans every summer. This year’s lineup includes Mary J. Blige, Capleton, Rick Ross, Third World, Masika, Freddie Jackson and more, split across three nights with a focus on soca (day 1), reggae/dancehall (day 2) and R&B/hip hop (day 3).
But before enjoying the evening shows (which can last from dusk until after 4 a.m.), music-loving travelers will want to grab a bite to eat, hit the beach, and enjoy the views. Boozies serves up gourmet treats with the best lobster you’ll find in the West Indies, along with spots like Arthur’s and Reggae Beach Bar & Grill. The flavorful Spice Mill restaurant is a favorite for its signature hibiscus spirits cocktails and proximity to Cockleshell Bay Beach. Stroll to the end of the beach to enjoy St. Kitts water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling.
As the sun went down and music rang out through Warner Park Stadium, the first day of the festival was a hormone-filled night with an almost all-male lineup of local Caribbean artists, but it was lit up by a rousing performance from Trinidadian female soca star Nadia Batson, and bearded ladies’ man Adam O. But the second night saw the crowds grow a bit with the conscious stylings of Jamaican reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid, legendary reggae fusion band Third World, and dancehall pioneers Busy Signal.
Third World in particular got the ravers excited with “Now That We Found Love” and “Reggae Ambassador”, before closing with a jaw-dropping rendition by lead singer AJ Brown of an operatic rendition of “Nessun Dorma”, one of the late Luciano Pavarotti’s most famous arias.
Finally, the closing night came as a pleasant surprise with the appearance of the Nicholas Brunker Band, a horn-heavy ensemble led by Jamaican bassist Nicholas Brunker, whose set consisted of jaw-dropping versions of 1970s R&B instrumental classics, including George Benson’s “Breezy,” Herb Alpert’s “Rise,” and Grover Washington Jr.’s “Mister Magic.” Unfortunately, this eight-piece’s brilliant and energetic show was cut short after one song, but the impact they made on the night was unforgettable.
Headliner Mary J. Blige took to the stage head-bopping to her 1992 hit “You Remind Me,” a song that could be considered a precursor to hip-hop soul. my life Highlights included “Be Happy” and “You Bring Me Joy,” and “I’m Goin’ Down” had the crowd singing along for the last 30 years. Blige was in high spirits, said she’d never been to the Caribbean island, and stopped the show just after midnight, presumably to get a taste of the island vibe.
Speaking of which, music travellers might want to round off their post-festival day by visiting sites like the spectacular Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park and picking up some souvenirs at Caribel Batik. This year’s festival saw celebrities like French-Djiboutian indie singer Shay Leah and former Miss Antigua & Bermuda Briana Anthony in the crowd enjoying the music of Pampa and Michal Teja. The popularity of the St. Kitts Music Festival continues to grow, so who knows, you might spot someone at next year’s show. Get in early and set your musical compass towards where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea.
