The 2024 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival transcended mere celebration; it became a spectacular fusion of music, culture, and talent. The Festival unfolded against the backdrop of the picturesque night sky of Marchand and ended at the pictographic, scenic Pigeon Island National Landmark, weaving together rhythmic soca beats, world beats, gospel harmonies, reggae beats and soulful jazz melodies. For 12 days the island hummed to this harmonious blend and celebrated the richness of the music, which left an indelible mark on both performers and audiences.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon last Sunday, and the applause echoed, thanking the artistes for creating magical moments over the past two weeks, we can’t help but put the spotlight on local artistes who surprisingly, must be credited with producing a significant portion of these enchanting experiences. They not only held their ground but also, in our opinion, outshone some of the international stars in terms of stage presence, audience connection, and sheer charisma.
Saint Lucia, with its warm hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage, demonstrated that music transcends borders. Our local talent, which spanned music genres from soca to gospel to jazz, electrified every event they graced. Hats off to the Saint Lucia Allstars, Allison Marquis, Nigela St Clair-Daniel, Christa Bailey, Shannon Pinel, Meshach, Ezra D’Fun Machine, Invasion band, Arthur Allain, DYP, Carl Gustave, and Augustin “Jab” Duplessis, 12-year-old Herbie Altenor, all the young artistes who graced the stage at Serenity Park for Junior Jazz and others not listed here—all being names etched in the Festival’s success.
These remarkable performers have done Saint Lucia proud, and we wish them even greater achievements as they continue their artistic journeys. Their impact extends beyond personal brands; they’ve put Saint Lucia firmly on the global map.
All this means that the performing arts in Saint Lucia demand serious attention. Beyond entertainment, they foster a sense of community, bridging gaps between the privileged and the less fortunate. As Saint Lucians swayed to the music and dance, local performers were connecting hearts and minds, revealing music’s power as a vehicle for identity and expression.
Evidently, Saint Lucia possesses the ingredients for a thriving music economy—one that can reward performers, songwriters, and producers alike. Therefore, we must start seeing the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and other music festivals as key drivers of the country’s economy, as a result of their economic impact.
While there are numerous costs attached to such festivals there are also numerous benefits associated with them.
And while local governments and event organizers usually focus on the economic benefits of such festivals, the social impacts of such festivals may have an even more profound effect upon the quality of life of our local community.
Therefore, let us continue to nurture this vibrant cultural legacy, celebrating the magic that unfolds as music knows no boundaries.