Summer Walker, Joé Dwèt Filé and More to Heat up ‘World Beats’
By Reginald Andrew
The atmosphere at the Pigeon Island Landmark will be electric tonight as patrons converge for the much-anticipated ‘World Beats’ session, which serves as part of the grand finale to this year’s Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.
Organisers are ready for a record-breaking turnout this weekend, particularly with tomorrow’s family-oriented event showcasing the annual Mother’s Day showpiece.
Summer Walker, the headliner of tonight’s event, is prepared to captivate audiences like never before.
Born on April 11, 1996, this acclaimed American R&B singer-songwriter from Atlanta boasts an impressive set of accolades, including a Billboard Music Award, an iHeartRadio Music Award, three Soul Train Music Awards, and two Grammy Award nominations.
As of 2025, Walker has surpassed 32 million certified units sold from the RIAA, solidifying her remarkable influence in the music industry.
The World Beats lineup promises a rich tapestry of music, featuring the dynamic African artist Ruger. Michael Adebayo Olayinka, known professionally as Ruger, is a 26-year-old Nigerian singer-songwriter and performing artist who gained widespread acclaim with his hit song ‘Bounce’, leading to a recording deal with Jonzing World in 2021.
After launching his debut extended play titled ‘Pandemic’ that same year, he established his label, Blown Boy Entertainment, in 2024.
Photo credits (from left to right): WikiLife NG, Spotify, Tabou Combo, Sly the Artiste, Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts
Saturday’s show will also showcase a stellar roster of performers, including Joé Dwèt Filé, Tabou Combo, and Saint Lucian talents Barbara Cadet, Semi Francis, and Sly & Friends.
Sunday’s event, billed as ‘The Ultimate Celebration’, will feature a star-studded lineup, including the internationally acclaimed John Legend and the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire.
Local artistes Richard Payne and Ronald Boo Hinkson will also take center stage, promising an unforgettable experience. The celebrated Lao Tizer Band, alongside Elliott Yamin, Eric Marienthal, Karen Briggs, and Chieli Minucci, will further amplify the excitement.
On Friday night, the Caribbean Fusion party rocked the house with reggae dancehall legends Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, complemented by regional stars like Patrice Roberts, Yung Bredda, and Saint Lucian soca sensation Ricky T – The Story.
Community Jazz fringe events have also made a strong impact, showcasing local talent in a spectacular fashion.
Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, reinforced the significance of these community jazz events in elevating local talent to a global stage, urging each community to embrace and promote its unique cultural expressions and experiences.
This year, at least ten communities hosted jazz events, featuring an array of top-billed local and regional performers, drawing strong support from both local fans and international music enthusiasts.
Additionally, locals and visitors have enjoyed free jazz concerts at the Derek Walcott Square, courtesy of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) and its innovative Arts and the City Project.
As the final performances approach, music enthusiasts are ready to immerse themselves in these exhilarating experiences.