Fantasia, Machel Montano, Mavado, Beres Hammond and Tarrus Riley are among the performers confirmed for the 2026 St Kitts Music Festival.

The first batch of artistes was unveiled on Monday night at a launch event hosted by the festival’s organisers.

This year marks the festival’s 28th anniversary.

 Kitts Music Festival Chairman Allister Williams said the event has grown significantly since its inception and continues to increase in relevance across the region and internationally.

In her welcome remarks, Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson praised the organisers for their efforts over the years in building the festival into one of the twin-island federation’s major tourism attractions.

“The St Kitts music festival is far more than entertainment,” Henderson said, noting the wide-reaching impact the event has on visitor arrivals and the benefits it creates for local performers and businesses.

“The economic activity stirred by this festival is one that trickles into the pocket of the ordinary man helping to transform lives,” she added.

Henderson also encouraged members of the St Kitts and Nevis diaspora to return home for the event.

“Come home and experience the island that has shaped you,” she said.

The full list of performers announced includes Fantasia, Machel Montano, Mavado, V’ghn, Beres Hammond, Shelly and Signal Band, Luciano, D’yani, Zu, Valiant, Brandon, Rucas H.E., Masicka, Shaneil Muir, Steel Pulse, Kranium, Gharlic and The Upper Level Band, Aidonia, Voice, Rodney Tattat, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser and The Blak Soil Band, Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, and Nu Vybes Band International.

Festival organisers said a special announcement is expected on February 6.

The 2026 St Kitts Music Festival is scheduled for June 25 to 27.