The 26th edition of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival is set to live up to its tagline of “Three Nights of Pulsating Rhythms” after organisers unveiled a diverse lineup featuring international headliners alongside some of the island’s biggest homegrown talent.

The lineup was officially launched on Saturday, with the festival scheduled to take place from October 23 to 25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau.

This year’s programme spans multiple genres, including bouyon, soca, reggae, dancehall, kompa, Afrobeat and zouk, bringing together performers from across the Caribbean, Africa and North America.

Speaking during the launch, veteran Dominican performer Shelly praised the organisers for assembling what he described as an outstanding lineup while ensuring Dominican artistes remain at the heart of the festival.

“To the management of Signal Band, this year, if we are saying anything about the Discover Dominica Authority, Dominica Festivals Commission and the World Creole Music Festival, it has to be good things,” he said.

Shelly also commended the Dominica Festivals Commission for not only giving local artistes a place on the main stage but also prominently featuring them in the festival’s promotional campaign.

“The lineup is packed with something for everyone,” he added.

Among the Dominican acts taking the stage are Asa Bantan, Shelly and Signal Band, Midnight Groovers, Extasy Band, Colton T, Mr Ridge, TK International, Pudaz, DJ MJ and MV on De Keys, Nice, Gwada G, DJ Taffy, Unstoppable Shax, Rio, Trilla G and Edday.

International performers include Machel Montano and Full Blown from Trinidad and Tobago, with Full Blown making its World Creole Music Festival debut.

Dancehall stars Skillibeng, Capleton and Alkaline will represent Jamaica, while American singer and rapper Fridayy is also set to perform.

The lineup also features South African DJ Uncle Waffles, Congolese music icon Diblo Dibala, Grenadian soca star V’ghn, Guadeloupean performers Les Aiglons, Jean Marc Ferdinand and Maurane Voyer, along with Haitian kompa bands Klass and Tabou Combo.

Ahead of the main event, organisers will host a series of fringe activities beginning on October 18, building excitement across the island before the festival opens on October 23.

Now in its 26th year, the World Creole Music Festival remains one of the Caribbean’s premier music events, drawing thousands of patrons annually while celebrating Dominica’s Creole heritage and showcasing musical talent from around the world.