DFC releases the lineup of bands and artists for this year’s 19th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF)

The Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) released the lineup of bands and artists for this year’s (19th) World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) last night, (Wednesday 22nd June 2016), at the Anchorage Hotel in Castle Comfort. The festival is scheduled for 28th to 30th October 2016, at the Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau.
 
Minister for Tourism & Urban Renewal, Senator Robert Tonge, announced an increased budget, to one million dollars, citing this is an indication of government’s commitment toward ensuring this year’s festival “will be much better”.
 
The WCMF 2016 Line-up is as follows:
 
Friday (28th October 2016) – Timaya of Nigeria; Midnight Groovers; Original Bouyon Pioneers of Dominica; Kreyol La from Haiti, Grand Mechant Zouk of the French Antilles; Popcaan from Jamaica, and Triple Kay Global of Dominica.
 
Saturday (29th October 2016) - Xtasy Band of Dominica; Dede Saint Prix of Martinique; Ophelia Marie of Dominica; Kes The Band of Trinidad; Mr Killa of Grenada; Morgan Heritage of Jamaica; Wyclef Jean of Haiti; and WCK of Dominica.
 
Sunday (30 October 2016) – Breve and more of Dominica; Ti Mickey; Michelle Henderson of Dominica; Gentleman; Asa Bantan of Dominica; and Akon of Africa.
 
Last year, the WCMF was cancelled due to the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, and according to Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Festivals Committee, Colin Piper, this launch is “an historical occasion” because it is taking place after a one-year absence, which was “filled with emotion” as a result of the loss suffered during the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.
 
The WCMF, which was initiated to create a platform on which Dominica and the creole world culture could be celebrated and exposed, and is presented by the Dominica Government of Dominica along with Digicel Dominica and other corporate partners.