Hip hop star Fetty Wap, Soca stars Destra and Kes as well as reggae sensation Sizzla Kalonji have been announced as part of the final roster for the St. Kitts Music Festival running from June 27 to July 1.
The Music Festival Committee in December announced Lauryn Hill, Patti Labelle and Spice as three acts that will feature on the Festival but recently announced the full roster that will feature artistes from varying genres of music.
Speaking with media representatives Head of the Artiste Selection Committee of the Music Festival Committee Jonel Powell said there has been a lot of negotiating and seeking artistes who are available. It is about timing, and working with agents and we were able to pull it off.
Powell commenting on the earliest ever launch of the full roster highlighted the benefits of having the artistes in place for visitors and locals. Coming out with an early launch people who want to visit will get six months to prepare themselves, put things in order and make sure they are here for the festival. Locally, to make sure we bring a slate of artistes that local people are going to see and hear.
He however noted that with artiste fees going up and fees for the festival remaining stagnant has resulted in a reduction in the amount of box office.
This year we tried to go with less quantity and more quality. The reality is the cost of artiste and performance fees have been going up every year and so in the absence of our budget going up we took the decision to try and find a bit more quality acts, Powell said.
He added that they will also be making a concerted effort to end each night of the festival earlier than done in the past. We are based on our projections set to finish at oneo clock each night.
Powell also indicated that there will be an increase in the ticket prices to $135 but early bird tickets will start as low as $95. There is a restructuring of the tickets. The final amount of $135 is very reasonable. If you go anywhere regionally or you are not going to get this kind of line up for the price. We are still giving you your moneys worth.
He also stated that he was confident that the public would be pleased with the lineup. We are really confident that people are going to enjoy the line up so far the reaction has been positive. I guess a lot of people have ideas and emotions from last year so the pressure was really on.
Powell also stated that the number of local artistes have also been reduced but still have a significant inclusion.
We have reduced the number of visiting acts as well as local acts but if you look from a percentage standpoint we have maintained a 20-25 percent local artiste inclusion. The whole thing is to make more than three nights of concerts and make it a festival with different days and different events.
The line-up so far is as follows:
On Thursday night: Spice, Destra, Kes the Band, Nailah Blackman, Nu Vybes and Small Axe Band.
Friday night: Sizzla, August Alsina, Ishawna, Wayne Wonder, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Dejour and Byron Messia.
Saturday night: Fetty Wap, Lauryn Hill, Patti Labelle, Rhythm of the Beat
