The Performers at the Virgin Islands Music Festival
by Claudia Colli
A legacy of dynamic music and community was revived this May when the Virgin Islands Music Festival came to the BVI. The star-studded event, was held from May 24 to 26 featuring a lineup of top local and international reggae, soca and R&B artists.
The BVI has had a varied history of music festivals. One of the islands’ first music fests was the Cedar School Mother’s Day Music Festival which took place in the 1990s. The event, which helped raise money for the school, enlisted local musicians such as Reuben, the Spark Plugs and Al Frett among many others. I remember it as a fun day of good food, music and local camaraderie, the hallmarks of any good music festival.
Then there was the Cane Garden Bay Music Festival, another great community event, which brought thousands of music lovers to the beachside community for three days of top local and international music. I enjoyed listening to artists who varied from reggae to soul; sand between my toes and the sound of water lapping in the background. I was positively bowled over when Roberta Flack sang one year; Buji Bonton also headlined that evening. The Cane Garden Bay Music Fest played for the last time in 2014 disappointing its many fans.
The Virgin Islands Music Festival carried on this tradition of good music and community connection in a tropical setting.
Clive McCoy, Director of the BVI Tourist Board stated at a news conference “Prepare to be blown away by an incredible lineup of world-class artists who will grace the stage with their extraordinary talent.”
The event was held behind the Admin Complex in Road Town.
The star lineup at the Virgin Islands Music Festival was an eclectic mix of musical genres. Meet some of the local stars and international names that took to the stage:
Friday, May 24
Rotimi: You probably know Rotimi, from his roles as Darius Morrison on the Starz series, Boss, and as Andre Coleman on Power. He has also appeared in such films as the box office hits, Divergent and Deuces. But as well-known as he is for his acting, the Nigerian American actor is also a contemporary R&B artist. Rotimi has released two digital mixtapes, titled The Resume In March 2011 and While You Wait released in November 2011. His videos have been featured on international and U.S. based entertainment media including MTV, MTV Base, and VH1 Soul.
Star Martin: Star Martin, a St. Thomas native, who moved to the states as a teenager, appeared in the preview of Season 23 of The Voice where she sang the Bob Marley song No Woman No Cry. But her musical tastes also favor SOCA which she credits with her Virgin Islands upbringing. There is a link to the video of Star performing on The Voice at the end of this story.
VIBE: The BVI group, VIBE – Islands Based Entertainment – will be playing on Friday as well. The band, which is led by Jougo, is the reigning road march champions for the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival. Before that, he had been an original member, vocalist and songwriter of The Showtime Band, where his influence is reflected in the band’s seven Road March titles.
Monéa: International Recording Artist Monéa’s album features production from Nova Elite Audio, Jay Alexander, and Marvelus Production Team. It showcases Monéa’s whimsical lyricism and is a contemporary fusion of Dancehall, Pop and Hip-Hop. Among her works are Pressure Busspipe, Timo of R. City, Mystro of Cool Breeze Band, and Th3rd. Originally from the British Virgin Islands, Monéa is the first lady of ‘Island Gyal Cartel”.
Xtreme Band: Popular BVI Band Xtreme featuring Pascal will also be playing on Saturday. This is one of the BVI’s favorite bands and has been a contender for the Festival Road March Champions several times over the years.
Sunday, May 26
Gramps Morgan: Gramps is a Jamaican American singer-songwriter and music producer. He is the son of well-known reggae artist Denroy Morgan, and member of Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage. Most of his brothers and sisters are also in the music business. Gramps Morgan currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where he is an active community member and hosts his own radio show on Acme Radio.
Freddie Jackson: International recording artist, Freddie Jackson will bring his smooth R& B melodies to the Festival on Sunday. This big name in contemporary R& B is known for multiple hit songs. Tasty Love,” Have You Ever Loved Somebodyand Jam Tonight, all hit number one on the American pop charts. Another platinum-seller, Just Like the First Time continued Jackson’s dominance of the R&B singles charts.
Sistah Joyce: Calypso artist Sistah Joyce is a Virgin Gorda favorite. Her sassy calypso tunes are popular through the VI. And she is a regular contender at the August Emancipation Festival Calypso Contest, a festival highlight.
There are many more artists performing at the Festival. For a complete lineup go to: https://www.bvitourism.com/virgin-islands-music-festival on the BVI Tourist Board’s website.
For the video of Star Marin on The Voice, go to:
