The St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 lineup was officially unveiled on 02nd February, 2026, with twenty-four regional and international artists confirmed for the 28th staging of the Federation’s premier music event, reinforcing the festival’s role as a major driver of tourism, cultural exchange, and economic activity.
The announcement was made during the St. Kitts Music Festival | LOADING event, where organisers revealed a diverse lineup that reflects the festival’s global reach and Caribbean roots. Artists set to perform include Fantasia, Machel Montano, Mavado, V’ghn, Beres Hammond, Shelly & Signal Band, Luciano, D’yani, Zu, Valiant, Brandon, Rucas H.E, Masicka, Shaneil Muir, Steel Pulse, Kranium, Gharlic & The Upper Level Band, Aidonia, Voice, Rodney Tattat, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band, Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah, and Nu Vybes Band International.
Tourism Minister and Minister with responsibility for the festival, Marsha Henderson, said the St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 lineup underscores the event’s strategic importance to the country’s tourism and economic agenda. She described the festival as a flagship tourism product that continues to stimulate visitor arrivals, support local businesses, and strengthen St. Kitts and Nevis’ position as a year-round destination.
“The St. Kitts Music Festival is far more than entertainment,” Minister Henderson said. “It is one of our flagship tourism products, driving visitor arrivals, supporting our businesses, and showcasing the creativity, the talent, and vibrant spirit of St. Kitts to the world.” She added that the economic activity generated by the festival “trickles into the pockets of the ordinary man,” contributing directly to livelihoods across the Federation.
Minister Henderson also extended a direct invitation to members of the diaspora, encouraging them to return home for the festival and reconnect with the island. She described the event as a homecoming that celebrates shared identity, culture, and partnership.
Chairman of the festival’s Executive Committee, Allister Williams, highlighted the significance of the upcoming 28th staging, noting that the longevity of the St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 lineup reflects vision, resilience, and sustained collaboration. He traced the festival’s origins to its beginnings in 1996 as the Shak Shak Music Festival, established to celebrate culture through music while generating economic opportunity for local communities.
Williams said the festival has since evolved into one of the Caribbean’s premier music events, growing in relevance through deliberate planning and a commitment to showcasing top regional and global acts. He emphasised that the festival’s continued success depends on maintaining high standards, ensuring safety, and delivering a memorable experience for audiences, visitors, and the wider community.
The 28th staging of the St. Kitts Music Festival is expected to attract significant numbers of tourists and diaspora visitors during the summer period, further supporting airlift, accommodation providers, vendors, and small businesses across the Federation. Organisers have also indicated that an additional announcement related to the festival is expected on 6th February, 2026.
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