A Small Island Delivers Big
It’s an honour to have the celebrated journalist and broadcaster Brenda Emmanus OBE bring her round up of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival to the online and print pages of ALT A REVIEW.
“A Small Island Delivers Big on Arts and Music” by Brenda Emmanus OBE
With top music stars such as Burna Boy and Taurus Riley performing to super excited crowds in one week, the beautiful island of Saint Lucia is doing much to cement its status as a significant player amongst destinations offering more than sun, sea and sand. (main image credit Babyface Andrea De Silva)
Although loving their visit, Burna and Taurus were not part of the official programme for the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. The annual event regularly draws an eclectic mix of artists and performers showcasing their music and craft to local and international audiences. 2024’s offering was cleverly curated, with themed nights to appeal to gospel, reggae, r’n’b, soca and soft rock fans (yes, it’s a popular genre in the Caribbean!) hence the curious addition of Air Supply on the final night.
Of course, as the name implies, Jazz still flows strongly through the festival’s veins and across the island, a host of jazz talent produced impressive offerings.
One of the highlights was an event showcasing some outstanding female jazz performers. Entitled ‘Pure Jazz Ladies in Concert,’ it featured true gems including the phenomenal multi grammy award winner Samara Joy, Saint Lucian talent Christa Bailey and Trinidad’s finest, Vaughnette Bigford.
“When we talk about jazz in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is the benchmark and I came to the festival once and decided it would be good for me” states Vaughnette Bigford, as dynamic off stage as her performance under the spotlight. “I sing primarily jazz in a country steeped in Soca and calypso, so sometimes we have to fight to prove that we have a place at home.”
Back in Trinidad, Vaughnette produces events in an attempt to find new and innovative ways to make her love of jazz palatable for local audiences who have Soca in their blood.
“I see myself as a woman of the world. When I started out, I wanted to be like those North American jazz singers, but I am also tapped into what is indigenous to us. I am a Trini, and my waist has to move!”
Her worldly influences were certainly evident on the night- providing a set fused with African, Caribbean and jazz influences, all served up with skilful vocals and an energy reminiscent of Tina Turner at her best.
Although a regular at the festival, this was the first time that local artist Christa Bailey had performed a solo set at the prestigious event. Nerves were transformed into a commanding performance and the sheer relief of winning over a home crowd
.
“I’ve performed in foreign countries and received a good response, but it’s different getting it from your own people. They can be quite a tough crowd so to see them being so positive and receptive of the music was a blessing.”
A blessing to everyone was the presence of the 24-year-old jazz star Samara Joy. The American absorbed the pressure and privilege of being a headline act while her audience absorbed every drop of every note delivered by this precariously talented young woman. Gracefully, she embodied the vocal ability and class of jazz icons such as Sarah Vaughan and Billy Holiday.
“I love festivals” claimed the stunning singer, still buzzing backstage from her outstanding performance. “I love getting to hear other artists and the diversity of talent and exchanges that festivals bring.”
Much is made of her being an old soul, but this Gen Z queen is thrilled by the fact that young people are drawn to pure jazz in the same way she had fallen in love with it. “I think it’s beautiful and I can see it as my audiences grow. All my heroes started out when they were young. The appeal of the music to young people has always been there. A lot of the singers and musicians took it and made it their own, and I can see myself doing that now.
“When I first started singing, I felt that I was imitating a lot and trying to absorb the style of this person and that. Now I feel I am still inspired by those influences, but I’ve created my own individual style.”
Also keeping the vibes high over days of musical celebrations were seasoned greats such as Babyface, Afrobeat star Davido, the King of Soca Machel Montano and reggae icon Beres Hammond. Heading slickly towards his seventh decade on earth, the Jamaican star’s love songs proved so popular with the crowd who sang in unison and could have performed his whole set for him.
“I’m proud that everywhere I go the crowds embrace and appreciate what I have to give” he beamed. “I think the music says something and if even one of my songs has a positive impact on somebody’s life, then I’ve fulfilled my mission.”
For the powerhouse that is Machel Montano, personal ambitions include global recognition for Caribbean music, on the par with the explosion of Afrobeat worldwide.
“Caribbean music is Afrobeat.” He states “Those African rhythms came across the Atlantic and we transformed them into Soca, Calypso, Dennery Segment……now if we dropped our borders, we would be unlimited. If the Caribbean spoke as one voice the potential is huge. Right now, we are ‘glocal’ in that one Soca beat could be rocking the whole of the Caribbean, so with a push our music could become a global phenomenon. We must put aside our differences and speak as one.”
Music aside, what has been striking this year has been the conscious effort to push the Arts element of the festival. Across the island were a host of events that ranged from orchestral performances from school children, spoken word, dance theatre from the inspiring Silver Shadow Dance Academy and visual art exhibitions showcasing an eclectic range of Caribbean talent.
The internationally renowned artist and proud Saint Lucian, Llewellyn Xavier was officially awarded National Cultural Icon status and presented the largest solo exhibition ever produced on the island with over 800 artworks on show inspired by the vibrant landscapes of the island but on a wider scale, concern for the environment globally.
“It has been a hard but wonderful experience producing such a large body of work. Caribbean artists are uniquely positioned to share their Joie de Vivre and our vibrant colours. The Arts festival has proven to be a very important platform to showcase Saint Lucian artistic talent and to inspire young people. My ambition is to continue to exhibit worldwide and hope that generations following will be accepted in the global artistic community.”
The rich tapestry of musical and artistic expression presented at the Festival certainly gives this tropical island bragging rights, but as Darwin Guard, the Chairman of its Cultural Development Foundation points out, the mission is more ambitious and collaborative than to boast.
“What we want to do is expand conversations across the Caribbean to Africa and beyond, not just with the usual suspects but with anyone that believes that African art and black culture per se is thriving and deserves to be recognised and appreciated everywhere. We want to invite people from overseas, from different cultures and aspects of the arts to have conversations with us so that we can build a cultural hub that continues this work beyond the festival.”
The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival returns in May 2025
Recognized as the leading jazz festival in the Caribbean, the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival & Arts Festival showcases the most exceptional talents in contemporary jazz. Renowned artists perform in both intimate venues and public settings across the entire island, creating a captivating musical experience. More about Brenda Emmanus OBE: https://brendaemmanus.com/
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