…Patrice Roberts delights
ROSEAU, Dominica - THE 2023 World Creole Festival got off to a delightful start on Friday (Oct, 27), as Dominicans braved the drenching rains to enjoy the Culture and Pageantry that come with the event, as it boasts big names again this year.
With the Festival headlined by some of the most popular names in regional entertainment in the Soca and Creole industry for the 23rd edition, organizers were hopeful that the weather would not dampen the spirit - it however did not.
Soca artiste Patrice Roberts electrified with her performance at Windsor Park, lighting up the crowd who enjoyed the mix and match of her lyrics, as she explored her wide array of music from yesteryear to present, even belting out some of her new tunes.
That even had patrons gyrating to the pulsating sounds of Soca music.
Roberts told SKNVibes that her energy and performance were a thank you statement to the people of Dominica who showed her love, following her challenges last year where she was made to give way for the popular afrobeat artiste, Burna Boy.
From her ‘Drink Water’ lyrics to ‘Tender’, she left no one sitting or standing still.
But the evening belonged to Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit who could soon be heading into the music arena, as he took to the stage and joined Kenny G and others to sing one of their most pulsating sounds.
The Creole genre stood out and had the crowd rocking as they grooved into the wee hours of Saturday with Jamaican artiste Popcaan belting out his lyrics. But his performance did not match-up with his brightly themed green leaf outfit.
Meanwhile, as the Foestival got underway, the Director of Tourism and the World Creole Music Festival, Colin Piper, underscored the importance of the annual event to the country, explaining that it has brought significant economic benefits to the island during the off-peak period.
He disclosed that the Government had made more in returns than it invested in last year’s Festival.
“The economic impact was huge! As you can imagine, going from a two-year hiatus in visitor travel to having 7,000 people come in the span of a week. It was certainly something to behold! Businesses felt that and they were very appreciative of that,” said Piper.
The Government is expecting more than 7,000 visitors to the island, which by many seems small. But according to the Director, the numbers are increasing with the Festival, resulting in increased arrivals from regional source markets.
“That is about 10 percent of your annual arrival that happens within the span of a week or a week and a half. So, you can imagine the activity on the island from that many people,” the Director added.
This year’s World Creole Festival ran from October 27-29 at the Windsor Cricket Stadium in Roseau.
