BASSETERRE, St. Kitts. Dec. 21.17 - THE organizers of the St. Kitts Music Festival have revealed three popular artistes for the 2018 event, as part of the first wave of confirmed artistes.
Patti LaBelle, Lauryn Hill and Spice were the confirmed by Chairman of the Production Committee, Jonel Powell.
At a press conference today, Powell and other officials explained that a number of factors had to be taken into consideration in selecting these three, and the others to come.
Chief among the consideration, included budget, the need for an early finish, availability of acts and production.
According to the Ambassador, when it comes to the production, they are looking at ways to eliminate the long changeovers between performers and bands, as was evident during this year’s event.
Further, he stated that because it is a government funded event, they have to operate within a specified budget, which means cutting down on the number of acts performing.
“You would have heard that we need to finish early and that conclusion is agreed by everybody. And so, part of that has to do with the reducing of the number of acts.”
The media was told that in their attempt to reduce the number acts, the committee would be looking to increase the quality of acts and performances from the artistes.
“We have been blessed over the past 21 years to have some fantastic artistes coming to St. Kitts and perform, and we only intend to build upon that.”
New chairman of the Committee, Damien Hobson stated that it is a great day for the festival, in that, after 22 years they have surprised the public in releasing the first wave very early.
The businessman noted that the reaction to the notice of the announcement, which was first shared last week, has been encouraging.
“This has been the aim of the committee, and earlier this year the Minister with Responsibility for the Festival, Hon. Lindsay Grant challenged the team to work harder to make earlier announcements. Today, as the new chairman, I am happy that my team has made this occasion possible…”
Minister of Tourism, Lindsay Grant gave thanks to the outgoing Chairman, Farron Lawrence and his team for the work they have done in developing the event.
The 2018 Music Festival would be held from June 27 to July 1 on the cricket ground of Warner Park.
