...Tributes paid to fallen musicians
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — SOCA icon Machel Montano proved once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in the genre, delivering an electrifying performance that left patrons at the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival wanting more.
As the headline act on the opening night of the festival's 28th edition, Montano took fans on a musical journey through his decades-long career, performing a string of hits from his early years to more recent chart-topping favourites. The high-energy set kept the crowd on its feet as Warner Park came alive with singing, dancing, waving, and the occassional jumping.
Songs such as 'Pardy' had thousands of fans joining in, with Montano feeding off the energy of the audience throughout his performance.
The Soca superstar also expressed his delight at returning to the St. Kitts Music Festival stage after several years away, thanking fans for the warm welcome.
"You know, my songs are not just about whining or jumping and waving. It's about raising the spirit of the human, lifting the human being. It's about humility," he said.
"It's about love. And, you know, when you take time to make good classic songs, I've been blessed to have a great catalogue. But I also work alongside a lot of different people, young writers, young producers."
Montano's performance lasted just over an hour, with many patrons leaving impressed and wishing for an encore.
"I think it's just about keeping your finger on the pulse, knowing what is new, but knowing what works," he added.
Bringing the opening night to a close in the early hours of Friday (June 26) was Trinidadian Soca artiste Voice, whose energetic performance featured several of his popular hits. Although he entertained a smaller crowd than earlier in the night, those who remained responded enthusiastically.
The evening got off to a lively start with performances from Brandon and Rucas HE, who helped build the atmosphere as patrons steadily filled Warner Park ahead of the headline acts.
Rucas, no stranger to the St. Kitts Music Festival stage, made his fourth appearance at the event and his second as a solo artiste after previously performing with Grand Masters.
He explained that this year's performance marked a new chapter in his musical journey.
"I am now identifying myself as a wider artiste and not a soca artiste," he said. "That is what made this year different for me, and that is what it's going to be going forward."
Veteran Barbadian entertainer Edwin Yearwood and Crossfire also delighted fans with a nostalgic set, proving that their music continues to resonate with audiences across the Caribbean.
"It feels fantastic to be back here at the St. Kitts Music Festival," Yearwood told SKNVibes.
One of the emotional highlights of the evening came when the All-Star Band paid tribute to the late King Ellie Matt, performing several of his best-known songs in honour of the legendary calypsonian. The tribute was warmly received by the audience, many of whom sang along in celebration of his musical legacy.
The opening night concluded shortly before 3:00 a.m., giving patrons a chance to recharge before returning for what promises to be another exciting night of performances as the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival continues.
