Popcaan joins Buju

Another Jamaican act is slated to join Buju Banton on the 2019 staging of the St Kitts Music Festival.

Popcaan has been announced as a performer on the event which is scheduled to be held at the Kim Collins Stadium at Bird Rock from June 27 to 29.

Speaking at a recent event, St Kitts’ Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards, who also has responsibility for culture, said the line-up for this year’s festival has strong appeal for persons across all age groups and demographics.

“The music festival caters for all. Even the prime minister attends the music festival, and he enjoys it,” Richards said. “From all of the feedback that has been gathered thus far, it appears to me as though this year’s music festival is going to be if not the best, one of the better music festivals held thus far,” Richards said.

Buju Banton was released from a US prison in December 2018, after doing an eight-year sentence on drug-related charges. He is one of the acts headlining the three-night event, and Deputy Prime Minister Richards noted that the reggae singer was contracted by the committee due to his ability to attract a large crowd. Drawing patrons is a key factor that goes into an artiste selection by the committee.

Other acts confirmed to appear include American-Nigerian singer Davido, Vincentian soca artiste Skinny Fabulous, American rapper French Montana, Bajan soca artiste Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah. Confirmed acts such as American soul and pop singer Smokey Robinson, Trinidadian soca artiste Nadia Batson, and the local road march winners Small Axe Band.

He encouraged entrepreneurs to capitalise on the numerous direct and indirect economic opportunities that spin-off from the St Kitts Music Festival. This extends to selling food and drinks, selling merchandise and souvenirs, providing transportation, providing accommodations for visitors and much more.

The full artiste roster is as follows: Thursday June 27 — Davido, Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, Nadia Batson, Farmer Nappy, Rucas HE, Ras Vally, 5 Star Akil, Shal Marshall, Skinny Fabulous, AkaliUsweet, Fimba, Charly Black, and Nu Vybes Band International. Friday June 28 — Popcaan, French Montana, La Insuperable, Cocoa Tea, Infamus, Imark, and Small Axe Band. Saturday June 29 — Buju Banton, Smokey Robinson, Ella Mai, Mapy Omari Banks, and Melanin.