The St Kitts Tourism Authority reaffirmed its commitment to the development of local music and musicians at the contracting session for local artiste Infamus for the upcoming St Kitts Music Festival. The festival is to be staged at the island’s Warner Park, Thursday June 24 to Saturday June 26.

The event, initially held in 1996 as a stimulant for the tourism market, has bloomed into a three day Festival featuring top talents from St Kitts, the region and the world. Tourism Minister Richard Skerritt gave a glowing endorsement for the event at the recent signing, praising its intention to feature the best talent from St Kitts accompanied by the best talent in the world. “It’s been a tremendous opportunity for local acts,” he stated. “I am excited to be a part of this event.”

These thoughts were echoed by the chairman of the executive committee of the festival Faron Lawrence as he officially signed Infamus, one of the emerging stars from the island who is steadily gaining popularity in the region. Lawrence declared that the festival was structured to ensure visitors were exposed to a unique experience centered around local music.

“Our vision was not to mirror other Festivals in the region, but make it special for visitors and others alike. It is to expose the talent of the musicians and artistes with a view to building capacity in the music sector,” he explained. He went on to note that the Festival also provides a medium for local musicians to capitalize on international examples of success.

“Many of our youth are provided year after year with opportunities to enhance their abilities and skills, through the many workshops which are offered by the number of internationally acclaimed artistes,” he said.

Infamus, a household name in St Kitts, promises a show like no other. “It definitely is an honour and a pleasure being signed to such a prestigious event such as this music festival. Ever since I a little boy, just looking on and being there, in the crowd and looking at some of the acts, it gave a vibe and knowing I was musically inclined, I was always looking forward to being signed, so it definitely a pleasure,” he remarked.

Since its inception in 1996, the festival has hosted some of the world’s leading performers. Among them are Brian McKnight, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Masud Sadiki, Morgan Heritage, Kool and the Gang, Sparrow, Eve, The Grand Masters, NuVybes, Busta Rhymes, Freddie McGregor, Destra, Kenny Rogers, Boys II Men, Wyclef Jean, Atlantic Starr, and Lady Saw.

The St Kitts Music Festival takes place June 24-26 at the Warner Park Stadium.