Shabba Ranks and Kes to headline 73rd annual St. Thomas Carnival Village

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals have unveiled the performance line-up for the highly anticipated 73rd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village, set to kick off on Monday, April 28. This year’s event promises six free Village Nights, headlined by global dancehall icon Shabba Ranks and international soca superstar Kes.

- Advertisement -

Advertisement

(function () {
var cb = Date.now();
var url = "https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackimp/N46002.2579645CARIBBEANNATIONALW/B31194710.438827226;dc_trk_aid=631925257;dc_trk_cid=249092787;ord=[timestamp];dc_dbm_token=${DC_DBM_TOKEN};dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1?"".replace("[timestamp]", cb);
var img = new Image(1,1);
img.src = url;
})();

USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte expressed his excitement, saying, “This year’s St. Thomas Carnival is going to be at another level. We’re thrilled to bring global talent to our islands while continuing to showcase local talent. The Village Night performers reflect the ongoing growth and influence of our three territorial carnivals.”

The event will feature a stellar line-up of local talent, including Pressure Busspipe, Adam O, Th3rd, Star Martin, Mic Love, Temisha, Shaw HP, and Spectrum Band, all taking the stage to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.

USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull emphasized the significance of the annual celebrations, stating, “These festivals are special because they highlight the best of Caribbean culture and celebrate the rich traditions that unite us all. Our goal is to authentically showcase Caribbean artistry and talent for all those attending the festival.”

The Carnival will also showcase international acts, with Dominican bouyon band Triple Kay, merengue sensation El Blachy, and Trinidadian soca star Voice offering a diverse blend of musical styles that cater to the varied tastes of both residents and visitors.

On Thursday, May 1, the festivities will continue with the traditional J’ouvert, featuring Virgin Islands breakout star Pumpa and Vincentian soca legend Skinny Fabulous. The night will culminate in a Wet Fete with performances from B-Squad, Quan, and Sisa.

Uber Free Rides 728x90

This year’s Carnival promises to be a celebration of Caribbean culture, blending global and local talent for an unforgettable experience.

 

More Stories

buju banton

Buju Banton stands tall on WYFL Riddim as veterans command the spotlight

The WYFL Riddim may have been built for the new wave, but it’s the veterans who are currently owning the moment. Earlier this week,...
Bad Bunny super bowl

After Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment, could reggae or dancehall be next?

This year’s Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just a performance. It was a cultural referendum when Latino superstar Bad Bunny graced the stage in...
Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin drops ‘Don’t Have to Ask’ for Valentine’s Day

Jamaican reggae-soul singer Christopher Martin is set to release a new single, “Don’t Have to Ask,” on February 14, 2026, marking the latest collaboration...
All smiles as the man himself, Buju Banton made a surprise visit to the City of Lauderdale Lakes

City of Lauderdale Lakes proclaims ‘Buju Banton Day’ during Reggae Month celebration

The City of Lauderdale Lakes marked Reggae Month by officially proclaiming Feb. 10, 2026, as “Buju Banton Day,” honoring the Grammy Award-winning reggae artist...
Don Corleon

Don Corleon’s classic Drop Leaf Riddim echoes on J. Cole’s new album

Nearly two decades after it reshaped the sound of modern dancehall, Don Corleon’s Drop Leaf Riddim is once again commanding international attention — this...

Brandy and Monica set to light up St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival

R&B fans, get ready — Brandy and Monica are officially heading to St. Lucia. The iconic hitmakers have been announced as part of the St....

Gramps Morgan, Antigua PM team up on ‘Reparations’ single for Reggae Month

As Reggae Month celebrations intensify across the Caribbean, the genre’s legacy of resistance and social commentary is once again taking centre stage with a...

Minister Marion Hall to open Pot-Ah-Love Jamaican Restaurant in Tamarac

Grammy-winning dancehall artist-turned-minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, is set to open her own restaurant, Pot-Ah-Love Jamaican Restaurant, in Tamarac, Florida. The...
Trilla G

Trilla-G’s ‘Congratulations’ marks triumph over cancer

As Carnival season approaches, Trilla-G arrives with new music and a story. The Bouyon hitmaker has released “Congratulations,” a track that carries the familiar energy...
Bad Bunny super bowl

Opinion: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance proved identity and unity can coexist

I didn’t head into the Super Bowl as a Bad Bunny superfan — I know a few of his songs, and I expected a...

Latest Articles

Skip to content