Afrobeats Icon Davido Set to Star in Crucian Christmas Festival with Show on January 6, 2024

The Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, through its Division of Festivals, unveiled the complete roster of performers for the 2023-2024 Crucian Christmas Festival on Wednesday, with Afrobeats sensation Davido topping the bill. Known for chart-toppers like “Fall”, “Fire”, “Risky”, and his latest hit “Unavailable”, Davido is set to bring down the house on the concluding night of the twelve-day festival during the island’s inaugural Afro-Soca night. He’ll share the stage with Soca dynamo Mr. Killa and local talents Mic Love, Bugz, Sisa, and Quan, all accompanied by the Blind Earz Band.

Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte expressed enthusiasm over the series of Festival Village Nights curated by the Division of Festivals for this year’s Crucian Christmas Festival. “In continuing to broaden our carnival festivities across the territory, offering top-notch entertainment to both residents and visitors remains a cornerstone of our efforts,” said Boschulte.

The musical fiesta at the Crucian Christmas Festival Village commences with the International Cultural Night on December 29, 2023, spotlighting legendary USVI ensembles like Stanley & The Ten Sleepless Knights, Spectrum Band, Xpress Band, and Cool Session Brass.

The festival’s Soca Night will be headlined by St. Croix’s own Adam O, alongside Virgin Islands luminary Pumpa and Trinidad’s beloved songstress Patrice Roberts. A Band-o-Rama night will follow, showcasing Virgin Islands’ ensemble Karnage and special guest Krosfyah hailing from Barbados, as they take over the Village with rhythmic beats.

Ian Turnbull, the Division of Festivals director, emphasized the significance of bridging cultural gaps between Africa and the USVI through the inclusion of a leading Afrobeats artist. “This marks a pivotal step in fostering cross-cultural exchanges, reaching back to our roots across the seas, and evolving our festivals into a globally recognized event,” stated Turnbull.

Kicking off the new year, the Village will host a Latin Night featuring Charlie Aponte, honoring the island’s vibrant Latin and Hispanic communities. The festival will continue to celebrate Caribbean heritage during the Lovers & Friends Reggae Night and Sweet Melanin-Ladies Night. Audiences will be treated to performances by Dexta Daps, Capleton, Kranium, Nadia Boston, and Virgin Islands’ very own Nikki Brooks. The nights will be headlined by Alison Hinds and the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra, adding a touch of regal flair to the musical extravaganza.