Fresh off their sold-out The Boy Is Mine Tour, global R&B icons Monica and Brandy have been confirmed as headliners for the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, joining an already stellar lineup featuring Grammy Award winning artists Ella Mai and TEMS, alongside internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Esperanza Spalding.
The festival will take place from April 30 to May 11, with the announcement igniting international excitement and reaffirming its status as one of the Caribbean’s most iconic and influential cultural experiences.
From timeless jazz to global rhythms, the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival returns with a vibrant musical journey that draws thousands of visitors from across the world. The lineup spans Afro beats, jazz, rock, gospel, soca, reggae, zouk, pop, and an eclectic mix of cultural sounds each bringing its own pulse to the island.
Set against the breathtaking waterside backdrop of the iconic Pigeon Island National Park, the festival’s open-air performances promise an immersive, unforgettable experience where music, culture, and destination collide.
To coincide with this announcement, early bird tickets for the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival are now officially on sale, giving fans the opportunity to secure their place at what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and destination excellence.
“Monica and Brandy’s inclusion add significant star power to an already dynamic and carefully curated lineup, elevating anticipation among music lovers, cultural tastemakers, and international travellers alike. Their performances promise to blend nostalgia with contemporary flair, aligning seamlessly with the festival’s tradition of showcasing world-class talent across genres while celebrating Caribbean culture, artistry, and creativity,” said Festival Chairman, Thaddeus M. Antoine.
As of February 10, 2026, the musical lineup is as follows, with more details to be announced:
April 30 – Opening Night: A powerful fusion of Caribbean and international sounds featuring Capleton, Valiant, Asa Bantan, D’YANI, Shervon Sealy, LM Stone, and American country artist Amber Digby.
May 5 -7 – Pure Jazz & Kingdom Night: Ladies in Concert: An elegant celebration of jazz artistry with the internationally acclaimed Esperanza Spalding, Chantal Esdelle & Moyenne, and Saint Lucian talents Camille Charlemagne and Leandra Modeste. An uplifting evening of praise and worship featuring Grammy-nominated American gospel singer and songwriter Tye Tribbett, Ada Ehi, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers, Nigela St. Clair-Daniel, and Saint Lucian gospel all-stars. Elements of the Arts: World-class jazz meets creative expression with the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jesse Billy, and a special arts production by the Cultural Development Foundation.
Friday, May 8 – Caribbean Fusion: A high-energy showcase of regional brilliance with Kes the Band, The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson and Skip Marley, Dexta Daps, and the Saint Lucian Mélange led by the reigning Groovy Soca King Imran Nerdy.
Saturday, May 9 – World Beats: A genre-blending night under the stars featuring Grammy Award winning Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and genre-blending sound that fuses Afrobeats, R&B, and global pop, Tems and Grammy Award winning British R&B singer-songwriter celebrated for her smooth vocals, timeless sound, and chart-topping hits Ella Mai. Sharing the stage is the dynamic French Caribbean artist from Martinique X-Man, Lu City, Princess Lover, Les Aiglons de Guadeloupe, and October 4.
Sunday, May 10 – The Ultimate Celebration on Mother’s Day: will deliver an unforgettable grand close to the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, headlined by Grammy Award-winning icons Monica and Brandy. Sharing the stage on this spectacular night is solo guitarist from Saint Lucia Kyle Ernest, British soul legend Beverley Knight alongside Mervin Wilkinson and Friends, and the legendary hitmaker Billy Ocean, whose timeless, feel-good classics make him the perfect soundtrack for a joyful Mother’s Day celebration. This star-studded finale is set to be a powerful, emotional, and celebratory end to an extraordinary festival.
The Saint Lucia arts scene comes alive from April 30 to May 12, 2026, building on the celebrated Art and the City theme introduced in 2023. This flagship showcase will span the island, featuring an exciting mix of visual art, live music, spoken word, theatre, and immersive cultural experiences that highlight Saint Lucia’s creative spirit. Travel to Saint Lucia with ease, with direct flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) available on Air Canada and WestJet.