What a way to close the curtains on CARIFESTA XV.
Sunday night’s closing ceremony was nothing short of breathtaking — etched into memory for all who packed the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre and stayed on into the early hours.
From the moment the National Anthem played at 5:15 p.m., the atmosphere pulsed with anticipation. The parade of nations swept into the venue, flags aloft, as drums, voices and steelpan reverberated through the Botanical Gardens.
Peter Ram, backed by a mighty 22-piece tuk orchestra, ignited the stage with his 2025 Crop Over song Tuking Around, which became the most appropriate anthem for CARIFESTA XV. The spectacle grew as Shaggy Bears, green monkeys, Mother Sally, and other masquerade characters danced across the stage, reminding the audience of the deep roots of Caribbean folk traditions.
A combined steel orchestra led by Lowery Leon Worrell, CARIFESTA XV’s music coordinator, had the crowd dancing, jumping and enjoying his animated energy, climaxing when he flung his jacket into the audience. This was followed by the incomparable Arturo Tappin, who played soulful serenades, blending jazz, soca and R&B into an effortless Caribbean groove.
The formalities came with the addresses by CARICOM Assistant Secretary General for Human and Social Development, Dr Alison Drayton, Festival Director Carol Roberts and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, but soon the stage transformed for entertainment again as it was not the time for long speeches.
Two Mile Hill proved why they are among the region’s most exciting live acts, shifting seamlessly across genres — from R&B and reggae to pop and soca. Then came one of the most anticipated moments: Grammy-winning legends Steel Pulse. Their timeless hits filled the Amphitheatre with conscious lyrics in a gathering that embodied Caribbean identity.
But it was the reaction to Tarrus Riley’s appearance and voice that blew the roof off. From Gimme Likkle One Drop, Simple Blessings and She’s Royal to a cascade of hits that ended with Don’t Come Back, Riley commanded the stage with warmth and charisma, transforming thousands into one massive choir for about an hour. Every lyric was sung back to him, echoing across the venue as a chorus of one Caribbean. His playful saxophone duel with Dean Fraser brought nostalgia and fun, while a surprise appearance by Yung Bredda catapulted the night into another gear. Together, their performance of Greatest Ben Ova to a Tarrus track became a moment of pure regional unity.
Between sets, DJs Indian and Chris Gayle kept the vibes alive, their selections earning roaring responses from the masses. However, as the clock neared midnight, the stage belonged to Barbados — and Yung Bredda (again).
Darien Bailey and his band anchored the finale lineup.
Nikita charmed with her beautiful voice, Mikey lit up the crowd, while Yung Bredda returned with a carnival of bumpa anthems, including one kaiso – all of which had the audience in ecstatic motion.
Then came the titans, who unfortunately had to cut their sets short due to the time: Edwin Yearwood with Pump Me Up and Sak Passé, Li’l Rick with Call 911 and Bad Mind, and Queen of Soca Alison Hinds, who closed with her signature power vocals that included Born Wid It in a capella and crowd favourite, Faluma, while eyes turned skyward to the showstopper.
A dazzling drone show painted the night sky: visions of Caribbean flags, Mother Sally, flying fish in the sea, and the CARIFESTA logo, to mention a few, all floating brilliantly above the Amphitheatre. Fireworks followed, painting the heavens in a final burst of colour and celebration. And minutes to 1 a.m., the festival ended in true Caribbean fashion, ensuring that CARIFESTA XV was officially one for the books.
Keira St Rose and Tracy Moore
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