Reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji has touched down in Saint Lucia with a blazing message of love, unity, and cultural pride as he prepares to open the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. The legendary Jamaican artist will take the stage on Wednesday night alongside Gretchen Wilson, Lady Lava, Dominican bouyon acts, and top Saint Lucian performers in what promises to be a powerful and unforgettable start to the festival.
At a meet and greet hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), Sizzla expressed heartfelt gratitude and reverence for his connection to the island, describing Saint Lucia as “another home.” His appearance at this year’s festival marks his first performance in Saint Lucia since 2019.
“It feels fresh, rejuvenating as I’m back home, another home, and I’m honored being here, being welcomed by the people, the citizens of this country,” he said. “I’m always in the highest spirit to be here to perform for the beautiful people, as I’m here with the Fire House Crew to furnish the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival as part of our civic duty.”
Sizzla, one of reggae’s most prolific and influential voices, is known for iconic tracks like “Thank You Mama,” “Solid as a Rock,” “Give Me a Try,” “Woman I Need You,” “Praise Ye Jah,” and “Black Woman and Child.” His music blends fiery social commentary with uplifting messages of love, spirituality, and African identity.
When asked what fans can expect from his performance on opening night, Sizzla promised a heartfelt and energetic experience.
“More gi, more love… up close and personal, meeting and greeting the people, families from that time till then. Just be happy, be one family, one surrounding,” he said.
Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, formally welcomed Sizzla and thanked him not just for performing, but for what his presence symbolizes for the island.
“I want to welcome you on behalf of the government and all the people of Saint Lucia,” Lewis remarked. “And secondly, I want to thank you for putting your whole reputation behind us, because you are here, and this is what we do for a living, which is the Jazz & Arts Festival. That’s the lifeblood of Saint Lucia and that’s the marketing arm, and you are part of it. The fortunate and unfortunate thing about it is that we are using your reputation to market Saint Lucia, and I would like to thank you for agreeing to come.”
He also shared a personal moment with the artist:
“We are very happy to have you. You used to be on a CD for me, but now I see you in person,” Lewis said, presenting Sizzla with a tourism token. “‘Let Her Inspire You’ is the brand tagline of Saint Lucia, and I know you will be inspired.”
Sizzla responded with words of cultural and spiritual solidarity, invoking the broader Caribbean and African diasporic identity:
“On behalf of our ancestors and the nation of Jamaica, our Caribbean island, and Trinidad
