Culturama 51 Officially Launched in Charlestown

The 51st edition of Nevis’ Culturama festival, a vibrant celebration of Nevisian culture and heritage, was officially launched on June 20th, 2025, amidst escalating excitement both on the island and internationally. The launch event, held at the Charlestown Waterfront, was a dynamic showcase of Nevisian talent, featuring performances from various artists, including the Sugar Hill String Band, masquerades, clowns, dancers, poets, drummers, steel pan musicians, and popular local artists like Delly Ranks, Rocco Dan, and Ras Browne. The reigning Culturama 50 Junior Kaiso Monarch also graced the stage, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. The event served as a platform to introduce the contestants for several key Culturama competitions, including the Miss Culture Queen pageant, Mr. Kool competition, Miss Culture Swimwear pageant, Mr. & Miss Talented Youth Pageant, and the Junior Kaiso Competition, further amplifying the anticipation for the upcoming festival.

Honourable Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier and Minister of Culture, addressed the gathering, commending the performers and the meticulous planning of the launch event. He expressed his admiration for the contestants, highlighting their vibrancy and energy, and predicted captivating performances during the main festival events at the NEDACS Complex. Reflecting on the resounding success of the 50th anniversary celebrations in the previous year, he emphasized the Culturama Committee’s dedication to surpassing the high standard set by Culturama 50, ensuring that the 2025 festival would be an extraordinary experience. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of Mr. Swain Evelyn and the committee, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a festival that is second to none.

Evelyn also made a public appeal for further sponsorship, expressing gratitude to existing sponsors, including the title sponsors, and inviting potential sponsors to join in supporting what he described as the Caribbean’s premier summer event. The introduction of the contestants marked a significant moment in the launch, generating further buzz and anticipation for the upcoming competitions. The Miss Culture Queen contestants, each representing different sponsors, included Shadelle Mitchell, Akeda Nisbett, Celina Brown, and Reneé Davis. The Mr. Kool competition featured Shamar Pemberton, Joestan Eddy, Orzel Webbe, Voigel Marsham, and Jadan Liburd, each representing various local establishments. The Miss Culture Swimwear contestants, also representing local entities, included Jeymi Peets, Keedencia Harris, T-Karli Edwards, and Karina Dore.

The launch also provided a glimpse of the younger talent participating in the Republic Bank Mr. & Miss Talented Youth Pageant, representing five primary schools across Nevis, and the young calypsonians vying for the Junior Kaiso Competition title, sponsored by First Federal Cooperative Credit Union and the Greenhouse Band. This showcasing of young talent underscores the festival’s commitment to nurturing and promoting the next generation of Nevisian artists. The introduction of these participants emphasized the festival’s focus on the continuity of Nevisian culture and heritage.

With pre-Culturama activities like Soca Teasers and Kaiso Tents already generating excitement across the island, the main Culturama 51 events, including fringe activities, are scheduled from July 24th to August 5th. These pre-festival events serve as a prelude to the main festivities, building anticipation and immersing the island in the Culturama spirit. The theme for Culturama 51, “Nevisian Pride, Second to None, Culturama 51!”, encapsulates the essence of the festival, celebrating the unique cultural identity of Nevis. The launch event served as a successful kick-off, generating excitement and setting the stage for a memorable celebration of Nevisian culture.

Culturama 51 promises to be a vibrant explosion of music, tradition, and authentic Nevisian energy, continuing the legacy of excellence that has solidified the festival’s position as a highlight of the Caribbean cultural calendar. The festival offers a diverse array of activities, catering to a wide range of interests, from music and dance to pageantry and culinary experiences. The focus on Nevisian pride reflects the festival’s role in preserving and promoting the island’s unique cultural heritage.

The successful launch of Culturama 51, with its dynamic showcase of talent and the introduction of contestants, promises a vibrant and memorable festival. The anticipation generated by the launch event ensures that Culturama 51 will be a resounding success, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of Nevisian culture and a highlight of the Caribbean’s summer festival calendar. The commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent underscores the festival’s dedication to preserving and promoting Nevisian culture for generations to come. The various competitions and performances offer a platform for local artists to shine, while also providing entertainment for locals and visitors alike.

The theme “Nevisian Pride, Second to None, Culturama 51!” resonates deeply with the festival’s mission, reinforcing the importance of celebrating and preserving Nevisian heritage. The meticulous planning and organization, evident in the launch event, promise a well-executed and unforgettable cultural experience. The emphasis on community involvement, evident in the participation of schools and local organizations, further strengthens the festival’s role as a unifying force within the Nevisian community.