The St. Kitts Music Festival returns from June 26–28, marking its 27th year with a bold mix of sound and style. Reggae, soca, R&B, and dancehall still headline the bill — but 2025 brings something new. For the first time, stringband music takes the stage.
Flying the flag for Nevis is the Honey Bees Stringband, set to perform on opening night, Thursday, June 26, at Warner Park Stadium. Formed in the late 1960s and led by Nevisian cultural figure David Freeman, the band has long celebrated the island’s rich musical past.
Today, the group is managed by Colin Freeman Jr, who says the band’s performance will be a vibrant showcase of Caribbean roots. Expect a lively mix of acoustic rhythms shaped by banjo, fife, triangle, baho, and guiro — all played with warmth and wit.
Blending folk traditions with calypso, reggae, and African beats, the Honey Bees have built a sound that feels both local and far-reaching. Their music tells stories. It dances, uplifts, and gets people moving.
This year’s festival promises big names and high energy, but Nevis will bring heart. Don’t miss the Honey Bees Stringband as they step into the spotlight for the first time in St. Kitts.
For full lineup details and ticket info, visit stkittsmusicfestival.com.
Also read:
David Freeman: The Nevisian Voice Behind the Honey Bees Stringband
