From BurnaBoy to JoeBoy

Another Nigerian singer will be the headliner for the 2023 version of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) to be staged at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, Dominica, from 27 October to 29 2023.

Revealed at the Friday launch of the WCMF, the Nigerian performer for 2023 is Afropop superstar Joseph Akinwale known professionally as Joeboy.

He has just released an album called "Normally". Part of the lyrics states:

"See my bros them turn up

Yeah my brother

Real life shit no Hannah Montana

Roll my J, go about my day

No brother like stress and I no like drama."

In 2022, another Nigerian, BurnaBoy, performed at the WCMF. He was paid handsomely.

An unconfirmed statement on Twitter said, "Burna Boy was paid $3 million to headline a global festival in Dominica in October 2022…This is the highest booking fee for an African Artiste ever".

BurnaBoy disappointed many Dominican fans when he arrived in Dominica one day late and according to some patrons his performance on stage was underwhelming.

Other performers at this year's WCMF are from:

Dominica: Extasy Band, Gordon Henderson; Michele Henderson; Midnight Groovers; TK International; Asa Bantan

Guadeloupe: Zouk All Stars featuring NJIE; Medhy Custos; Joëlle Ursull; Jean Luc Guanel

Haiti: Tabou Combo

Jamaica: Beres Hammond; Popcaan

Trinidad: Patrice Roberts; Machel Montano

At Friday's launch, Tourism Minister Denise Charles said Government is pumping EC$7 million into WCMF 2023.

"Now, I can't speak about the festival without acknowledging the strong commitment and support from the Government of Dominica," she said. "The investment of over 7 million for this year's festival is a testament to our belief in the power of culture and music."

Charles added: "We are honouring our roots and shooting for the stars with this 23rd edition under the theme Legacy, and what better occasion than the 45th celebrations of our independence to centre our festivities and evoke a sense of patriotism."