Jamaica’s Creative Powerhouse Heads to CARIFESTA XV in Barbados

Jamaica is set to make a vibrant impact at CARIFESTA XV, taking place in Barbados from August 22–31, 2025, with a dynamic 100-member delegation showcasing the island’s excellence across dance, theatre, film, music, comedy, craft, and more.

From the legendary National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) and L’Acadco to the infectious rhythms of Warrior King, Morgan Heritage, Jesse Royal, and Tarrus Riley, Jamaica’s delegation reflects the diversity and richness of the nation’s cultural identity.

Comedy with a Caribbean Twist

Popular comedians Owen “Blakka” Ellis and Christopher “Johnny” Daley will bring their sharp wit and charisma to the festival, marking a milestone for Jamaican stand-up on the CARIFESTA stage.

“I’m absolutely elated, humbled, honoured and privileged to be a member of the Jamaica contingent for CARIFESTA XV. This is a chance to highlight and share the things that distinguish us as Jamaicans while embracing and celebrating all that unites us as a Caribbean people,” declared Blakka Ellis. “It gives us a chance to connect with members of the Caribbean creative industries while sharing my talent with my colourful, charismatic and eclectic Caribbean family. I can’t wait! See you in Barbados,” declared Ellis, who is now a senior lecturer at the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts and trainer and lead comedy coach for the newly established Tourism Entertainment Academy.

One of Jamaica’s premier community dance groups,  The Tivoli Dance Troupe (TDT), will proudly join the Jamaica delegation for CARIFESTA XV. Founded in 1979 and built on the “Three D’s”, Discipline, Dedication, and Determination, the troupe evolved from an extra-curricular programme at Tivoli High School into an acclaimed cultural ambassador. Under the vision of its founder, Mrs. Jennifer Morgan-Garwood, and now guided by Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer Ms. Roberta Daley, with the support of administrators Annette Denniser, Veronica Sewell-Morgan, and Karen Lynford, the TDT has become the most decorated community dance group in Jamaica, amassing more than 3,000 gold medals at the Jamaica Festival of the Performing Arts. Beyond accolades, the troupe has empowered generations of Jamaican youth by offering free training, staging annual recitals, and supporting members with school supplies and personal development. With over four decades of preserving Jamaica’s rich dance heritage, the Tivoli Dance Troupe continues to embody excellence and transformation through the art of dance.

Jamaican Film on the Global Stage

Film will also be a major feature of Jamaica’s presentation. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) FiWi Short Film Competition, launched in 2021, has already produced over 50 films in just five years. At CARIFESTA XV, 11 short films and one feature-length film will be showcased, representing the bold creativity of Jamaica’s emerging filmmakers.

“The JCDC is excited about CARIFESTA XV and appreciates this milestone for the Drama and Theatre Unit which conceptualised and started the FiWi Short Film Competition in 2021,” said Shaun Drysdale of the JCDC. “This year, the fifth year of staging, we grew wings to offer some of our aspiring Jamaican filmmakers an opportunity to have their films showcased at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados and contribute to the evolution of Caribbean identity through visual storytelling. So let’s network now as Caribbean people to tell our story through film.”

Among the featured filmmakers is Joel Miller, who expressed his pride at being selected:“I am honoured to represent Jamaica at CARIFESTA, sharing our stories on a stage that celebrates the best of Caribbean creativity. As a self-taught filmmaker and educator, this recognition affirms my role in helping to shape the emerging cinematic language of Jamaica and the Caribbean. It is a proud moment and an important step towards my ultimate goal, taking our stories to the world stage and one day bringing home that coveted Oscar,” he said.

Theatre, Folk Traditions & Marketplaces

Other highlights include the performance of Patrick Brown’s acclaimed play “Barefoot Battalion”, which tackles slavery and reparations, as well as traditional folk performances by groups such as the Manchioneal Cultural Group.

Barefoot Battalion has become a favourite among audiences. And has captured many top   awards in the Actor Boy Awards*, Jamaica’s version of Broadway’s Tony awards. It won1        Best Lights, Best Set Design, Best Drama, Best Actor and Best Actress.

Jamaica will also have a strong presence in the Grand Market and Trade Hub, where 36 artisans will showcase Jamaican fashion, culinary products, and crafts.

A Celebration of Shared Caribbean Identity

As the region gathers in Barbados for CARIFESTA XV, Jamaica’s delegation promises to enrich the festival with its unmatched cultural offerings while strengthening bonds of unity, resilience, and creativity across the Caribbean.