Antigua Emancipation Watchnight Marks 192nd Anniversary with Music

Antigua and Barbuda will hold its annual Emancipation Watchnight on Friday, July 31, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Botanical Gardens. The free public event commemorates the 192nd anniversary of emancipation and serves as a prelude to Emancipation Day on August 1.

The programme features a variety of local performers, including the Nyabinghi Drummers, Wadadli Vybez Band, Antigua Dance Academy, Da Vibz Steel Band, Point Iron Band, calypso singers, spoken‑word artists and Anansi storytellers. Internationally recognised performing artivist Kim Poole will present her Soul‑Fusion music, blending soul, African diaspora rhythms and Carnival sounds. A message will be delivered by Professor Hilary Beckles, Vice‑Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, reflecting on the history and future of reparations in the Caribbean.