Now the 1st Official Caribbean Stage at both SXSW and Music Matters Singapore, Island Wave is a platform which not only provides funding to Caribbean artists to be able to showcase internationally, but also creates spaces on stages which would not usually cater for a line-up, of established and talented emerging Caribbean musical artists.

The Stage was booked from Texas to Singapore in 2022, and now annually moving forward, Island Wave endeavour to create opportunities for music of Caribbean heritage to belong and be performed globally at established international events. Island Wave makes way for Caribbean participation at events that would not usually cater for Caribbean music by being able to fill full sections of entire shows.

The platform has 3 pillars of activation:

It provides the opportunity for artists to participate at both commercial festivals, in support of headline acts, and creative industry festivals, which offer artists the opportunity to be seen by industry professionals and network for further opportunities.

Additionally, Community-led Island Wave also has other initiatives such as working with the Global Gift Foundation to bring the infamous Global Gift Gala to the Caribbean which will benefit local charities, but they are also working on school and college tours including a HBCU tour in the USA which touches upon the Heritage and Culture of Caribbean music, the impact of positive music on mental health and Mental Health Awareness especially men’s Mental Health within the Caribbean communities.

As much as it is important to export Caribbean music, Island Wave are also looking at ways to stimulate the local music economy by creating bespoke events targeting a new audience of keen international travellers to come to the Islands and experience its music and culture outside of seasonal events like Carnival.

This year they will host their very first bespoke multi line up Music Festival on the Hilton Beach Barbados with headline acts Protoje and Lila Ike amongst others.

Island Wave has grown so much in the past 18 months, garnering major press and support from international publications.