Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica, who will perform on August 2, 2013 at the Ira Oliver Skelton Festiville, are expected in the Territory today, August 1, 2013. Photo: Provided

Kes the Band is already on island ahead of their scheduled performance on Friday August 2, 2013. Photo: Provided

Trinidad soca sensation Iwer George will be performing on Saturday August 3, 2013. Photo: Provided

Public Relations Officer for the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Ms Lynette L. Harrigan is optimistic about yet another rewarding Emancipation festival. Photo: VINO

In fact, Kes the Band arrived on island earlier today ahead of Friday night’s show at the Ira Oliver Skelton Festiville. Other artistes expected today are Queen Ifrika and Jamaican reggae sensation Patrick George Anthony Barrett better known by his stage name ‘Tony Rebel’.

Kes the Band's music incorporates a unique blend of soulful vocals and calypso-inspired melodies over a fusion of rock riffs and island beats, hints of soca and reggae, and can best be described as Caribbean Pop. Queen Ifrika is is a reggae singer who performed with Tony Rebel in the early stages of her career. Her songs include Lioness on the Rise, To Serve and Protect, Below the Waist and Keep it to yuh self.

According to Public Relations officer of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) Ms Lynette L. Harrigan, the committee has put every last detail in place to ensure that it delivers as promise. “This year we have raised the bars a bit higher for the Emancipation festival and, along with the Showtime band and Razor Blades, Toney rebel, Queen Ifrika and Kes the Band have assured a breathtaking show tomorrow night [Friday August 2, 2013],” she told Virgin Islands News Online.

There will also be appearances from local artists Shine-I and Maccabee.

According to Ms Harrigan, the international artistes for Saturday’s stage show- Richie Spice, Etana, Fyah Empress and Iwer George- will be arriving a day in advance. Saturday’s show will be complimented by other international artistes such as Explainer and Farmer Nappy from Trinidad and Tobago while the local gigs would include VI Showtime, Lashing Dogs, and newly crowned Calypso Monarch Sistah Joyce, who will also be making a special appearance.

A surprise international guest artiste is also set to take the stage on Saturday night. 

“So far we are pleased with the support our people have been showing and we look forward to this trend to get even better every day,” Ms Harrigan added.

Meanwhile, the annual food festival is on tomorrow, Friday August 2, 2013 for which there will be an opening ceremony at 10 A.M. “From 5 P.M. will be the happy hour with low, low prices so everyone needs to be out to support this as well tomorrow,” said Ms Harrigan.