St. Kitts Music Festival to Open with Tribute to Cultural Icon Ellie Matt
St. Kitts Music Festival to Open with Tribute to Cultural Icon Ellie Matt

Last Updated on June 25, 2026, 4:55 PM AST by Anthony Morris

The St Kitts Music Festival will open with a special tribute on the late St. Kitts Maestro, Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero. The organisation has shared that the opening of the 28th St. Kitts Music Festival which is set to take place in the evening of June 25, 2026, includes a Special Musical Salute to the late St. Kitts Maestro Elston “King Ellie Matt” Nero.

The artist has been one of the most popular and beloved artist within the various communities across the island. The artist passed away earlier in the year and was accorded a state funeral on June 11. The people of the island have expressed their grief at the loss of the cultural icon.

The people of the island have also expressed their condolences to the family of Elston Nero over the last few years. The special tribute that the local artists have put together in his honor is also a way for the people of the island to show their love for the artist. He has inspired countless people in the country to pursue music

The St Kitts Music Festival official social media page has shared a formal announcement about the tribute. The social media post said, “A true cultural icon and one of St. Kitts & Nevis’ greatest musical ambassadors, Ellie Matt’s music continues to inspire generations at home and across the world.” The statement was shared by the organizers of the Music Festival on Wednesday.

This heartfelt tribute will feature former members of Nero’s own Ellie Matt & De Gl’s Brass. The band members will also be accompanied by other talented musicians influenced by his remarkable body of work. 

The people of the island will have the opportunity for celebrating the songs, memories and legacy that helped shape our nation’s musical identity. The people are being urged to attend the opening night of the festival and pay tribute to a legend. 

The organisation has shared that Nero’s impact on the Festival, our culture and our people will never be forgotten

 

Reporter at SKN News | anthony@sknnews.com |  + posts

Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.