Last Updated on May 24, 2026, 6:14 PM AST by Anthony Morris
The government of St Kitts and Nevis has announced an official funeral for the Cultural Icon of the country, Elston ‘King Ellie Matt’ Nero. The official communication from the administration says this will be a fitting national tribute for a man who dedicated his life to his country.
Elston Nero will be laid to rest after the conclusion of a public ceremony on Thursday June 11, 2026. According to the administration of the country, the maestro will get an Official Funeral, which is a formal state-assisted public event.
Such events are typically reserved for individuals of profound national importance or who have made significant contributions to the nation. The public service will give the people of the island the opportunity to pay their final respects to the departed soul.
The musical icon popular across the nation and much of the Caribbean was a beloved figure within the country. He passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 73.
The funeral service will be held at the Newtown Playing Field and the opening tributes will start at 12:00 PM. Afterwards, the main service for the funeral of the national icon is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM.
The departed artist is a revered singer, songwriter, arranger, and bandleader. He is also addressed as a titan of Caribbean music in the official communication from the administration of the country.
Ellie Matt was the founder of the legendary ‘Ellie Matt and the GI’s Brass’, and took the sounds of St Kitts and Nevis to international audiences.
He was popular across the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Japan.
He was the ten time winner of the National Calypso King competition in the national carnival of St Kitts and Nevis. He also won the road march seven times during his career and became one of the most influential calypsonians.
He was a self-taught musician who composed over one hundred songs, In 2016, King Ellie was honoured by the Organization of American States during the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent. He was also part of the International Soca Hall of Fame.
He was the recipient of the St Kitts and Nevis Medal of Honour in 2000 and the Companion of the Star of Merit in 2019 for his musical excellence
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.
