Following the conclusion of the Notting Hill Carnival weekend in London, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, held a strategic meeting with acclaimed Antiguan and Barbudan artistes Tian Winter, Jaqueil Jacobs (Young Vice), and Blashford Wilkins Jr. (DJ Quest).
The artistes had recently energized members of the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora in Leicester with a dynamic performance at the “Road to Antigua Carnival 2026” show. Building on that success, the meeting with High Commissioner Hill centred on charting pathways to international recognition and sustainable careers for Antiguan and Barbudan creatives.
During the exchange, High Commissioner Hill encouraged the artistes to look beyond the comfort of diaspora audiences and to position themselves for broader international engagement that could lead to major record deals and global accolades. She stressed that while diaspora support is vital, true international breakthrough requires a deliberate strategy of collaboration and genre diversification – like how global icons like Whitney Houston expanded their reach by crossing over into new markets. The conversation also explored the importance of creating platforms in global cities such as London to showcase Antiguan talent and deliver what the High Commissioner described as the unique “Antigua energy” to international audiences.
Attention then turned to the tremendous opportunity presented by Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. With world leaders from 56 member states expected in attendance, High Commissioner Hill highlighted the potential for Antiguan artistes to contribute to a Commonwealth anthem or perform at a closing concert, exposing their craft to an unprecedented global audience. She also revealed ongoing exploratory efforts to engage cultural icons such as Idris Elba to serve as ambassadors, in that way elevating the platform for local creatives even further. Central to this vision is the cultivation of strategic networks with international labels, industry professionals, and cultural advocates, which the High Commissioner underscored as vital to unlocking opportunities that can propel Antiguan and Barbudan artistes onto the world stage.
High Commissioner Hill reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Antiguan and Barbudan artistes in elevating their craft from regional admiration to international acclaim, ensuring that the nation’s music and creative energy continue to shine brightly across the globe.
