6 Months After Carnival, Artists and Creators Still Awaiting Payment
As we approach the end of the year, the vibrant sounds and colors of Antigua Carnival 2025 are fading memories, but for many artists, mask makers, and creators, the bitter taste of disappointment and frustration lingers. Despite their tireless efforts and dedication to showcasing the beauty of Antigua and Barbuda’s culture, they are still awaiting payment for their work.
July 23 to August 3, 2025, marked another successful Carnival season, with breathtaking performances, stunning costumes, and infectious energy. However, behind the scenes, a different story unfolded. The very individuals who brought the magic to life are still waiting for their due compensation.
The Antigua and Barbuda Carnival and Festival Commission, responsible for organizing and promoting the event, has failed to prioritize the welfare of these creatives. Mask makers, who pour their heart and soul into crafting intricate designs, bartenders who worked tirelessly to keep the party going, and other participants who contributed to the success of the event are still waiting for their payment.
This is not an isolated incident. For years, artists and creators have spoken out about the lack of respect and support they receive from the Carnival Commission. The continuous delay in payment is a stark reminder that their hard work and dedication are not valued.
The impact of this neglect is far-reaching. Artists, who rely on these events to make a living, are struggling to make ends meet. Their creativity and passion are being stifled by financial uncertainty. The very fabric of our cultural heritage is at risk of unraveling due to the Commission’s inaction.
It is unacceptable that the Carnival Commission, an organization that prides itself on promoting and preserving our culture, has failed to prioritize the welfare of its artists and creators. The people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve better. The artists and creators deserve better.
We demand that the Antigua and Barbuda Carnival and Festival Commission takes immediate action to address this issue. Payments must be made promptly, and a transparent system must be put in place to ensure that artists and creators are treated fairly and with respect.
To the government and the Carnival Commission, we ask: When will you start valuing the people who bring value to our culture? When will you recognize the importance of compensating our artists and creators fairly?
The time for change is now. Let us work together to create a Carnival that truly celebrates and respects the talents of our people.
Let us make our voices heard and demand a better future for our artists and creators!
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From August to December is six months? Seen.
For a while there payment seems to be off the table with all these over seas promotional performance travel. Carifesta, NY, UK, Miami, Canada and even Asia now that was a huge expensive run, showcasing your talent to the world. See you next year same time, same place, same complaint.
The headliners for the One Nation Fete have already been paid a percentage of their fees, inclusive of travel, accommodations and performances, otherwise, they would not be on the ticket as headliners.
It’s disrespectful and downright applauding to the homegrown artists and performers. I built costumes and played mas in the late 1980’s – early 1990’s. It’s customary to pay certain segments of the Carnival Artists first, others last and some not at all. This would occur overs several months and into the following year.
This type of behaviour by a promoter which the present Festival Committee is, under Daryll Matthew are not and will not be tolerated by any artist who has a management team.
Antigua local/homegrown artists MUST put petty prejudices aside, and at least form a Union or umbrella organization which will represent their interests for every thing related, to entertainment
Outside of this, if you keep at it alone, the Festivals Commission will keep stepping, stomping on you like they at a Barnyard #Ho_Down, doing The Boots On The Ground.
Again, it’s more than likely, the headliners for the One Nation Mammon Fete have already received a percentage of their performance fees. Accommodations and travel already booked, confirmed and paid for.
Jumbee Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard
Vere Edwards
This is the exact reason why some no longer participate in carnival. From J’ouvert bands, to Mas bands. They never received payment for years on end. That is not the reputation Antigua wants to have.
Those in positions of power do not respect or appreciate a good majority of the local artists to continuously treat them this way. I am sure the top local artists have been paid.
You must receive a down-payment to finalize a contract, and the balance of your fee before your performance. Same as you do when preforming overseas. Otherwise, walk away, don’t perform, and make sure you share a written message or video message on social media of why you did not perform. That down-payment is also non-refundable unless the artist breaks the agreement ( rehearsals, showing up on time etc.)
Get a good manager/agent who will advocate for you with contracts and paying you what you’re worth. Yes, you have to give them a small percentage (10-20%), however, it is worth it. That’s what the headliners do, and if they don’t get paid, they don’t perform.
All performers should join a group to organize, and bring about changed behavior from the Festival Committee, and Government. There is a monthly due, similar to a union, because a lot of work will be required. But, they have to stick together, and most importantly trust and support each other. Vote on who the President will be. Only then will they see the power they hold. I pray this happens sooner than later.
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