Island Wave Makes Waves at SXSW 2025

Introduction to Island Wave at SXSW

Island Wave is making waves at SXSW 2025, bringing a stunning array of Afro-Caribbean talent to the festival’s mainstage. In collaboration with Reggae Recipe LIVE!, a live music series curated by Ras Kwame, the event will showcase an exciting and eclectic mix of artists from across the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.

As the first official Caribbean stage at SXSW, Island Wave continues to be a trailblazer, providing a platform for emerging talent from underrepresented genres. Now in its fourth year, Island Wave’s presence at SXSW has been pivotal in supporting Afro-Caribbean artists by offering funding, resources, and opportunities that create a pathway to international recognition.

Partnership with Reggae Recipe LIVE!

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Reggae Recipe LIVE! at SXSW this year,” said Island Wave’s founder. “Island Wave has always been about providing space for authentic voices to flourish, and this collaboration is an important step in our mission to amplify the incredible talent coming from the Caribbean and the African diaspora.”

Reggae Recipe LIVE!, an extension of Ras Kwame’s popular Capital Xtra radio show, is a dynamic showcase celebrating the best in Afro-Caribbean talent. With Ras Kwame at the helm, the stage will feature rising stars from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Nigeria, Ghana, and more. Known for its positive, high-energy performances, the showcase promises to offer a truly global experience, with music that uplifts and inspires.

Launch of SXSW London Stage

Island Wave and Reggae Recipe LIVE! are also announcing the launch of the first-ever SXSW London stage, marking another significant milestone in their shared commitment to showcasing Afro-Caribbean artistry. This expansion will provide an even larger platform for talent to be recognized, connecting audiences and industry leaders from around the world.

Featured Artists

The featured artists at this year’s SXSW stage include:

Haile (Grenada/Guyana)
Big Zeeks (Jamaica/UK)
Island Wave Band X The Waivers (Trinidad & Tobago)
Kalpee (Trinidad)
Like Browne (Guyana)
Mista B (Belize)
Nesta (Jamaica)
Ras Kwame (Ghana/UK)
Shaggy Fowl (Jamaica)
XAV (Tobago)

Celebration of Afro-Caribbean Culture

This partnership between Island Wave and Reggae Recipe LIVE! at SXSW is a celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture, music, and talent. With an incredible roster of artists, industry professionals, and passionate fans coming together, the showcase promises to be one of the most memorable events of the 2025 SXSW Festival.

Conclusion

For Island Wave, this collaboration is more than just a performance—it’s a moment to share the rich, diverse sounds of the islands with the world, and to give Afro-Caribbean creatives the global stage they deserve. With this exciting partnership and future expansion plans, Island Wave continues to pave the way for Afro-Caribbean artists to make their mark on the international music scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Island Wave is a platform that provides a stage for emerging Afro-Caribbean talent to showcase their music and artistry.

A: Reggae Recipe LIVE! is a live music series curated by Ras Kwame that celebrates the best in Afro-Caribbean talent.

A: Attendees can expect a dynamic and eclectic mix of artists from across the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, with a focus on positive, high-energy performances and music that uplifts and inspires.