Muna Issa, managing director, SuperClubs

SuperClubs’ Breezes Resorts has welcomed the return of the Caribbean Muzik Festival to The Bahamas, citing the event as “a tremendous asset to the destination, one that celebrates the rich musical culture of the region.” The Caribbean Muzik Festival is scheduled to take place October 29-31 in Nassau.

Managing Director of SuperClubs, Muna Issa said the festival “will certainly be helpful in stimulating travel to the destination. It will also provide a wholesome entertainment option for guests who are already here.”

The Ministry of Tourism has signed an agreement with the event’s organisers for the festival to be staged in Nassau for five years.

There will be an official aspect to the festival in the celebration of the 30th. anniversary of the signing of the Nassau Accord by heads of government of Commonwealth countries at a meeting in The Bahamas in 1985, which closed ranks against the then apartheid regime in South Africa and ultimately resulted in the end of that regime and the end of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment.

In recognition of this the Soweto Gospel Choir has been invited to perform and Hugh Masekela will be awarded the festival's Living Legend Award.

The Living Legend Award is a traditional highlight of the festival. Former recipients have been Bahamians Freddie Munnings and Tony ‘Exuma’ McKay, Montserrat’s Alphonsus ‘Arrow’ Cassell, Jamaica’s Cecil ‘Sony’ Bradshaw and Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco, who a year ago also received Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian award.

This year’s Living Legend awardees will be Ronnie Butler (Bahamas), Jimmy Cliff (Jamaica), Omara Portuondo (Cuba), Emile Straker (Barbados) and McArther Sandy-Lewis “Calypso Rose” (Trinidad & Tobago).