The festival began in 1997 during International Creole Month October to bolster lagging tourist arrivals during the island's Independence celebrations which culminate on November 3.
Under the guidance of then Executive Director Claudine Springer, for the first time in its history, the festival launched live on television across the Caribbean, in the US and via the web portals of the Discover Dominica Authority.
The festival featured a modern aesthetic and a smaller and refocused campaign, designed to attract a broader cross section of the Caribbean market.
Conducted without an Executive Director following the resignation of Springer, the festival returned with a fresh perspective, and an overhaul to the venue, The former ED's distinctive style easily recognizable in the shows.
Breve, T-Micky, Gentleman, Michele Henderson, Asa Bantan and Akon comprised the official lineup of the 19th edition of the World Creole Music Festival, widely lauded as the best hosted to date in Dominica.