Tobago’s Jazz Music and Golf Weekend Returns Strong

By Klysha Best

Three years ago, when the Tobago Jazz Experience was cancelled, a small team of music lovers and event promoters saw not a void, but an opportunity.

Today, the Tobago Jazz, Music and Golf Weekend has become one of the island’s most anticipated cultural events, drawing international headliners, visitors from across the Caribbean and the United States, and a growing legion of local fans.

John Gill, co-organiser and well-known i95.5 FM radio personality, sat down with Caribbean Edit to talk about the journey, the vision, and why this year’s edition, set for May 1–3 at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, promises to be the best yet.

“When the Tobago Jazz Experience was cancelled, we saw it as an opportunity to come
forward and put our hats in the ring” Gill recalls.

The team behind B2S (Black 2 Sugars) launched the first edition in 2024 at Turtle Beach. The turnout was strong, but the ambition was bigger.

“It became clear almost immediately that if we truly wanted to expand the experience, we needed a venue that could support that ambition.”

That search led them to the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort. Gill:

“The feedback from patrons last year was overwhelmingly positive, the venue, the atmosphere, everything just felt right. That’s when we knew we had found our home.”

Unlike traditional one-night jazz shows, Gill and his team designed a multi-day Experience.

“We swing things off with a golf tournament on Friday morning, followed by our ” Back-in-Time” themed party, Come Een, that same night. Saturday is our signature Beachfront Jazz experience, and we close on Sunday with Jazz Under the Stars in collaboration with Fairways Restaurant.”

The idea, Gill says, is simple:

“Give patrons a reason to come to Tobago for the entire weekend, not just one event.”

A Lineup That Blends Global Star Power with Local Brilliance This year’s headliner is Dr. Jazmin Ghent, an award-winning international saxophonist with seven Billboard Top 5 singles, an NAACP Image Award, and a professorship at the University of Ottawa.

“It’s truly an honour to have Jazmin Ghent headlining this year” Gill says. Bringing an
artist of her calibre to Tobago shows our commitment to bring fresh and trending talent
to our patrons.”

But the lineup is not just about international names. Alongside Ghent, the stage will feature newly crowned TT Calypso Monarch Terri Lyons, bassist and steelpan maestro Ron Reid, guitarist Theron Shaw, violinist Caryll Warner, and vocalist Llettesha Sylvester.

“Trinidad and Tobago is blessed with extraordinary talent, and we see it as part of our responsibility to showcase that, both locally and internationally”. Gill says.

He points to last year’s edition, where headliner Bob Baldwin was so impressed with Tobagonian artist Stephanie Joseph that he brought her into his set.

“That tells you everything about the level of talent coming out of our islands.”

For those who have never attended, Gill paints a vivid picture of the Saturday Beachfront Jazz experience.

“Imagine standing by the ocean, drink in hand, feeling the sea breeze, surrounded by good energy and even better vibes. It’s relaxed, it’s premium, and it’s uniquely Tobago”.

There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the Caribbean. The event is drinks inclusive, a concept that initially raised eyebrows but has since become a signature draw.

“We wanted our patrons to just dress and come and have a great time. Once patrons experienced it, the response was clear, we delivered something special.”

Gill is passionate about unearthing new talent. He has previously tipped youngsters like
Roze and Kye De Vere as “about to blow up.”

We’ve already seen artists like Roze and Kye De Vere continue to make waves regionally and internationally after being featured. We intend to keep shining that spotlight on the next generation.

“With patrons already booking from the United States and across the Caribbean, the event is becoming a significant draw for Tobago’s tourism product.”

“Having visitors from the U.S. and across the Caribbean travelling specifically for this event is a huge win for Tobago. It reinforces the island’s position as a destination not just for leisure, but for world-class cultural experiences.”

Looking ahead, Gill’s vision is clear.

“The dream is to see the Tobago Jazz, Music and Golf Weekend become a signature event on Tobago’s tourism calendar, one that attracts visitors from the diaspora, the region, and the wider world.”

For now, the team is focused on delivering another unforgettable weekend. All the details, golf tournament registration, tickets for the Beachfront Jazz event, “Come Een” party, and the Sunday finale Jazz Under the Stars, are available on the official website: www.tobagojazzmusicweekend.com.

Accommodation packages at the Magdalena Grand can also be booked through the
Site. Gill’s final message to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean is simple
and heartfelt:

“Come for the experience. Feel the music, taste the culture, embrace the vibes. Get lost in Tobago.”

The Tobago Jazz, Music and Golf Weekend runs May 1–3, 2025, at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, Lowlands, Tobago.