Barbados is considered by many to be the music capital of the Caribbean. Each year, the island plays host to regional and international artistes, whose presence has influenced the musical landscape of Barbados and contributed to the development of local artistes.

Although Caribbean music (calypso, soca, ringbang, dub, steel pan, and, to a lesser extent, reggae) dominate the local scene, several other musical forms are embraced by Barbadians. This is borne out by the wide range of musical festivals that Barbados hosts each year, including an international Jazz festival, an opera season and a gospel festival.

International artistes who have visited our shores include