International performers and local talent are set to share the stage at One Commonwealth Night, a concert planned for 2nd November at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium as part of CHOGM 2026. Running from 8pm to 11pm, the event will celebrate music, culture and young people under the theme “Many Voices. One Commonwealth.”
Plans presented to Cabinet include a proposed line-up featuring Jamaican reggae star Tarrus Riley; Grammy Award-winning Indian vocalist Falguni Shah, known as Falu; Ghanaian musician Rocky Dawuni; the Kanneh-Mason family of classical musicians; and Jamaican-Canadian reggae performer Jah’Mila. Claudette “CP” Peters, Asher Otto and Arlen Seaton are among the Antiguan artists expected to perform.
British actor and musician Idris Elba will be host alongside Senator Jamilla Kirwan. The final programme and participation of some international performers are also still being confirmed.
The Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra is expected to play a central role, with conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser leading the young musicians. An accompanying choir will also feature, giving local talent an opportunity to perform before an international audience.
The production will unfold across three stages, combining orchestral music, cultural performances, spoken contributions and leadership. Planned segments will explore Commonwealth identity, cultural diversity and opportunities for young people, including how technology and entrepreneurship can help them build their futures.
Contributions are proposed from Commonwealth Poet Laureate Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh and Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Shifra Ainomugisha, while steel orchestras and Scotland’s National Piping Centre are also included in the plans. A collective performance of Bob Marley’s One Love is proposed for the finale, bringing together the artists, orchestra, choir and audience.
Cabinet welcomed the concert’s emphasis on local participation and its potential to give Antigua & Barbuda’s musicians and creative industries greater international exposure.