Soul Beach Music Festival is Coming Back to St. Maarten
By St. Martin Sotheby’s International Realty · April 7, 2025 · Updated November 10, 2026
island-updates
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, expressed her enthusiasm about the festival's return: "We are most excited to welcome the Soul Beach Music Festival back to St. Maarten. Those who remember its beginning here as the Sinbad Soul Music Festival will recall the buzz and impact it had in attracting especially African-American tourists to our island. I am therefore very pleased that it is returning to its roots more than a generation later."
Mark Adkins, CEO of Soul Beach Festival Productions Inc., shared his sentiments on this milestone: "Now, if you add the divine intervention of returning to our roots, St. Maarten, where it all began, then you know something special is in the soup."
The 2025 lineup boasts an impressive array of talent, including Charlie Wilson, Muni Long, and Cedric the Entertainer. Charlie Wilson, renowned for his tenure with The GAP Band and a successful solo career, has garnered 13 number-one singles and multiple GRAMMY® nominations. Muni Long, a GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, captivated audiences with her hit "Hrs & Hrs," which earned Best R&B Performance at the 65th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Cedric the Entertainer, a celebrated comedian and actor, will bring his unique humor to the festival stage.
Beyond the musical performances, the festival aims to showcase St. Maarten's rich cultural offerings. Planned activities include fine dining experiences, wellness offerings, celebrity golf outings, and cultural tours, providing attendees with a comprehensive taste of the island's unique heritage.
The festival's return is anticipated to have a substantial economic impact on the island St. Maarten, including the French side of the island. In previous years, the event attracted over 7,000 visitors who stayed an average of seven nights, significantly boosting the local economy. The 2025 edition is expected to draw more than 4,000 stay-over visitors, providing an immediate return on investment and enhancing the island's tourism profile.
Attendees have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from luxurious hotels to private condos and villa rentals. Primary host hotels include Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Oceans at Divi Little Bay, JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort Casino & Spa, and Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. Co-host hotels such as Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa and The Morgan Resort & Spa also offer convenient lodging.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, private condos and villa rentals present an excellent alternative. St. Maarten Sotheby's International Realty, for instance, offers a wide selection of condos and villas that provide the comforts of home with the luxury of vacation living. These accommodations often feature amenities such as private pools, fully equipped kitchens, and stunning ocean views, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the island's beauty while enjoying privacy and flexibility.
Choosing a private condo or villa can enhance the festival experience by offering a serene retreat after a day of music and festivities. Additionally, these accommodations can be cost-effective for groups, providing shared spaces without compromising on comfort or convenience.
As the Soul Beach Music Festival returns to its roots in St. Maarten, attendees can look forward to an unforgettable blend of world-class entertainment, cultural immersion, and the warm hospitality that the island is renowned for.
Since 1999, St. Martin Sotheby's International Realty has been a leading provider of vacation rentals and real estate services in St. Maarten and St. Martin. Be sure to contact our team of experts today to begin planning your next Caribbean vacation.