Jougo wins prestigious CARIFESTA XV Icon Award

Virgin Islands musician Raul “Jougo” Sprauve has received the CARIFESTA XV Icon Award, one of the highest honours in the region’s cultural festival.

The award was presented on August 24 in Bridgetown, Barbados, recognising his extraordinary contribution to Caribbean arts and culture.

The government said the recognition affirmed Sprauve’s standing as a leading voice of Virgin Islands music and a regional cultural icon.

Sprauve, a proud Virgin Islander, first worked as a teacher before fully turning to music. He became the lead vocalist and driving force behind Virgin Islands-Based Entertainment (VIBE). With 15 Road March titles to his name, including those won with Showtime Band, he has carried the sound of the Virgin Islands to audiences at home and abroad.

At Home Grown Studios, which he leads, Sprauve has collaborated with Grammy-award-winning artists such as Beenie Man, Beres Hammond and Charlie Wilson. He has also nurtured local talent and helped build the territory’s music industry. Beyond his work in music, he has supported young people by serving as a Big Brother in the Social Development Department’s mentorship programme and as a Youth Assessor for the Youth Court.

Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge Smith praised Sprauve’s achievement.

“On behalf of the government and people of the Virgin Islands, I congratulate Mr Raul ‘Jougo’ Sprauve on this historic recognition. His artistry, leadership, and advocacy for youth have left a lasting impact on the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. This award is a proud moment for our territory,” she stated.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley also spoke on the award. “Mr Sprauve’s recognition at CARIFESTA XV highlights the depth of talent in our territory and the power of our culture on the world stage. He serves as an inspiration to future generations of Virgin Islanders,” he added.

CARIFESTA, the Caribbean Festival of Arts, is the region’s premier multidisciplinary arts festival. It celebrates Caribbean creativity and cultural diversity. The Icon Award is given to individuals whose influence and contributions have made a transformational impact on Caribbean culture.