Eustace C. Freeman, aka 'Boss', has been awarded the CARIFESTA Music Icon Award, which he views as a symbol of longevity, love, passion, and dedication to his art. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Eustace C. Freeman captivated audiences in Barbados with an outstanding performance at CARIFESTA XV. On October 16, 2025, the award was officially presented to him in the Virgin Islands by the Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, the Honourable Luce Hodge Smith, in the presence of a small delegation from CARIFESTA XV. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

In an interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Freeman expressed his gratitude for receiving the award. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Freeman, a longtime lead singer of the popular Showtime Band, captivated audiences in Barbados with an outstanding performance at CARIFESTA XV in late August.

On October 16, 2025, the award was officially presented to Mr Freeman by the Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Honourable Luce D. Hodge Smith (R4), in the presence of a few members of the Virgin Islands delegation that attended CARIFESTA XV.

'Surprised & Grateful'

In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Mr Freeman expressed his gratitude for receiving the award. 

"My immediate reaction was grateful. I definitely was grateful and surprised when I learned about that award. It is always a good feeling to be recognised for the work you do over time. So, I was very, very, very grateful and appreciative of the Government of the Virgin Islands, in conjunction with CARIFESTA, to be able to recognise me in that manner."

Mr Freeman further said the award means a lot to him, his support team, and his family, "because I think it represents longevity, love, passion, dedication to the art form, and I am really humble and appreciative of this award."

VI's participation @CARIFESTA XV was 'excellent'

When asked about the Virgin Islands’ participation in CARIFESTA XV, Mr Freeman said: "The participation at the CARIFESTA was an excellent representation of our culture here in the BVI...It was a great delegation that went forward with it, not only entertainers, but artists, dancers, and people from all areas of the art form."

He emphasised the importance of showcasing the Virgin Islands’ culture to the rest of the world, stating, "I think it's very important for us to be able to showcase our culture to the rest of the Caribbean and the rest of the world, which in itself was a very, very exciting experience."

Freeman concluded by expressing pride in his role as a cultural ambassador, saying it is always a joy to be in an ambassadorial role.

"It's something that I take great pride and pleasure in being a part of, and I look forward to things like that in the near future, many more things like that in the near future."

2nd CARIFESTA XV Icon Award for VI artists

Mr Sprauve, an acclaimed musician, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, was awarded the prestigious CARIFESTA XV Icon Award on Sunday, August 24, 2025, in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The Icon Award, one of CARIFESTA's highest honours, recognises individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to Caribbean arts and culture.