BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Federation is in mourning following the fatal shooting of Jermaine “Chubby” Clarke, the lead singer of the popular Kollision Band International, in the village of Key’s early Sunday morning. Clarke was sitting in his vehicle shortly after performing at the Domino Fest when he was targeted by unknown assailants and shot multiple times, later succumbing to his injuries.
The sudden loss of the 2024 Sugar Mas Road March champion has sent shockwaves through the local entertainment industry. Known for his high-energy stage presence, Clarke was a cornerstone of the musical community, most recently delivering a standout performance during the opening night of the 2025 St. Kitts Music Festival.
In a recent interview with ZIZ following that performance, Clarke had reflected on his passion for representing Kittitian culture on the global stage. He noted that the band’s success was a result of years of dedication across the Caribbean.
“Well, it’s nothing new to us. We’ve been doing it for quite a while, you know,” Clarke had said during the interview. “From since the years that we’ve been to St. Thomas Carnival, St. Maarten Carnival, we’ve been to Statia… it’s a whole heap of lineups going off for us for the rest of the year.”
Clarke had been looking forward to a busy international schedule, including upcoming appearances at Nevis’s Culturama and Miami Carnival, leading back into the local Sugar Mas season. He consistently expressed deep gratitude for the connection between the band and its supporters.
“It’s always a good feeling to see the fans enjoying the music,” Clarke had remarked.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has not yet released an official statement regarding a motive, but officials confirmed that investigations have commenced. This incident marks the second homicide in the Federation for the year.
As news of the tragedy spread, fans and fellow musicians took to social media to pay tribute to Chubby, remembering him not only for his talent but for his commitment to showcasing the Federation’s musical excellence to the world.