WILLEMSTAD — Registration for Tumba Festival 2026 reflects a strong blend of established names and emerging talent, with a total of 54 artists and bands signing up to compete for the coveted title of Rei or Reina di Tumba, the official carnival song of the year.
As is customary, the list of entries includes many frequent participants with a proven track record in Curaçao’s tumba scene. Among them is Ismael “Ike” Jesurun, one of the most successful composers in the history of the festival. Jesurun has repeatedly placed in the top ten in previous editions and has won multiple awards over the years.
Several other experienced composers and arrangers who have enjoyed success in earlier festivals are also prominently represented again this year, underscoring the continued competitiveness among established tumba figures for the 2026 carnival anthem.
Festival Dedicated to Jesurun
As previously announced, Tumba Festival 2026 is dedicated to Jesurun in recognition of his long-standing and significant contribution to Curaçao’s tumba music. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of recent decades and has been behind numerous award-winning songs.
His name appears multiple times on this year’s registration list, both as a composer and arranger of several entries.
At the same time, the field of 22 bands and solo performers showcases a wide range of styles and new voices, with original song titles such as Huntu riba pia, E vlam di alegria and Wayé … piropiadó! highlighting efforts by artists to distinguish themselves musically and creatively.
While not all participants are familiar from past editions, the overall lineup is considered strong and diverse, ranging from well-known tumba veterans to younger talent presenting fresh compositions and performance ideas.
The large number of entries once again underlines the enduring popularity and cultural relevance of the Tumba Festival within Curaçao’s carnival season.
Tumba Festival 2026 begins on January 26 and will be held at the Curaçao Festival Center, where preliminary rounds and finals will determine which song becomes the official anthem of Carnival 2026.