An outpouring of support has followed news that Sir Clarence “Oungku” Edwards will miss the upcoming Carnival because of health-related concerns.
The cultural icon announced on Wednesday that he has cancelled all scheduled Carnival 2026 performances and public appearances after a recent medical emergency that required hospitalisation and treatment.
In an official statement, Edwards said doctors have advised him to avoid all performance-related activities for at least four to six weeks to protect his health and ensure a safe return to the stage.
The announcement marks Edwards’ withdrawal from this year’s Carnival, impacting a performing career during the annual festival that has spanned more than four decades.
The withdrawal comes just over two weeks after Edwards was taken to hospital following a medical emergency on June 30th. He remains under medical care.
Edwards said the decision “was not easily made” and apologised to fans, promoters and event partners for the disappointment his withdrawal may cause during the Carnival season.
He added that his “focus must remain on recovery” and said he looks forward to returning to the stage “as soon as it is medically possible”.
Fans quickly flooded social media with messages of encouragement, saying his health must come first and urging him to follow his doctors’ advice. Many wished him a full and speedy recovery, while others thanked him for decades of entertaining the nation and the wider Caribbean.
Several supporters said Carnival would not be the same without the soca legend. Some described him as an irreplaceable part of the annual festival, while others said they would rather see him make a full recovery than return to the stage too soon.
Edwards also thanked supporters for their prayers, encouragement and patience, saying he deeply appreciates the overwhelming support shown to him during his recovery.
Sir Clarence Edwards is one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most celebrated musicians. As a founding member of Burning Flames, formed in 1984, he helped reshape soca music across the Caribbean, with the band winning more than 14 Road March titles and influencing generations of performers.
He later formed Red Hot Flames and has remained one of the country’s most influential entertainers.
In November 2025, Edwards and the other members of Burning Flames were knighted during Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence celebrations in recognition of their outstanding contribution to music and culture.
