11/01/2026
Leroy “Wadix” Charles Recognized as Leading Cultural Advocate and Creole Ambassador
Leroy “Wadix” Charles, also known as Prince Wadix Charles, continues to stand as one of Dominica’s most influential cultural advocates and champions of Creole identity. A Dominican national, Wadix has dedicated more than four decades to the preservation, promotion, and global recognition of Creole music, language, and culture.
His cultural journey began at a young age with involvement in the Young Cultural Dramatists, later expanding through his role as co-founder of the WadiCole Sound System, where he played a key role in promoting Cadence music and other Creole musical expressions.
Wadix is widely known for his extensive media contributions, particularly as the longtime host of the radio programme “Hit Parade Creole” on DBS Radio. Through this platform, he educated audiences and amplified Creole music locally and internationally. Over the years, he has also amassed and preserved thousands of recordings of Cadence and Creole music, safeguarding these cultural assets for future generations.
He currently heads Creole Heartbeat, a cultural organization committed to advancing Creole language, music, and identity in Dominica and across the wider Francophone and Creole-speaking world.
A founding member of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), Wadix has served on the festival’s band selection committee and remains a vocal advocate for national cultural events, including Carnival, DOMFESTA, and various community heritage celebrations.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Wadix was appointed Cultural Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Dominica, where he continues to advise on cultural policy, Creole language development, and major national cultural initiatives. His accolades include the Golden Drum Award and the Meritorious Service Award.
Internationally, Wadix has been nominated for the 2026 Kompa Recognition Award, honoring his role in strengthening cultural ties between Dominica and Haiti through shared Creole musical heritage.
Through media, archival work, festival development, and cultural diplomacy, Leroy “Wadix” Charles remains a powerful voice for Creole unity and Caribbean cultural preservation.