Richard Payne is a Saint Lucian pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader, known for his innovative approach to music. He is the co-founder of Bluemango and Wespé Pou Ayiti, among other acclaimed musical projects.

Over the years, Richard has collaborated with musicians from around the world, gracing festival stages in the United States, Europe, South America, and across the Caribbean. His bands have had the honour of opening for renowned artists, such as John Legend, Richard Bona, Hugh Masekela, Monty Alexander, Kenny Garrett, Mario Canonge, Sakesho, Sheila E, and others.

Richard’s original Caribbean Jazz compositions have been featured on prominent platforms, including RFO TV (French Antilles), BET Jazz, and Martinique Premiere TV. His work has received glowing reviews from respected international publications, such as Jazz Magazine (France), Afropop Worldwide, Caribbean Beat Magazine, France-Antilles Newspaper, and ISLANDWHERE Magazine.

A testament to his contributions to music, Richard is a recipient of Saint Lucia’s National M&C Fine Arts Gold and Silver Awards for excellence in the field of music.

INTROSPECTION, Richard’s latest Creole jazz album containing ten solo compositions and arrangements, was recorded in Paris in November 2024 and first released in Saint Lucia in March 2025.