Jamaica is known for its rich culture and vibrant music, and there is no shortage of reggae shows to attend on the island. Here is a list of some of the top shows to check out when visiting Jamaica:
Reggae Sumfest
Reggae Sumfest is promoted as the greatest reggae show on earth. Every year Montego Bay is flooded with patrons from Jamaica and the rest of the world excited to see a top reggae and dancehall line-up at the largest music festival in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
The festival offers a unique blend of traditional reggae and contemporary dancehall music, making it a must-see for reggae fans. This weeklong reggae festival that started in 1993 will be 30 this year.
Superstars like Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and many other big names have graced the stage in previous years. Founders Summerfest Productions Limited sold the Reggae Sumfest Festival and trademark to Downsound Records in April 2016. The new owners of the festival made the brave decision to feature only Jamaican acts on the Sumfest stage and this was met with a massive crowd and rave reviews that year. That tradition has continued since.
The festival is kept outdoors, and you’re encouraged to dress comfortably and bring a chair as it will go on till past sun rise.
Rebel Salute
This annual event takes place in St. Ann and features some of the biggest names in reggae music. The show is known for its positive vibes and conscious lyrics, and attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists.
Rebel Salute celebrated 29 years in 2023 and is another hugely popular reggae festival on the local lineup. This festival was started by local act Tony Rebel and is held every January on or around his birthday. He is a Rastafarian and all the performing acts are usually of the roots, rock and conscious reggae vibe.
They prohibit selling and consumption of alcohol and meat, only fish products are allowed. There are also restrictions on profanity and certain types of lyrics.
The two-day event is held in St. Ann, close to Ocho Rios and again will be all-nighters so bring a blanket and a chair. If you’re a fan of true reggae music, you’ll love this festival and the vibe it brings.
Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival
This festival takes place in Montego Bay and features a variety of genres, including reggae. The festival is known for its high-energy performances and world-class musicians. It is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the biggest names in reggae music.
The festival is an annual event and traditionally has been a three-day music festival held the last weekend of January. It encompasses a range of music genres, including jazz, R&B, blues, Latin, reggae, soca, and various musical fusions. In 2010, the festival was extended to seven days and was hosted at different venues starting in Kingston, Jamaica, continuing in various hotels in Montego Bay, and culminating with three days at its new home, the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny.
The festival has attracted numerous international artists, including Dr. John, Celine Dion, Gladys Knight, Maroon 5, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Kenny Rogers, Anita Baker, Hall & Oates, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Maxi Priest, Billy Ocean, and Mariah Carey. Local acts include Tarrus Riley, Christopher Martin, Marcia Griffiths, and Chronixx.
Rastafest
This festival takes place in Negril and is a celebration of Rastafarian culture. The festival features live music, poetry, and dance performances, and is a great way to learn about the Rastafarian lifestyle and beliefs.
In November 2015, RII staged the inaugural Rastafari RootzfestTM in Negril, Jamaica and will be staging the 9th Annual Rastafari RootzfestTM in 2023.
The goal of the festival was to produce a comprehensive, educational, and well-organized Rastafari event that celebrates Rastafari ideology, ‘livity’, and culture tells the story of Rastafari and grassroots to the struggle for the legalization of ganja while celebrating the decriminalization of ganja in Jamaica. That goal has surely been accomplished as the festival gets bigger and more impactful each year.
Dream Weekend
Party central explodes in Negril every August for the Jamaica independence holiday with Dream Weekend. This four to five-day festival draws a younger crowd with a fast-paced high energy set of musical events featuring reggae and dancehall acts that bring the usually quiet town to life.
The festival started over ten years ago has since evolved into an international delight for Jamaicans home and abroad who make the trek home every year to party. It may have started with mainly college-aged students on break making the trip every summer but these kids have grown with the festival and it has exploded into what it is today.
Please ensure you book early for this one as the whole town will be sold out long before summer from the beach shacks to the luxury all-inclusive resorts.
These are just a few of the many reggae shows and festivals that take place in Jamaica. Whether you’re a reggae fan or just looking to experience the vibrant culture of the island, these events are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
