Best Of The Best returned to downtown Miami on May 25, one day before Memorial Day, one of the biggest public holidays in the United States.

The show drew an estimated 20,000 fans to Bayfront Park, its long-time home.

The event had its usual mix of contemporary and classic dancehall artistes, from Romain Virgo and Chronic Law to perennial favourites Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Nadine Sutherland, and Wayne Wonder.

Marcia Griffiths represented the rocksteady/roots-reggae eras of the 1960s and 1970s, while Skinny Fabulous of St Vincent brought the soca vibe.

Ronnie Tomlinson, Best Of The Best’s publicist, told the Jamaica Observer that the annual show attracted a full house despite the Vybz Kartel concert in the nearby city of Sunrise one week earlier.

“The strong turnout indicates that the festival’s appeal remained robust, undeterred by other events in the vicinity. There are definitely some areas for improvement now that we have grown beyond our estimated numbers, and we definitely take note and will make adjustments for 2026,” she said.

Buju Banton brought on Wayne Wonder and Nadine Sutherland on-stage during his performance which closed the show. Their renditions of Bonafide Love and Wicked Dickie, respectively, were well-received.

Jemere Morgan also did a solid set, with his father Gramps Morgan and Kabaka Pyramid making appearances during his appearance.

First held in 2007, Best Of The Best has become the premier dancehall event in South Florida, home to one of the largest West Indian communities in the United States.

— Howard Campbell