St JAMES, Jamaica — Reggae Sumfest’s Blitz All-Black party returned with a bang on Wednesday night, ushering in what is expected to be a high-energy festival weekend.

Known for fusing fashion, music, and electrifying performances, once again it lived up to its billing, delivering style, sweet sounds, and spicy sets all in one explosive night.

Held at Catherine Hall Stadium, home of Sumfest’s signature pre-events , the venue was transformed into a chic playground, with gold-accented tables scattered across the lush lawn. Patrons turned out in full black-tie splendour, creating an atmosphere of upscale cool ahead of the weekend’s high-octane events.

“Blitz is our statement night — it’s where fashion meets music and our patrons come out to show off their creativity and love for the culture,” said Karla Jankee, Reggae Sumfest’s executive of marketing, events, and hospitality. “It sets the tone for the weekend and really embodies what Sumfest is about: style, energy, and unforgettable moments.”

And unforgettable it was. In true Reggae Sumfest fashion, rising stars Stalk Ashley and Valiant lit up the stage with short but sizzling sets that capped off a night of non-stop energy.

Stalk Ashley, draped in a dark denim outfit, delivered a fierce performance that showcased her genre-blending vocals and free-spirited stage presence. She opened with fan-favourite Young, before diving headfirst into her hit Dutty Casamigos, where she turned up the heat — quite literally — pouring shots and engaging with her female fans who swarmed the stage to toast to freedom and fun.

Shifting gears into her self-styled “bad gyal segment,” Ashley turned in commanding renditions of As a Bad Gyal, Bun Fi Bun, and covers of Spice’s Jim Screechie and Dexta Daps’ Nah Leave You (Forever). Of course, no “bad gyal” moment would be complete without her viral hit Talibhan, her collab with dancehall standout Skeng, which had the crowd in a frenzy.

The momentum continued as she introduced Valiant for their joint track Narcissistic, before stepping aside for him to deliver a solo set that ignited the stadium. The Diplomat hitmaker thrilled the audience with BaddieDeh, Lumbah, North Carolina, Bubble Gum, and Passenger Princess, each track greeted by roaring approval from the crowd.

After her set, Stalk Ashley expressed gratitude for the platform and hinted at her aspirations.

“I had fun, a great time. Honestly, I enjoyed it. Shots, the ladies came out, dem sing fi me and scream and gave their support, and that’s what it’s really all about,” she shared. “Eventually, I want to get to the main stage, but I just performed on Blitz, and it was a great vibe. We’re not rushing anything. Nothing happens before its time, and we’re waiting on the right time for everything.”

Earlier in the night, selectors Chris Dymond from Code Red, along with Brush1 and DJ Ashile, laid down a masterful blend of 90s dancehall, early 2000s bangers, and today’s hottest tracks. The crowd danced freely, breaking out into impromptu TikTok choreography and old-school moves alike, fully immersed in the rhythm of the night.

Blitz once again proved that Reggae Sumfest isn’t just a music festival — it’s an immersive cultural experience where the beats are bold, the fashion is fearless, and the vibes never miss.