Vibes, flavour and dancehall light up Reggae Sumfest Festival Night 1
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Vibes, flavour and dancehall energy lit up Reggae Sumfest Festival Night One as patrons filled the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Friday to witness some of Jamaica’s top dancehall acts deliver a thrilling night of music and culture.
From the commanding presence of Vybz Kartel to powerful sets from Masicka, Govana, D’Yani, and more, the night moved seamlessly between high-octane performances and chilled-out moments under the stars.
While thousands gathered to sing along or to simply soak it all in, the experience extended beyond the stage. Inside the “Chill Yard”, festival goers found a breezy hideaway to relax, reset and reconnect, while sampling Red Stripe’s latest mango-flavoured beer, one of the many small pleasures that added to the evening’s laid-back charm.
With good vibes flowing and the crowd buzzing, festival night one delivered a dynamic mix of sound, flavour and familiarity, reminding many of the shared love for local music, mangoes and moments that feel like home.
Dancehall prodigy and lyricist, Romeo ‘Govana’ Nelson, gives the crowd a highly energetic and unforgettable performance at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica during Reggae Sumfest 2025: Festival Night 1. To the end of his performance, the talented artiste called on his mother, Sonia Eccleston, to surprise with a brand new SUV tugging on the emotions of the crowd.
Like many patrons at Reggae Sumfest 2025: Festival Night 1, project manager, Candice Nichols stands amongst the crowd awaiting the highly anticipated performance from ‘Worl’ Boss’ and recently crowned King of Dancehall, Vybz Kartel.
Wanting to chill and get away from the hustle and bustle of the growing crowds at Reggae Sumfest 2025: Festival Night 1, these patrons take the time to relax at the Red Stripe Flavours Chill Yard Lounge, while Vybz Kartel delivers an energetic and incredible performance.
Brand Manager of Red Stripe, Nathan Nelms, and Minister of Culture, Entertainment, Gender and Sport, The Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, meet up backstage for a chat during Reggae Sumfest 2025: Festival Night 1.
After performing hit after hit, Adidja Palmer, better known as ‘Vybz Kartel’, officially receives his crown at Reggae Sumfest 2025, Festival Night 1, and is now officially titled ‘The King of Dancehall’.
