BY the time the first note rang out just before 6:00 pm, clocks had already begun to surrender inside Hope Gardens. Time dissolved softly, swiftly into something magical as the Lost In Time Festival delivered a show of undeniable substance. Hours were not counted but felt; seconds did not tick, they pulsed — grabbing the attention of the sold-out crowd and refusing to let go.

Now expanded to two days, the festival opened Saturday night with an energy that felt electric. Under a canopy of trees and stars, patrons seemed content to get lost in time as friends huddled in groups on blankets, barefoot and bursting with excitement.

Joby Jay and Tessanne Chin set the mood early in the night’s packed agenda, thrilling the audience with vocals that proved a fitting opener. Both singers undoubtedly whet the appetites of eager patrons who responded with screams of approval — giving as much energy as they received from the entertainers.

Grammy-nominated singer Mortimer, whose presence alone signalled that the evening was shifting into higher gear, was poised yet powerful as he stamped his class on the stage with a commanding performance.

Gliding effortlessly through a catalogue of his most notable hits, Mortimer drew the audience into a rich sonic journey. Each song landed with intention, so much so that by the time he brought his set to a close with his mega-hit single Lightning, sparks ignited the atmosphere.

The stage soon welcomed veteran lyricist Tanya Stephens and young powerhouse Lila Iké. Delivering separate sets that struck a delicate balance between seasoned mastery and youthful star power, each woman brought her own distinct texture to the unfolding soundscape.

For Stephens, it was a masterclass in catalogue and command. With effortless ease she ushered the audience into a thunderous singalong, reeling off one classic after the other as patrons happily supplied harmonies of their own. From the unapologetic storyline of It’s A Pity to the infectious grit of Bum Wuk, the unfolding drama in What’s Your Story, After You, and crowd favourite These Streets, her set sent patrons on a stroll down memory lane.

For Lila Iké, the moment felt like both a celebration and confirmation of her rising stature. Fresh from the global spotlight of the Grammy Awards stage, the singer delivered a set marked by rich, expressive vocals and an undeniable command of mood. She moved gracefully through selections such as Scatter and Thy Will before pausing to honour the architects of reggae who came before her. In a heartfelt medley she paid tribute to the late Cocoa Tea and iconic reggae band Third World, drawing appreciative cheers from the audience.

Showing impressive range, Iké then strapped on a guitar and unleashed a stirring solo during her single
Wanted, a moment that further underscored her musical versatility. Soon after, shedding her jacket and slipping into what she playfully dubbed baddie mode, the singer leaned into her softer, romantic side — embracing her inner lover girl on tracks like I Spy, Romantic Call, Second Chance and Fry Plantain.

She closed her set on a note of gratitude and reflection, celebrating her journey in music with uplifting songs such as Good And Great and the obvious crowd favourite Where I’m Coming From. Pausing to acknowledge festival conceptualiser Protoje, Iké praised the vision behind the event, noting that platforms like Lost In Time are essential spaces where both fans and artistes can gather to experience reggae music in its purest form.

The night then surged toward one of the most electrifying climaxes in recent local festival memory as Protoje stepped forward for the curtain-closer. What followed was more than a performance — it was a powerful reminder of reggae’s unmatched ability to unite generations, voices, and energies on a single stage.

The Kingston Be Wise deejay transformed the moment into a celebratory gathering of musical royalty, welcoming a string of surprise guests that sent waves of excitement rippling through the audience. One by one, Alaine, Romain Virgo, Koffee, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley and his brother Stephen Marley made their way centre stage. Each entrance triggered ear-shattering screams that echoed throughout Hope Gardens — a clear signal that patrons were more than satisfied with the unexpected “brawta” performances.

The Marley brothers proved especially commanding, joining forces for a stirring delivery of their collaborative single The Mission. But the energy refused to settle there. Jr Gong pushed the momentum even further, launching into powerful renditions of Blessed, Me Name Jr Gong and the unmistakable anthem Welcome To Jamrock — each track igniting a roar from the audience as thousands of voices rose to meet the moment.

In those final minutes past midnight it became clear that Lost In Time had once again lived up to its name — the festival where clocks surrender to the sweet sounds of reggae.

Chronixx (left) and Protoje share the Lost in Time stage. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Lila Ike (Photo: Naphtali Junior)