BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Jamaican reggae and dancehall superstars, including 450, Popcaan, Dexta Daps and Sister Nancy, will take the stage along with Bajan and international acts next week for Barbados Reggae Weekend.

The Jamaica Observer will be providing coverage at the event, which will feature more than 20 local, regional and international acts, all set to perform at the country’s legendary Kensington Oval from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26.

The lineup, organisers say, is reinforcing the event’s growing presence on the island’s entertainment calendar.

Reggae icons Barrington Levy, Norris Man, Sister Nancy, Super Cat, JC Lodge and local act Biggie Irie will open the weekend on Friday, April 24 at the Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show & Dance Powered by Q100.7 FM.

On Saturday, April 25, the focus shifts to dancehall for the Guinness Showdown Powered by 98.1 The One with hit makers Capleton, General Degree, Popcaan, and 450 alongside Bajans Doejay, Weather 40, Brutal Crankstar and Idea the Artist.

The 2026 Barbados Reggae Weekend climaxes on Sunday, April 26 with The Hennessy Reggae in the Gardens Powered by Hott 95.3 FM with Dexta Daps, D’Yani, Fantasia, Kranium, Admiral Tibet and local favourites Spice and Company, DJ Puffy, and Rite Side of Red featuring Buggy Nhakente and Rhesa Garnes.

Barbados Reggae Weekend Sponsorship Manager, Michelle Straughn, explained that in just three years the event has become a key feature on Barbados’ entertainment calendar.

“From our first staging in 2024, the goal was to produce a high-quality, three day event that goes beyond just performances. We wanted to deliver a top-tier experience unlike anything being offered and, based on the feedback from our patrons, we have done just that,” she said.

Continued Straughn, “Each year we have expanded the line-up and the offering. Last year we introduced Ghanaian-American artiste Moliy to add something different to the traditional reggae line-up and for 2026 we stepped it up another notch with international superstar Fantasia.”

Noting that the response has all been positive and interest has been strong she said, “We have scores of locals who are anxiously looking forward to the 2026 Barbados Reggae Weekend, as well many visitors travelling to Barbados from as far as Europe and Africa for the shows.”

Tier 2 tickets for the Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance on Friday, April 24 will cost $120 Barbados Dollars (BDS).

General tier 2 tickets for the Guinness Showdown on Saturday, April 25 will cost BDS$150, while Live The Luxe food-inclusive experience tier 2 tickets will cost BDS$450.

The final event, the Hennessy Reggae in the Gardens on Sunday, April 26, will cost BDS$150 for general tier 2 tickets and BDS$550 for Live The Luxe food-inclusive experience tier two tickets.

Season passes are also available, with tier two general season passes costing BDS$400 and tier two luxe season passes priced at BDS$1000.

Tickets are available online at Ticketlinkz.com.