Marcia Griffiths, Kevin Downswell, Capleton headline Emancifest
19th edition showcases supporting line-up with ‘something for everyone’
The Sligoville Stadium in St Catherine will come alive for two days as Emancifest 2026 celebrations are set to take place on July 31 and August 1.
The two-day celebration will focus on music, culture, and community festivities. This year’s milestone celebration will be headlined by reggae icon Capleton, the “Queen of Reggae” Marcia Griffiths, and gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, delivering performances that span generations and genres.
Kevin Downswell.
Joining them on stage will be Prodigal Son, Yaksta, Sister Pat, Tanya Stephens, Jabez, Warrior King, Jodian Pantry, Saiiva D Black I, Grace Thrillers, and Perry In Christ, rounding out a line-up with something for every music lover.
Beyond the performances, Emancifest 2026 will offer a full slate of activities for the whole family, including a sports extravaganza, health fair, kiddies village, donkey races, adult fun zone, mello go round, craft display, African booth, and food galore.
Attendees can also look forward to a domino competition, gospel night, the Ms. Emancifest 2026 coronation, a celebrity cook-off, and roots reggae night.
Marcia Griffiths.
Speaking on the milestone, Emancifest patron and Member of Parliament Natalie Neita Garvey reflected on the festival’s growth and its place in Jamaica’s cultural calendar.
“Emancifest has stood the test of time because it speaks to who we are as a people — resilient, joyful, and proud of our heritage. Nineteen years in, we continue to see this event grow in scale and significance, drawing families from across Jamaica and the Diaspora to Sligoville to celebrate our freedom together. This anniversary is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, and to a community that has truly made Emancifest its own,” Neita Garvey told the Jamaica Observer.
Sligoville holds a special place in Jamaica’s history as one of the first free villages established after Emancipation, making it a fitting home for a festival that has, for nearly two decades, brought Jamaicans together to celebrate freedom, culture, and community.
